Bentley reliability and common MOT problems by model
Bentley shows a 7.0% combined MOT failure rate across 18,760 tests in MOTIntel data. Continental has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 7.7%. Continental deserves extra checking at 7.7%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Bentley combined failure rate: 7.0% — all-model average is 18.7%. Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Which Bentley models look strongest?
Continental (7.7%)
Which Bentley models need extra caution?
Continental (7.7%)
Most reliable Bentley models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bentley Continental | 7.7% | 12,070 tests | 10,795 vehicles |
Bentley models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bentley Continental | 7.7% | 12,070 tests | 10,795 vehicles |
Common Bentley MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lights and electrical | 569 MOT notes | 1 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Bentley Continental |
| 2 | Suspension and steering | 243 MOT notes | 1 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Bentley Continental |
| 3 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 241 MOT notes | 1 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Bentley Continental |
| 4 | Corrosion and structure | 195 MOT notes | 1 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Bentley Continental |
| 5 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 163 MOT notes | 1 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Bentley Continental |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 137 MOT notes | 1 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Bentley Continental |
All Bentley model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental | 12,070 | 10,795 | 7.7% |
| Continental Gt limited data | 2,798 | 2,561 | 4.6% |
| Bentayga limited data | 2,278 | 2,105 | 4.2% |
| Arnage limited data | 1,614 | 1,409 | 10.4% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.