Bentley Bentayga 2016-2026 (2016–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 32+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
12
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2016–2026
17
recall campaigns
service brakes
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of this generation describe it as an incredible, classy, and underrated vehicle that offers a lot of car for the money on the used market, with particular praise for the interior, the Mulliner specification, and the W12's character.
10 problems reported (10 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- IsolatedTurbocharger failure requiring replacement
- IsolatedSteering rack failure
- IsolatedCoolant system repairs
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedEngine mounts wearing out and costing thousands
- IsolatedWater pump leaking shortly after purchase
- IsolatedSunroof seal pulling away from the corners causing wind and road noise from the passenger side
- IsolatedA/C failure traced to a bad sensor, repaired under warranty using an Audi part
- IsolatedOverheating leading to suspected head gasket failure after the engine was left running at 270 degrees
- IsolatedHigh key fob replacement and programming cost
- IsolatedGeneral unpredictability of repair timing described as "Russian roulette"
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: the W12 is praised as underrated and "incredible to own" by one long-term owner, but another owner states the W12s should be avoided in the 2018-2019 model years, and the only detailed repair list in the discussions concerns a 2017-2019 W12. The Mulliner specification is repeatedly singled out as the desirable trim.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Range Rover Sport, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, BMW X5M, Audi R8 V10 and Porsche (platform-sharing references).
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Overall sentiment
Owners of this generation describe it as an incredible, classy, and underrated vehicle that offers a lot of car for the money on the used market, with particular praise for the interior, the Mulliner specification, and the W12's character. The dominant counterweight is running cost: owners repeatedly stress that maintenance and repairs are priced relative to the car's original new price rather than its depreciated value, and several describe ownership as expensive and unpredictable. Early cars (2016-2019) draw the most concern about repair exposure and the W12, while later cars (2020 onward) are viewed more favorably, partly because the 2021 facelift made earlier examples cheaper and partly because a 2021-delivered car was reported as largely trouble-free. A minority of commenters are outright hostile, calling the car unreliable and advising avoidance, but the more common owner view is enthusiasm tempered by a serious maintenance budget.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Bentayga as a class above mainstream performance SUVs, with one owner noting it is in a "totally different league" to Audis to maintain after coming from an R8 V10, and another saying the comfort gap versus a Range Rover Sport is "night and day." Against the Cullinan, one commenter recommends the Rolls instead, calling the Bentley unreliable. Against the X5M, one advises buying the BMW instead if a warranty is not an option. The Mazda CX5 comparison was treated as a troll post, with the conclusion that the Mazda drives better but "the Bentley Bentleys better." Several owners note the car does not hold value as well as its peers, which is precisely why used buyers see it as a steal.
Recommended configurations
Owners suggest that if buying used, purchase from a Bentley dealership so the car has been bought back, prepped, and had recalls addressed, accepting a higher price for that peace of mind. One owner recommends the 2020 model year as the best value, noting that 2018-2019 cars are cheaper because of the 2021 facelift. One owner advises avoiding the W12 in the 2018-2019 model years. A bi-directional scan tool such as an Autel 908 is recommended for owners who intend to handle brakes, airbag faults, and module resets themselves.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who can afford maintenance priced at the original new-car level and who set aside a substantial reserve; one owner suggests budgeting at least $30k for the first two years to cover surprises, with $15k realistic if nothing major appears. Owners strongly recommend a warranty or a self-insured fund with a good independent specialist, since factory extended warranty pricing is described as exorbitant. Prefer a Bentley-dealership-sourced used example, favor the 2020 model year for value, and treat 2018-2019 W12 cars with caution. Buyers who cannot afford a new one are warned by one owner that they likely cannot afford a used one either.
Remarks
Owners repeatedly emphasize that parts and labor remain at new-car prices, so a cheap used purchase does not mean cheap ownership. The interior, especially the Mulliner diamond-stitched seats and classic wood trim, is described as a dying breed and a major reason to buy. Heated steering wheels were an option on first-generation cars, and the asterisk-marked steering wheel button indicates no heating option and can only be assigned from a small list of functions. A 2021-delivered car was reported at roughly $5,300 in total repairs over about 34,000 miles with no real issues. One owner notes the car is capable as a daily driver but has used it seasonally. Analysis based on approximately 32 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 7 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 1 | 4 | fuel system |
| 2018 | 1 | 4 | service brakes |
| 2017 | 9 | 2 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2021 · seat beltscampaign 21V605000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 21V975000
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 fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2021 · suspension:rear:axle:non-powered axle assemblycampaign 21V276000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
2021 · electronic stability control (esc):control module:softwarecampaign 21V647000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. Incorrect software for the chassis control module may cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to malfunction.
2021 · seatscampaign 22V257000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga vehicles. The second row seats may be installed incorrectly, without being locked on all seat rails.
2021 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 22V743000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview camera image may be blank when the car is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V592000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting in a fuel leak.
2019 · seat belts:rear/othercampaign 20V154000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row upper seat belt attachment may not stay connected to the vehicle in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 20V321000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Bentayga vehicles. A fuel line quick connector located in the engine compartment may leak.
2019 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 20V092000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 23V592000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting in a fuel leak.
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 18V632000
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018 Bentley Mulsanne and 2018 Bentayga vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rearview camera display may be obstructed or may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
1 more recall not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.