The Bentley Azure spans 1996–2010 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2010, 2009, 2008 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1996, 1997, 1998. It delivers up to 12 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Bentley Azure is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1996 to 2010 across multiple generations.
How to read a Bentley Azure VIN — every digit explained
Every Bentley Azure carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Bentley and the country it was built in (real Bentley codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Azure.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- UKSCB · SJA
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Azure, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Bentley Azure have?
The Bentley Azure has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1996–2010. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2009 Bentley Azure recalls 1
Structure:body:hood
What's wrong. Bentley is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 arnager, arnaget, arnage rl, brooklands, and azure vehicles. There is a potential for the "b" hood ornament's retracting mechanism to become corroded. This may lead to the "b" hood ornament not retracting as intended when a vehicle is involved in a crash.
Risk. If the hood ornament does not retract, it could increase the risk of injury to a pedestrian in the event of a crash between the vehicle and the pedestrian.
Fix. Dealers will replace the retractable "b" mechanism free of charge. The safety recall began on september 27, 2010. Owners may contact bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
2008 Bentley Azure recalls 1
Structure:body:hood
What's wrong. Bentley is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 arnager, arnaget, arnage rl, brooklands, and azure vehicles. There is a potential for the "b" hood ornament's retracting mechanism to become corroded. This may lead to the "b" hood ornament not retracting as intended when a vehicle is involved in a crash.
Risk. If the hood ornament does not retract, it could increase the risk of injury to a pedestrian in the event of a crash between the vehicle and the pedestrian.
Fix. Dealers will replace the retractable "b" mechanism free of charge. The safety recall began on september 27, 2010. Owners may contact bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
2007 Bentley Azure recalls 1
Structure:body:hood
What's wrong. Bentley is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 arnager, arnaget, arnage rl, brooklands, and azure vehicles. There is a potential for the "b" hood ornament's retracting mechanism to become corroded. This may lead to the "b" hood ornament not retracting as intended when a vehicle is involved in a crash.
Risk. If the hood ornament does not retract, it could increase the risk of injury to a pedestrian in the event of a crash between the vehicle and the pedestrian.
Fix. Dealers will replace the retractable "b" mechanism free of charge. The safety recall began on september 27, 2010. Owners may contact bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
2001 Bentley Azure recalls 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Fuel vapors stored in the vehicle's evaporative emission control system could enter a body cavity behind the rocker panel on the driver's side.
Risk. If vapor is emitted and collects in the cavity, the resulting air/vapor mixture could be ignited if the central window operating mechanism is activated.
Fix. Dealers will install a plated mild steel extension pipe to the leak detection filter of the vehicle which will ensure that any vapor emanating from the evaporative emission control system is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Owner notification began april 16, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact rolls-royce at 1-800-777-6923.
2000 Bentley Azure recalls 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Fuel vapors stored in the vehicle's evaporative emission control system could enter a body cavity behind the rocker panel on the driver's side.
Risk. If vapor is emitted and collects in the cavity, the resulting air/vapor mixture could be ignited if the central window operating mechanism is activated.
Fix. Dealers will install a plated mild steel extension pipe to the leak detection filter of the vehicle which will ensure that any vapor emanating from the evaporative emission control system is vented to the outside of the vehicle. Owner notification began april 16, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact rolls-royce at 1-800-777-6923.
1998 Bentley Azure recalls 2
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The main battery cable can contact a body panel located in the trunk, resulting in damage to the cable insulation.
Risk. If the body panel comes in contact with the cable wire, a short circuit, loss of electrical supply, or fire could occur.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the cable and replace any damaged cables.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolts attaching the lower steering column to the intermediate steering coupling can contact the brake hydraulic system pipes located in the engine compartment.
Risk. This condition can lead to a brake hydraulic fluid leak and reduced braking performance.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the pipes to prevent contact between the pipes and bolts, and any damaged pipes will be replaced.
1997 Bentley Azure recalls 3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Two hydraulic system pipes connecting the hydraulic brake pumps to the accumulators can contact each other, resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak.
Risk. Chafing of the pipes can result in a fluid leak and consequent loss of braking performance.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the pipes to prevent contact between the two pipes.
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The main battery cable can contact a body panel located in the trunk, resulting in damage to the cable insulation.
Risk. If the body panel comes in contact with the cable wire, a short circuit, loss of electrical supply, or fire could occur.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the cable and replace any damaged cables.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolts attaching the lower steering column to the intermediate steering coupling can contact the brake hydraulic system pipes located in the engine compartment.
Risk. This condition can lead to a brake hydraulic fluid leak and reduced braking performance.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the pipes to prevent contact between the pipes and bolts, and any damaged pipes will be replaced.
1996 Bentley Azure recalls 4
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. An incorrectly positioned wire within the electrically operated gearbox actuator can chafe against the cover causing the transmission selector fuse to blow.
Risk. If the fuse blows, the driver cannot change gears or place the vehicle in park. This condition can disable the vehicle transmission, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the affected wire to prevent contact with the gearbox actuator cover.
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The main battery cable can contact a body panel located in the trunk, resulting in damage to the cable insulation.
Risk. If the body panel comes in contact with the cable wire, a short circuit, loss of electrical supply, or fire could occur.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the cable and replace any damaged cables.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolts attaching the lower steering column to the intermediate steering coupling can contact the brake hydraulic system pipes located in the engine compartment.
Risk. This condition can lead to a brake hydraulic fluid leak and reduced braking performance.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the pipes to prevent contact between the pipes and bolts, and any damaged pipes will be replaced.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
What's wrong. An incompatibility can exist between the mineral oil supplied by castrol and the hydraulic brake system of these vehicles.
Risk. The brake pedal feel can vary, especially following a prolonged period of inactivity and higher pedal pressure may be required. This condition can cause a loss of braking capability and increase the potential for a vehicle accident.
Fix. Dealers will drain the hydraulic system and refill the system with new mineral oil. The affected spare bottles will also be replaced.
Best and worst years for the Bentley Azure
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 15 tracked years, the worst years are 2010, 2009, 2008 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1996, 1997, 1998.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Azure | — | Best | |
| 1997 Azure | — | Best | |
| 1998 Azure | — | Best | |
| 1999 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2000 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2001 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2002 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2003 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2004 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2005 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2006 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2007 Azure | — | Average | |
| 2008 Azure | — | Avoid | |
| 2009 Azure | — | Avoid | |
| 2010 Azure | Tires | Avoid |
What are the most common Bentley Azure problems?
The most-reported Bentley Azure problems are Tires (1 reports), Equipment (1 reports) — out of 1 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Tires 1 Read
This is a request in order for us dot to begin continual manufacturing plant and dealership safety inspections, analysis for potential defects and recalls on the following makes: ferrari, porsche, buggati, benz, bwm, rolls, bentley, jaguar, lambroghini. Please inspect all new equipment. Please inspect all tires. *tr
Equipment 1 Read
This is a request in order for us dot to begin continual manufacturing plant and dealership safety inspections, analysis for potential defects and recalls on the following makes: ferrari, porsche, buggati, benz, bwm, rolls, bentley, jaguar, lambroghini. Please inspect all new equipment. Please inspect all tires. *tr
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Bentley Azure specifications & dimensions
The 2010 Bentley Azure measures 213″ long on a 123″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 5,941 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Bentley Azure window sticker.
| Wheelbase | 123″ (312 cm) |
| Body / trim | Azure 2dr Convertible Rwd |
| Curb weight | 5,941 lb (2695 kg) |
| Overall width | 75″ (190 cm) |
| Overall height | 59″ (149 cm) |
| Overall length | 213″ (541 cm) |
How the Azure's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2010 | 213″ | 75″ | 59″ | 123″ | 5,941 lb |
| 2001 | 211″ | 81″ | 58″ | 120″ | 5,754 lb |
| 1996–1998 | 210″ | 81″ | 58″ | 120″ | 5,754 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Bentley Azure cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Azure holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 106 cu ft of passenger volume and 13 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Bentley Azure tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Bentley Azure get?
The Bentley Azure returns up to 12 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $6,400/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2010 Bentley Azure (6.8L 8-cyl) gets 11 mpg combined and costs about $7,000/yr to fuel, emitting 808 g/mi CO₂ (smog 5/10) — about $24,000 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Azure | 9 | 15 | $7,000 | 808 | 5/10 | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 2009 Azure | 9 | 15 | $7,000 | 808 | — | 6.7L 8-cyl | |
| 2008 Azure | 9 | 15 | $7,000 | 808 | 5/10 | 6.7L 8-cyl | |
| 2007 Azure | 10 | 15 | $7,000 | 808 | 5/10 | 6.7L 8-cyl | |
| 2003 Azure | 10 | 15 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 2001 Azure | 10 | 15 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 2000 Azure | 10 | 15 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 6.7L 8-cyl | |
| 1999 Azure | 10 | 15 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 6.8L 8-cyl | |
| 1998 Azure | 10 | 15 | $6,400 | 741 | — | 6.7L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Azure stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Azure's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Bentley Azure have? Power & range
The Bentley Azure is offered with 1 powertrain — 6.8L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 6.8L · 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Bentley Azure cost to own?
A Bentley Azure depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Azure is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Azure loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $32,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Azure ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Bentley Azure safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Azure yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Bentley Azure last?
A well-maintained Bentley Azure typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.5/5.
Check your Bentley Azure’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Azure’s VIN free →All Bentley Azure model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Bentley Azure — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Azure | 0 | — | |
| 2009 Azure | 1 recall | — | |
| 2008 Azure | 1 recall | — | |
| 2007 Azure | 1 recall | — | |
| 2006 Azure | 0 | — | |
| 2005 Azure | 0 | — | |
| 2004 Azure | 0 | — | |
| 2003 Azure | 0 | — | |
| 2002 Azure | 0 | — | |
| 2001 Azure | 1 recall | — | |
| 2000 Azure | 1 recall | — | |
| 1999 Azure | 0 | — | |
| 1998 Azure | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1997 Azure | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1996 Azure | 4 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Azure?
By owner-complaint volume, 2010, 2009, 2008 drew the most reports. 1996, 1997, 1998 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Azure have?
14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1996–2010. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Azure get?
Up to 12 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Azure last?
A well-maintained Azure typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Azure reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Azure is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Bentley Azure warranty?
New Bentley models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Bentley dealer.
Where is the Bentley Azure made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Azure's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Bentley may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Azure weigh?
The Azure's curb weight is around 5,941 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Azure have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.