The Bentley Continental spans 1984–2026 with 18 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2023, 2026, 2025 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1984, 1985, 1986. It delivers up to 19 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 Continental is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1984 to 2026 across multiple generations.
Decode or check a Bentley Continental by VIN
Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this Bentley Continental — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
How to read a Bentley Continental VIN — every digit explained
Every Bentley Continental 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. 4T1 = Toyota, built in the USA.
- VDS (4–8) — model line, body style, engine & restraint system.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built. H = 2017.
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Continental.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Model-year code (10th digit)
The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:
Where to find your Continental VIN
- Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
- Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
- Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
- Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.
How many recalls does the Bentley Continental have?
The Bentley Continental has 18 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2018 Bentley Continental recalls 1
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
What's wrong. Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Continental Supersports vehicles. The Power Assisted Steering (PAS) cooler pipe may be the incorrect size, allowing the cooler hose to detach and leak power steering fluid.
Risk. A power steering fluid leak may cause a loss of vehicle control, or a hazard to following traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Bentley will notify the owners, and dealers will replace the PAS cooler pipe, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE19/27.
2017 Bentley Continental recalls 1
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections
What's wrong. Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Continental Supersports vehicles. The Power Assisted Steering (PAS) cooler pipe may be the incorrect size, allowing the cooler hose to detach and leak power steering fluid.
Risk. A power steering fluid leak may cause a loss of vehicle control, or a hazard to following traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. Bentley will notify the owners, and dealers will replace the PAS cooler pipe, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE19/27.
1998 Bentley Continental recalls 1
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 Continental recalls 2
Air Bags
What's wrong. The aluminum facia trim panel on the passenger supplemental restraint system (srs) air bag door can detach during air bag deployment.
Risk. If this occurs during a vehicle crash, the vehicle occupants could be injured.
Fix. Dealers will replace the srs air bag doors with a new door using a different adhesive to attach the panel.
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 Continental recalls 2
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.
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.
1995 Bentley Continental recalls 3
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.
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
What's wrong. The lower steering column linkage heat shield can come in contact with a brake hydraulic system pipe mounted to the engine assembly, eventually resulting in a hydraulic fluid leak.
Risk. If a hydraulic fluid leak occurs, warning lights indicating loss of fluid and loss of system pressure will become illuminated. Front brake effectiveness will be lost, although rear braking would remain unaffected.
Fix. Dealers will reposition the affected hydraulic pipe and replace any damaged pipe.
1994 Bentley Continental recalls 2
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.
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.
1993 Bentley Continental recalls 1
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.
1992 Bentley Continental recalls 1
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.
1987 Bentley Continental recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Bentley is recalling 14 my 1980-1982 bentley t2, my 1980-1987 continental, and mulsanne, my 1980-1982 rolls-royce silver shadow ii, my 1980 silver wraith ii, my 1980-1987 corniche, silver spirit and my 1981-1987 silver spur passenger vehicles. A fuel hose assembly, available as a replacement part, has been found to have a defect in the material specification of the rubber hose. The hose may degrade under certain operating conditions resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on november 24, 2008. Owners may contact bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
1986 Bentley Continental recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Bentley is recalling 14 my 1980-1982 bentley t2, my 1980-1987 continental, and mulsanne, my 1980-1982 rolls-royce silver shadow ii, my 1980 silver wraith ii, my 1980-1987 corniche, silver spirit and my 1981-1987 silver spur passenger vehicles. A fuel hose assembly, available as a replacement part, has been found to have a defect in the material specification of the rubber hose. The hose may degrade under certain operating conditions resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on november 24, 2008. Owners may contact bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
1985 Bentley Continental recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Bentley is recalling 14 my 1980-1982 bentley t2, my 1980-1987 continental, and mulsanne, my 1980-1982 rolls-royce silver shadow ii, my 1980 silver wraith ii, my 1980-1987 corniche, silver spirit and my 1981-1987 silver spur passenger vehicles. A fuel hose assembly, available as a replacement part, has been found to have a defect in the material specification of the rubber hose. The hose may degrade under certain operating conditions resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on november 24, 2008. Owners may contact bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
1984 Bentley Continental recalls 1
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
What's wrong. Bentley is recalling 14 my 1980-1982 bentley t2, my 1980-1987 continental, and mulsanne, my 1980-1982 rolls-royce silver shadow ii, my 1980 silver wraith ii, my 1980-1987 corniche, silver spirit and my 1981-1987 silver spur passenger vehicles. A fuel hose assembly, available as a replacement part, has been found to have a defect in the material specification of the rubber hose. The hose may degrade under certain operating conditions resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix. Dealers will replace the fuel hose assembly free of charge. The recall began on november 24, 2008. Owners may contact bentley at 1-617-488-8500.
Best and worst years for the Bentley Continental
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 43 tracked years, the worst years are 2023, 2026, 2025 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1984, 1985, 1986.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 Continental | 0 | — | Best |
| 1985 Continental | 0 | — | Best |
| 1986 Continental | 0 | — | Best |
| 1987 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1988 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1989 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1990 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1991 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1992 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1993 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1994 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1995 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1996 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1997 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1998 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 1999 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2000 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2001 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2002 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2003 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2004 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2005 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2006 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2007 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2008 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2009 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2010 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2011 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2012 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2013 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2014 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2015 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2016 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2017 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2018 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2019 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2020 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2021 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2022 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2023 Continental | 1 | Electrical System | Avoid |
| 2024 Continental | 0 | — | Average |
| 2025 Continental | 0 | — | Avoid |
| 2026 Continental | 0 | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Bentley Continental problems?
The most-reported Bentley Continental problems are Electrical System (1 reports), Vehicle Speed Control (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:
Electrical System 1 Read
See attached document for complaint
Vehicle Speed Control 1 Read
See attached document for complaint
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Bentley Continental specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Bentley Continental. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.
| Specs cache warming… |
How the Continental's size changed by generation:
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2023 | 191″ | 77″ | 56″ | 112″ | 4,947 lb |
| 2014–2017 | 189″ | 76″ | 55″ | 108″ | 5,501 lb |
| 2011 | 208″ | 78″ | 55″ | 108″ | 5,567 lb |
| 2008 | 209″ | 77″ | 58″ | 121″ | 5,456 lb |
| 2005 | 189″ | 77″ | 55″ | 108″ | 5,258 lb |
| 2002 | 211″ | 81″ | 57″ | 120″ | 5,401 lb |
| 1999 | 210″ | 81″ | 57″ | 120″ | 3,223 lb |
| 1996 | 210″ | 80″ | 57″ | 120″ | 5,401 lb |
| 1990–1993 | 207″ | 77″ | 60″ | 120″ | 5,247 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Bentley Continental cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Continental 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.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Bentley Continental 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 Continental get?
The Bentley Continental returns up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine. Pick an engine to see its city / highway / combined rating by year:
| Year | City | Highway | Combined | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Continental | 10 | 15 | 12 | 6.7L 8-cyl |
| 1999 Continental | 10 | 15 | 12 | 6.8L 8-cyl |
| 2000 Continental | 10 | 15 | 12 | 6.7L 8-cyl |
| 2001 Continental | 10 | 15 | 12 | 6.8L 8-cyl |
| 2002 Continental | 9 | 14 | 11 | 6.8L 8-cyl |
| 2003 Continental | 10 | 15 | 12 | 6.8L 8-cyl |
| 2004 Continental | 10 | 16 | 12 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2005 Continental | 10 | 16 | 12 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2006 Continental | 10 | 17 | 13 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2007 Continental | 10 | 17 | 13 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2008 Continental | 10 | 17 | 13 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2009 Continental | 10 | 17 | 13 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2010 Continental | 12 | 19 | 14 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2011 Continental | 12 | 19 | 14 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2012 Continental | 11 | 19 | 14 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2013 Continental | 14 | 24 | 18 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2014 Continental | 14 | 24 | 18 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2015 Continental | 15 | 25 | 18 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2016 Continental | 15 | 25 | 18 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2017 Continental | 15 | 25 | 18 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2018 Continental | 12 | 20 | 14 | 6L 12-cyl |
| 2019 Continental | 14 | 23 | 17 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2020 Continental | 16 | 26 | 19 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2021 Continental | 16 | 26 | 19 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2022 Continental | 16 | 26 | 19 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2023 Continental | 15 | 23 | 18 | 4L 8-cyl |
| 2024 Continental | 14 | 22 | 17 | 4L 8-cyl |
| Year | City | Highway | Combined | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Continental | 17 | 22 | 19 | 4L 8-cyl Hybrid |
| 2026 Continental | 17 | 22 | 19 | 4L 8-cyl Hybrid |
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov — best combined rating per engine & year. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
What engines does the Bentley Continental have? Power & range
The Bentley Continental is offered with 2 powertrains — 4L 8-cyl, 4L 8-cyl Hybrid. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 4.0L · 8-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | AWD | Premium |
| Hybrid | 4.0L · 8-cyl | Automatic (AM-S8) | AWD | Premium and Electricity |
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 Continental cost to own?
A Bentley Continental depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | — | — |
| Year 2 | 70% | — | — |
| Year 3 | 61% | — | — |
| Year 4 | 53% | — | — |
| Year 5 | 46% | — | — |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Continental loses about 54% of its value over five years.
- Fuel — ≈ $20,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Continental 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 Continental safe?
The Bentley Continental earns up to —-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2024 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2023 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2022 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2021 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2020 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2019 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2018 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2017 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2016 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2015 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2014 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2013 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2012 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| 2011 Continental | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
How many miles does a Bentley Continental last?
A well-maintained Bentley Continental 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.
Decode your Bentley Continental’s window sticker & build
Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Decode VIN →All Bentley Continental model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Bentley Continental — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Continental | 0 | 19 mpg | — |
| 2025 Continental | 0 | 19 mpg | — |
| 2024 Continental | 0 | 17 mpg | — |
| 2023 Continental | 0 | 18 mpg | — |
| 2022 Continental | 0 | 19 mpg | — |
| 2021 Continental | 0 | 19 mpg | — |
| 2020 Continental | 0 | 19 mpg | — |
| 2019 Continental | 0 | 17 mpg | — |
| 2018 Continental | 1 recall | 14 mpg | — |
| 2017 Continental | 1 recall | 18 mpg | — |
| 2016 Continental | 0 | 18 mpg | — |
| 2015 Continental | 0 | 18 mpg | — |
| 2014 Continental | 0 | 18 mpg | — |
| 2013 Continental | 0 | 18 mpg | — |
| 2012 Continental | 0 | 14 mpg | — |
| 2011 Continental | 0 | 14 mpg | — |
| 2010 Continental | 0 | 14 mpg | — |
| 2009 Continental | 0 | 13 mpg | — |
| 2008 Continental | 0 | 13 mpg | — |
| 2007 Continental | 0 | 13 mpg | — |
| 2006 Continental | 0 | 13 mpg | — |
| 2005 Continental | 0 | 12 mpg | — |
| 2004 Continental | 0 | 12 mpg | — |
| 2003 Continental | 0 | 12 mpg | — |
| 2002 Continental | 0 | 11 mpg | — |
| 2001 Continental | 0 | 12 mpg | — |
| 2000 Continental | 0 | 12 mpg | — |
| 1999 Continental | 0 | 12 mpg | — |
| 1998 Continental | 1 recall | 12 mpg | — |
| 1997 Continental | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1996 Continental | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1995 Continental | 3 recalls | — | — |
| 1994 Continental | 2 recalls | — | — |
| 1993 Continental | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1992 Continental | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1991 Continental | 0 | — | — |
| 1990 Continental | 0 | — | — |
| 1989 Continental | 0 | — | — |
| 1988 Continental | 0 | — | — |
| 1987 Continental | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1986 Continental | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1985 Continental | 1 recall | — | — |
| 1984 Continental | 1 recall | — | — |
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 Continental?
By owner-complaint volume, 2023, 2026, 2025 drew the most reports. 1984, 1985, 1986 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Continental have?
18 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Continental get?
Up to 19 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Continental last?
A well-maintained Continental typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Continental reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Continental is 4.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Bentley Continental 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 Continental made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Continental'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 ground clearance does the Continental 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.