The Most Common Bentley Repair Problems

Bentley vehicles, known for their elegance, grace and power, are genuinely demanding cars to own. Bentley’s require precision maintenance to ensure that the vehicle can operate as a high-performance vehicle, and without regular and proper care, mechanical problems with Bentley are commonplace.

So, with that in mind, here are some of the most common Bentley problems to keep an eye out for in your vehicle.

Bentley Suspension System Problems

Bentley’s utilize a complicated air suspension system that ensures these luxury vehicles ride smoothly, no matter the surface. However, with this cloud-like suspension comes significant issues if the suspension system is worn. These problems are quick to happen, and owners will have to be aware of a problem’s signs.

One of the tell-tale signs of Bentley Flying Spur suspension problems is that one of the car ends will be lower than the other, usually the front. You will need to catch this as soon as possible, as if left untreated, it could lead to a destroyed compressor. A destroyed compressor means that you will get to experience a Bentley air suspension failure. It is an expensive fix and will require more than a few days in the shop.

Brake Light Failure

One of the more common Bentley Continental GT problems is the highest brake light on the vehicle burns out before the others. It is a bit of a strange trend, but the GT continually sees the brake light burn out quicker than other Bentley lines.

The brake light on the Continental GT is located just about the rear window at the center of the vehicle’s rear. It is a simple fix but one thing to look out for as it is an important safety feature, especially in dark conditions.

Window Issues of Bentley Vehicles

Indeed, one of the Bentley Azure problems is window issues, affecting the entire Bentley line of vehicles. Unlike other cars, which will provide you with a warning light or some additional warning, Bentley windows do not have such a mechanism. Instead, you will know that your window is starting to fail when the window makes a distinct and very audible hissing sound. When you begin to hear this, you need a repair.

The motor causes the hissing sound as it ages and generally can be replaced with ease. However, the fix might not be as simple as swapping out an engine, as the entire lifting mechanism has been known to fail in all Bentley models.

Bentley Brake Hoses

Although not only one of the Bentley Pontoon problems, most Bentley’s brake hoses wear down quicker than other OEMs. It will depend on your exact model, but most Bentley’s will call for replacing the brake hoses every five years or so. The reason for this is related to the vehicle’s performance nature. Bentley brake hoses take a beating and thus need to be replaced more often.

How to avoid these common problems with your Bentley

Although they have their common issues, the Bentley line, especially the Bentley continental reliability, is second to none. These are high-performance cars that require specialized maintenance and care. Unlike your standard Ford or Mazda, you should not expect to get an oil change and the occasional tire rotation and call that maintenance. So, here are some ways you can avoid these common problems.

Regular Bentley Car Maintenance

Bentley’s entire line is no different from other vehicles when it comes to regular maintenance, as they require regular maintenance. However, the Bentley Continental GT maintenance is a little more focused, and you should keep to the exact schedule. The GT can be a little finicky when it comes to typical issues, and the best way to avoid that is to keep the maintenance plan to a fault.

Pay attention to the owner’s manual

Bentley’s owner manual is a wealth of knowledge for Bentley owners. Unlike other vehicles, Bentley’s are a little more specialized in terms of their systems. For instance, if you are parking overnight, and especially for a few days, you should set the adjustable suspension to the lowest setting possible. This will help expand the lifespan of your system by alleviating pressure on the entire air suspension system.

As well, when driving, you should look to adjust the air suspension system regularly. This will allow the entire system to move, work and help prevent sensors, valves or pneumatic parts from failing due to lack of use. For most vehicles, this is not a problem, but for a Bentley, this is just a single system of many that need attention to prevent future issues.

To ensure your Bentley remains in peak condition, it's essential to monitor and address OBD fault codes promptly.

Only have your maintenance completed by a certified Bentley shop

There are many European-specific mechanics out there, but you want to find a Bentley certified shop for a Bentley. Bentley car services are designed to work on your Bentley and provide OEM parts and services.

This is especially important as the continental GT, and other models present challenges that other vehicles do not have. For instance, the GT does not offer much room to replace common parts such as spark plugs. An experienced Bentley mechanic can complete these jobs with ease, but a regular European mechanic might struggle with this simple job.

Owning a Bentley is a pleasure. The vehicles drive like a dream, the attention to detail is second to none, and the performance is truly outstanding. However, with a great car like this, it needs to be maintained to avoid common issues. Simply put, keep the maintenance schedule, read your owner’s manual and go-to a certified Bentley mechanic. It is not hard, and your prized Bentley is worth a little bit of extra effort!

Author: Avo Demirjian