Generation-specific owner insights from 100+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?22
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2018–2024
4
recall campaigns
seats
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2018-2024 Continental is positive but heavily focused on design debate rather than mechanical ownership experience.
8 problems reported (8 isolated) · medium confidence
With one owner questioning why stronger brakes were not fitted to a car at this price.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: several owners favor the 2022-2024 cars, with one stating the last generation was the peak of the original three Continental GTs and that by the third iteration the design struck a perfect balance between tradition and modern trends. One owner specifically recommended a 2020-2024 GTC Speed to keep the 12-cylinder while retaining sportiness, and another advised trying to get a 2020 or later for the better body style over the 2019 kit.
Owners compare it most often with the Aston Martin DB11, Aston Martin DB12, Rolls-Royce Wraith, Lamborghini Huracan and Flying Spur.
Is a 2018–2024 Continental right for you?
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Owner sentiment for the 2018-2024 Continental is positive but heavily focused on design debate rather than mechanical ownership experience. Owners praise the interior quality, comfort, road presence, and the W12's power delivery, with one long-term owner calling it the best vehicle they have ever owned and noting it was neither delicate nor temperamental on a 1,500-mile drive. The dominant criticism concerns the late-generation styling shift, particularly the loss of the quad headlights, which many owners consider the car's defining feature. Early cars (2018-2019) draw some criticism for the pre-facelift body kit, while later cars (2022-2024) are seen by some as the peak of the generation's design balance.
Owners position this generation as the more luxurious, better-built, and more comfortable choice against the Aston Martin DB11, noting the DB11 could not beat the Continental around a track despite being far lighter, and that the DB12 is better but so is the hybrid Continental. Against the Huracan, owners describe the Continental as the livable daily car focused on comfort with smooth power, while the Huracan is more raw and fun but harder to live with. Against the Rolls-Royce Wraith, owners cross-shop on price and customization freedom rather than dynamics. The Flying Spur is repeatedly raised as the more classy, presidential alternative within the brand, with one owner who moved from a Flying Spur to a Continental GT describing the coupe as much more agile and fun to drive.
Owners advise seeking a 2020 or later example for the improved body style over the 2019 kit. For buyers wanting the 12-cylinder, owners point to the W12 as the desirable engine, with one noting the 6.0L twin-turbo W12 produces 626hp and 664 lb-ft. One owner recommends a 2020-2024 GTC Speed for those who want to keep the 12-cylinder and the sportiness of the convertible. A Mulliner V8 owner notes the trim is the way to go but laments the absence of the W12.
This generation suits buyers who want a comfortable, luxurious grand tourer with strong road presence and are prepared for significant maintenance and repair costs. Owners strongly advise a thorough pre-purchase inspection and detailed maintenance records, with one service advisor recommending tire and wheel coverage, extended warranty, verification that all windows function through top open and close cycles on convertibles, confirmation the top and frame have not been replaced, and measurements of wear items like brakes and tires for negotiation. Owners warn that at higher mileage, air struts and brakes are the most significant initial items to expect. One owner cautions that repair costs are scary and that a good independent mechanic familiar with the car is essential. Buyers are advised to confirm CPO status where possible, though one owner questions whether CPO is realistic past 70,000 miles and seven years.
A large share of discussion about this generation centers on the 2025 successor rather than the 2018-2024 cars themselves, with owners repeatedly criticizing the new headlight design and mourning the loss of the quad lights, which many regard as core to Bentley's identity. Owners also debate the transition away from the W12, with some arguing the V8 is Bentley's true heritage engine and others saying the hybrid V8's performance compensates for the loss of character. One owner noted the plug appears to be getting pulled on the third-generation Conti quickly. Depreciation is a recurring theme, with one comment noting a car lost 75,000 in value over the course of making a video. Analysis based on approximately 100 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 12 | 3 | seats |
| 2018 | 5 | 1 | wheels |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
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 · seats:front assembly:power adjustcampaign 21V550000
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.
2021 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 22V177000
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 such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
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.