2021 Bentley Continental: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationOne of the worst Continental years.
One of the Bentley Continental years to avoid. All Continental years
12 owner complaints, most about seats. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Continental?The 2021 Bentley Continental has 12 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are seats and steering. Owners most often flag convertible top faults, including window function faults during open and close cycles.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Bentley Continental vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Continental years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Continental?
Across the 9 Continental model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2009) to 12 (2021). With 12 complaints, the 2021 Continental sits above 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 2021 Continental
equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
Campaign 21V975000Bentley 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."
seats:front assembly:power adjust
Campaign 21V550000Bentley 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.
seat belts:front:retractor
Campaign 22V177000Bentley 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."
What owners report on the 3rd generation Continental
Owner sentiment for the 2018-2024 Continental is positive but heavily focused on design debate rather than mechanical ownership experience.
- IsolatedConvertible top faults, including window function faults during open and close cycles
- IsolatedTop replacement cost cited at $60,000 at a dealer
- IsolatedWheel damage from potholes, cited as a fast way to lose $5,000
- IsolatedInfotainment and software complaints, including one owner wishing the tech were on par with BMW
- IsolatedBraking performance criticized as atrocious relative to competitors
With one owner questioning why stronger brakes were not fitted to a car at this price.
Owner insights for the 3rd generation Continental. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Other Continental model years
Compare every Continental year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Continental against its rivals
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