At a Glance
The Bentley Continental has 11 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Continental R (1991-2003) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 143K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Bentley Continental common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Bentley Continental generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Bentley Continental Generations
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Most Common Bentley Continental MOT Failures
Every reason Bentley Continental vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 20.66% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.03% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.15% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.65% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.56% |
| 6 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 4.56% |
| 7 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 4.05% |
| 8 | Indicator fault | 3.33% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.96% |
| 10 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.65% |
| 11 | Stop lamp not working | 2.52% |
| 12 | Driveshaft fault | 2.35% |
| 13 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.33% |
| 14 | Position lamp not working | 1.91% |
| 15 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.89% |
| 16 | Airbag warning light on | 1.70% |
| 17 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.65% |
| 18 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.57% |
| 19 | Front lamp not working | 1.40% |
| 20 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.25% |
| 21 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.07% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 1.05% |
| 23 | Track rod end worn | 1.04% |
| 24 | Parking brake condition | 0.99% |
| 25 | Horn not working | 0.97% |
| 26 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.66% |
| 27 | Exhaust system fault | 0.65% |
| 28 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.62% |
| 29 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.58% |
| 30 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.54% |
| 31 | Steering rack fault | 0.52% |
| 32 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.52% |
| 33 | Brake caliper fault | 0.48% |
| 34 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.47% |
| 35 | ABS fault | 0.47% |
| 36 | Brake fluid leak | 0.45% |
| 37 | Fog lamp not working | 0.45% |
| 38 | Seat belt condition | 0.43% |
| 39 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.41% |
| 40 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.38% |
| 41 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.37% |
| 42 | Rear lamp not working | 0.34% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.32% |
| 44 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.32% |
| 45 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.31% |
| 46 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.29% |
| 47 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.28% |
| 48 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.28% |
| 49 | Electrical switch fault | 0.24% |
| 50 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.23% |
| 51 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.23% |
| 52 | Chassis condition | 0.23% |
| 53 | Front suspension fault | 0.21% |
| 54 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.17% |
| 55 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.17% |
| 56 | Rear suspension fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.14% |
| 58 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.14% |
| 59 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.14% |
| 60 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.12% |
| 61 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.12% |
| 62 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 63 | Suspension unit fault | 0.12% |
| 64 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 65 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 66 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.11% |
| 67 | Driver airbag fault | 0.11% |
| 68 | Driver seat fault | 0.11% |
| 69 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 70 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 71 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.09% |
| 72 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.08% |
| 73 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 74 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 75 | Steering lock fault | 0.08% |
| 76 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.08% |
| 77 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 78 | Power steering ram fault | 0.07% |
| 79 | Brake pedal fault | 0.06% |
| 80 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.06% |
| 81 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 82 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 83 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 84 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 85 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 86 | Steering operation fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 88 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 90 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 93 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 95 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 96 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.04% |
| 97 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.04% |
| 98 | Steering box fault | 0.04% |
| 99 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 103 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 104 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 105 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 108 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 112 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Reversing lamp switch fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 118 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 119 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 120 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 121 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 126 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 127 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 132 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 149 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Bentley Continental MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Bentley Continental, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Bentley Continental problems?
Based on analysis of 143K Bentley Continental MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spark ignition emissions above threshold". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Bentley Continental generation has the most problems?
The Bentley Continental Continental R (1991-2003) (1991–2003) has the highest number of identified common problems (12). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Bentley Continental?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Bentley Continental owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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