Head-to-head reliability
Bentley Continental vs Toyota Camry
How the Bentley Continental and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Bentley Continental vs Toyota Camry: The Bentley averaged 1.9 complaints per year with 5 recalls, while the Camry averaged 205.6 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry also had 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, compared to 1 crash and 0 injuries for the Bentley. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Bentley Continental or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Bentley Continental
The Bentley Continental is a low-volume luxury car, averaging just 1.9 complaints per year over the past decade. Owners report unusual issues like front seats that slide backward and trap rear passengers, and steering that can suddenly lock up. With only 5 recalls and 1 crash-related complaint, the data suggests fewer but potentially serious problems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a high-volume family sedan with an average of 205.6 complaints per year, reflecting its popularity. Common owner reports include transmission shuddering, engine hesitation, and brake noises. There are 31 recalls and 171 crash-related complaints, with 158 injuries and 1 death reported.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Bentley Continental | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 19 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 5 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 1.9 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Bentley Continental
- 01SEATS8
- 02WHEELS5
- 03STEERING4
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
- 05VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
Owners report that front seats, when moved for back-seat access, do not return to their original position and instead slide fully backward, trapping rear passengers. This can be dangerous if someone is stuck and needs to exit quickly.
The factory-provided tools cannot be used on the wheel nuts because they are the wrong size, making it impossible to change a flat tire on the road. This leaves drivers stranded in unsafe situations.
Some owners experienced sudden steering lock-up while driving, with warning lights coming on and the inability to steer. This is a severe safety concern that could lead to a crash.
“The front seats in this vehicle, when moved to allow back seat access, do not return to the original position. They move totally backward, trapping the person sitting in the back. My friend had to remove her shoes and actually pull her legs out using her hand…”
“The front seats in this vehicle, when moved to allow back seat access, do not return to the original position. They move totally backward, trapping the person sitting in the back. My friend had to remove her shoes and actually pull her legs out using her hand…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues such as the ignition key getting stuck in Park, requiring battery disconnection to remove, and transmission shuddering or hesitation during acceleration. These problems can leave drivers unable to start or drive the car reliably.
Complaints include delayed throttle response, where pressing the accelerator results in a several-second delay before the car moves, and engine hesitation with the check engine light on. This can make merging or crossing traffic risky.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer, and some owners hear a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is normal but owners find concerning.
Multiple systems, including stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping, can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests potential electrical or software issues that could affect overall vehicle safety.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Bentley Continental — 5 recalls
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Continental Supersports vehicles. The Power Assisted Steering (PAS) cooler pipe may be the incorrect size, allowing the cooler hose to detach and leak power steering fluid.
The risk: A power steering fluid leak may cause a loss of vehicle control, or a hazard to following traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Bentley will notify the owners, and dealers will replace the PAS cooler pipe, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE19/27.
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles f…
The risk: The incorrect information may change how occupants position themselves in relation to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Bentley will mail new labels to owners. Owners may apply the label themselves or have a dealer apply the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Continental GT/GT Convertible vehicles. During some automated front seat movements, the front seat may trap a rear passenger's legs.
The risk: The rear passenger may become trapped by the front seat, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the software for the front seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/26 (RC…
The defect: Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Continental GT Convertible, Continental GT, and 2021-2022 Flying Spur vehicles. The front seat belt assemblies may have been incorrectly installed, resulting in the front passenger seat missing the automatic locking retractor (ALR). As s…
The risk: A missing ALR on a passenger seat belt may not properly secure a child restraint, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the affected seat belt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Bentley Continental or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Bentley Continental has far fewer complaints per year (1.9 vs. 205.6) and fewer recalls (5 vs. 31), but its issues can be severe, like steering lock-up. The Toyota Camry's higher volume means more reported problems, but many are less critical, such as brake noise. In practice, the Bentley may have fewer but more alarming failures, while the Camry has more frequent but often less dangerous issues.
Key differences
- The Bentley Continental has 19 complaints over 10 years, while the Toyota Camry has 2056, but the Camry's higher sales volume explains much of the difference.
- Bentley owners report seat trapping and steering lock-up, which are immediate safety risks, whereas Camry owners report transmission shuddering and brake noise, which are more nuisance-related.
- The Camry has 171 crash-related complaints and 158 injuries, compared to 1 crash-related complaint and 0 injuries for the Bentley, though these numbers are not adjusted for sales volume.
- Recalls are more frequent for the Camry (31 vs. 5), covering areas like air bag sensors and seats, while Bentley recalls include steering hose and seat power adjust.
- Check that the front seats return to their original position after being moved for rear access; test repeatedly to ensure they don't slide backward and trap passengers.
- Inspect the factory tool kit to confirm it fits the wheel nuts; try removing a lug nut to ensure you can change a tire in an emergency.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park; ensure it doesn't stick and require battery disconnection.
- Listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area and check if the electronic parking brake disengages properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the specific components mentioned in complaints, such as seats, steering, and brakes.
- For the Bentley, test the seat movement and steering at low speeds; for the Camry, test transmission shifting and brake operation.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for recalls and any repairs related to the reported issues.
- Take a test drive that includes highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions where problems occur.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Bentley Continental | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 163 |
| 2024 | 0 | 50 |
| 2023 | 1 | 64 |
| 2022 | 0 | 61 |
| 2021 | 12 | 157 |
| 2020 | 0 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 5 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Bentley Continental or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Bentley Continental vs Toyota Camry
- Bentley Continental total complaints
- 19
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- Bentley Continental total recalls
- 5
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Bentley Continental avg complaints/year
- 1.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- Bentley Continental
- Bentley Continental top complaint area
- SEATS
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN