2009 Bentley Continental: common problems and reliability
· 2005-2013An average Continental year.
1 owner complaint, most about structure. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Continental?The 2009 Bentley Continental has 1 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are structure. Owners most often flag vacuum line failure requiring engine removal to access: owners describe this as an almost guaranteed failure on early cars, with one owner bypassing the system with inexpensive tubing and clamps instead of paying for the engine-out repair.
Safety record for the 2009 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Bentley Continental vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Continental years only. How we score it
Is 2009 a good year for the Continental?
Across the 9 Continental model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2009) to 12 (2021). With 1 complaints, the 2009 Continental sits about the same as the model's median of 3.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2009 Continental
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor
Campaign 13V484000Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2011 Continental GT, GTC, and Flying Spur vehicles, manufactured from July 2006 through June 2010 and equipped with carbon ceramic brake discs. In the affected vehicles, the stainless steel screws that secure the brake rotors may fail after being exposed to salty conditions.
What owners report on the 2005-2013 Continental
Owner sentiment for this generation is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and prior maintenance.
- Very frequentVacuum line failure requiring engine removal to access
Owners describe this as an almost guaranteed failure on early cars, with one owner bypassing the system with inexpensive tubing and clamps instead of paying for the engine-out repair.
- Very frequentAir suspension failure and leaking struts
Reported across multiple cars, with costs cited from roughly $12k per axle up to $15-20k, and cold-weather sagging described as normal behavior for the air system.
- Very frequentEngine-out service requirement for otherwise minor repairs
Owners repeatedly note that many small components require separating the engine from the car, making labor the dominant cost.
- Very frequentHigh annual maintenance and repair costs
Figures cited range from $2,500-$3,000 per year on the low end to $7,000-$8,000 per year on average, with individual years exceeding $10k.
- RecurrentHeadliner and ceiling leather sagging
Reported by several owners, with aftermarket upholstery recommended over dealer replacement.
Owner insights for the 2005-2013 Continental. Read the full 2005-2013 owner report.
Other Continental model years
Compare every Continental year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Continental against its rivals
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