Generation-specific owner insights from 61+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?9
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2011–2018
1
recall campaigns
wheels
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the 2011-2018 Continental generally regard it as a desirable and well-built car with a near-bulletproof engine and transmission, but they consistently warn that running costs and repair bills are the real barrier to ownership.
9 problems reported (1 recurrent, 8 isolated) · medium confidence
Including clunking over potholes and nose dive under braking, attributed to the heavy W12 sitting over the front axle.
Raised as a question about whether the second generation still suffers the first generation's problem.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: one owner explicitly advised avoiding the W12 and looking only for the V8 version, and another praised the V8 as a better option, but this is not enough to establish a clear generation-wide consensus.
Owners compare it most often with the Flying Spur, Porsche Panamera, Mercedes G63, Lamborghini Huracan and Rolls-Royce.
Is a 2011–2018 Continental right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners of the 2011-2018 Continental generally regard it as a desirable and well-built car with a near-bulletproof engine and transmission, but they consistently warn that running costs and repair bills are the real barrier to ownership. Praise centers on the driving experience, interior quality, and the appeal of the W12 and V8 powertrains, while criticism focuses on expensive maintenance, air suspension and brake costs, and the risk of major failures at higher mileage. Early cars (2011-2014) draw more cautionary stories about engine and fuel-system failures, while later cars (2015-2018) are generally discussed more favorably, with some owners specifically recommending the V8 over the W12 for reliability.
Owners position the Continental GT as a comfortable, luxurious grand tourer with strong road presence and a superior interior compared to most rivals, but they openly acknowledge it is not a cheap car to run. Against the Flying Spur, owners describe the GT as the sportier, more agile choice while the Spur offers more rear space and a more classy, presidential character. Against the Panamera, owners suggest the Porsche is the more sensible daily driver. Against the G63, owners treat the Bentley as the more refined but also more fragile and expensive option. Against the Huracan, owners see the Continental as the livable, comfort-focused daily car while the Lamborghini is the rawer, more fun machine. Several owners note that used Bentleys are inexpensive to buy precisely because they are expensive to own.
Insufficient owner data available. The only recurring configuration advice within this generation is to favor the V8 over the W12 for reliability, and to prioritize cars with documented, meticulous maintenance history. Owners also repeatedly stress that a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a known independent specialist are essential regardless of configuration.
This generation suits buyers who can comfortably absorb significant maintenance and repair costs and who have a trusted independent mechanic familiar with these cars. Owners strongly advise a very thorough pre-purchase inspection, checking maintenance records and accident history, and budgeting for wear items such as air struts and brakes at higher mileage. Several owners suggest that at higher mileage or older model years, leasing a newer car may make more financial sense than buying an older example. Early cars (2011-2014) draw more warnings about major failures, while later cars (2015-2018) are discussed more favorably. Owners also caution against buying a car that has been sitting unused for long periods without evidence of fluid changes and regular starting.
Owners repeatedly emphasize that the purchase price is the smallest part of the cost of ownership, and that maintenance and repairs will dominate the budget. Several owners note that parts can be sourced through the broader Volkswagen group and that independent specialists are far cheaper than dealers. One owner reported using a Supersports as a daily driver with no significant problems beyond a loose gas cap. Another owner described surviving a crash with airbags providing extensive coverage, including a knee-level airbag. Owners also note that the car uses two batteries requiring separate trickle chargers, and that an official Bentley charger is a rebranded unit from a common charger brand. Analysis based on approximately 61 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | 1 | wheels |
| 2015 | 4 | 0 | vehicle speed control |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2018 · steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionscampaign 19V863000
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.
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.