Bentley Continental Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Bentley Continental options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Bentley Continental has 19 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls across model years 2017–2026. The most reported issue area is SEATS. 2021 drew the most complaints; 2018 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Bentley
- Model
- Continental
- Model years analyzed
- 2017–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Fire-related complaints
- 0
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2021 (12 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2018 (5 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- SEATS
- Reliability signal
- Good
By model year
Bentley Continental: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
NCAP crash test ratings for this model are not yet loaded or this vehicle was not tested in the years analyzed. NHTSA tests a subset of new vehicles each year. Check nhtsa.gov/ratings directly for the latest results.
What the complaint data suggests
GoodThe BENTLEY CONTINENTAL has 19 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 19 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 6 federal recall campaigns
- 1 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Jul 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
6 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 19 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
19 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
See attached document for complaint
from the the dealer sold me it
On December 2, 2025 I was driving on interstate 26, and warning lights came on, at the same time steering locked up and was I unable to steer. I did manage to slowly leave right lane, about 200 yards, and enter shoulder. I turned off and restarted many times and finally the steering unlocked. In Sept. car was brought to dealer. They could not find anything wrong. Since the incident, other warning lights keep coming on but steering not affected.
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 hands and arms. Had there been an accident or a fire, this person would be killed before she could escape. I know it has been recalled and I took it to the dealer for the service. Dimmit automotive Service Department had the car for 24 hours and the seat is not fixed. This is a dangerous recall. How can I get Dimmit Automotive in Pinellas Park, Florida, to actually do this repair? Please, I have grandchildren who love to ride in the back. Help before someone is in danger.
The contact owns a 2021 Bentley Continental GT. The contact stated that an occupant was trapped in the rear seat of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V550000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
On December 2, 2025 I was driving on interstate 26, and warning lights came on, at the same time steering locked up and was I unable to steer. I did manage to slowly leave right lane, about 200 yards, and enter shoulder. I turned off and restarted many times and finally the steering unlocked. In Sept. car was brought to dealer. They could not find anything wrong. Since the incident, other warning lights keep coming on but steering not affected.
Read 13 more owner reports
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 hands and arms. Had there been an accident or a fire, this person would be killed before she could escape. I know it has been recalled and I took it to the dealer for the service. Dimmit automotive Service Department had the car for 24 hours and the seat is not fixed. This is a dangerous recall. How can I get Dimmit Automotive in Pinellas Park, Florida, to actually do this repair? Please, I have grandchildren who love to ride in the back. Help before someone is in danger.
The contact owns a 2021 Bentley Continental GT. The contact stated that an occupant was trapped in the rear seat of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V550000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
On December 2, 2025 I was driving on interstate 26, and warning lights came on, at the same time steering locked up and was I unable to steer. I did manage to slowly leave right lane, about 200 yards, and enter shoulder. I turned off and restarted many times and finally the steering unlocked. In Sept. car was brought to dealer. They could not find anything wrong. Since the incident, other warning lights keep coming on but steering not affected.
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 hands and arms. Had there been an accident or a fire, this person would be killed before she could escape. I know it has been recalled and I took it to the dealer for the service. Dimmit automotive Service Department had the car for 24 hours and the seat is not fixed. This is a dangerous recall. How can I get Dimmit Automotive in Pinellas Park, Florida, to actually do this repair? Please, I have grandchildren who love to ride in the back. Help before someone is in danger.
The contact owns a 2021 Bentley Continental GT. The contact stated that an occupant was trapped in the rear seat of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V550000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
On December 2, 2025 I was driving on interstate 26, and warning lights came on, at the same time steering locked up and was I unable to steer. I did manage to slowly leave right lane, about 200 yards, and enter shoulder. I turned off and restarted many times and finally the steering unlocked. In Sept. car was brought to dealer. They could not find anything wrong. Since the incident, other warning lights keep coming on but steering not affected.
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 hands and arms. Had there been an accident or a fire, this person would be killed before she could escape. I know it has been recalled and I took it to the dealer for the service. Dimmit automotive Service Department had the car for 24 hours and the seat is not fixed. This is a dangerous recall. How can I get Dimmit Automotive in Pinellas Park, Florida, to actually do this repair? Please, I have grandchildren who love to ride in the back. Help before someone is in danger.
The contact owns a 2021 Bentley Continental GT. The contact stated that an occupant was trapped in the rear seat of the vehicle. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V550000 (Seats) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
TOOLS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT BE USED ON WHEEL NUTS ON THE WHEEL DUE TO INCORRECT SIZES, THE REAR TIRE OF THE CAR WENT FLAT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 10:50 PM AND TRY TO INSTALL SPARE TIRE ON THE SIDE OF STREET BUT THE TOOLS PROVIDED FROM THE FACTORY AS AN EMERGENCY TOOLS DID NOT FIT TO UNINSTALL THE FLAT TIRE AND REINSTALL THE SPARE.
TOOLS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT BE USED ON WHEEL NUTS ON THE WHEEL DUE TO INCORRECT SIZES, THE REAR TIRE OF THE CAR WENT FLAT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 10:50 PM AND TRY TO INSTALL SPARE TIRE ON THE SIDE OF STREET BUT THE TOOLS PROVIDED FROM THE FACTORY AS AN EMERGENCY TOOLS DID NOT FIT TO UNINSTALL THE FLAT TIRE AND REINSTALL THE SPARE.
TOOLS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT BE USED ON WHEEL NUTS ON THE WHEEL DUE TO INCORRECT SIZES, THE REAR TIRE OF THE CAR WENT FLAT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 10:50 PM AND TRY TO INSTALL SPARE TIRE ON THE SIDE OF STREET BUT THE TOOLS PROVIDED FROM THE FACTORY AS AN EMERGENCY TOOLS DID NOT FIT TO UNINSTALL THE FLAT TIRE AND REINSTALL THE SPARE.
TOOLS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT BE USED ON WHEEL NUTS ON THE WHEEL DUE TO INCORRECT SIZES, THE REAR TIRE OF THE CAR WENT FLAT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 10:50 PM AND TRY TO INSTALL SPARE TIRE ON THE SIDE OF STREET BUT THE TOOLS PROVIDED FROM THE FACTORY AS AN EMERGENCY TOOLS DID NOT FIT TO UNINSTALL THE FLAT TIRE AND REINSTALL THE SPARE.
TOOLS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT BE USED ON WHEEL NUTS ON THE WHEEL DUE TO INCORRECT SIZES, THE REAR TIRE OF THE CAR WENT FLAT ON THE HIGHWAY AT 10:50 PM AND TRY TO INSTALL SPARE TIRE ON THE SIDE OF STREET BUT THE TOOLS PROVIDED FROM THE FACTORY AS AN EMERGENCY TOOLS DID NOT FIT TO UNINSTALL THE FLAT TIRE AND REINSTALL THE SPARE.
Showing 19 of 19 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Bentley Continental
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Bentley Continental, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Bentley Continental has 19 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Bentley Continental has 6 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 1 of the Bentley Continental's 19 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Good) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Bentley Continental vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Bentley Continental vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Bentley Continental has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Bentley Continental by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Bentley Continental.
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Bentley Continental reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Bentley Continental reliable?
Good. The Bentley Continental has 19 NHTSA owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is SEATS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Bentley Continental years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2021 (12 complaints), 2018 (5 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Bentley Continental problems?
Top reported issues: SEATS (8 complaints); WHEELS (5 complaints); STEERING (4 complaints).
Does the Bentley Continental have recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Bentley Continental. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.