Bentley Continental
The Bentley Continental MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2011–2016 is 92.7% across 14,580 official UK DVSA tests. This report then covers more than 7,268 recorded defect notes for Bentley Continental models in that registration band. It shows common faults, MOT pass rates and maintenance trends to help you research the model before you buy.
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Bentley Continental models have performed at MOT over time — not just one vehicle.
- 92.7%
- MOT pass rateshare of recorded tests that passed
- 15k
- MOT tests analysed14,580 official DVSA records
- 7k
- defect notes recorded7,268 · advisory to dangerous
- 2011–16
- registration yearssnapshot 26 September 2026
A fleet outcome for Bentley Continental models registered 2011–2016 — not a reliability score, and not a verdict on one car. Always check the specific vehicle.
Key findings
What the MOT record says about the Bentley Continental
- 92.7% MOT pass rate across 14,580 tests.
- 72% of recorded defect notes relate to owner maintenance.
- Tyres account for the largest volume of recorded MOT issues.
- Engine management (MIL) warnings are the most common recurring systemic issue.
- Headlamp alignment appears throughout the vehicle's life, from low to higher mileages.
Failure breakdown
How Bentley Continental MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category in this age band — not MOT tests and not number of vehicles.
- 71.7%Owner maintenance5,209 notes
- 11.4%Wear & tear830 notes
- 4.2%Systemic306 notes
- 12.7%Other923 notes
Advisory
5,607
77% of notes
Minor
330
5% of notes
Major
1,021
14% of notes
Dangerous
310
4% of notes
Most common owner-maintenance faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
- 1
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
1,041 notes5.2.3 (e)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
- Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
- Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 2
Tyre worn close to the legal limit
215 notes4.1.E.1What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
- Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
- Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 3
Headlamp aim too low
94 notes4.1.2 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
- Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
- Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 4
Windscreen washer not working
76 notes3.5 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
- Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
- Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 5
Headlamp aim too low
55 notes1.8What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
- Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
- Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 6
Tyre has ply or cords exposed
53 notes4.1.D.1bWhat it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- These issues often build up when routine checks are skipped between services — tyres, lamps and washers are typical examples.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 7
Brake pad(s) wearing thin
50 notes3.5.1gWhat it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- These issues often build up when routine checks are skipped between services — tyres, lamps and washers are typical examples.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
- 8
Tyre pressure monitoring system warning lamp indicates a fault
35 notes4.1.D.4What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
- Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
- Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
- Usually maintenance related
Most common wear & tear faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
- 1
brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
41 notes3.5.1iWhat it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- A brake disc is contaminated, scored or otherwise not in a serviceable condition for consistent braking.
Why it happens
- Worn pads, rust lip, oil contamination or delayed disc replacement leave an uneven braking surface.
Buyer tip
- Check disc faces through the wheels and ask for pad/disc measurements if the car is due brakes soon.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 2
Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement
19 notes2.4.G.2What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 3
Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated
3 notes2.6.1What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 4
Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a track control arm inner bush
2 notes2.5.B.2bWhat it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 5
wheel bearing rough when rotated
1 notes2.5.A.2What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Usually wear related
- 6
Lower Front suspension has excessive movement at a wishbone pin or bush
1 notes2.5.A.1cWhat it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Usually wear related
Most common systemic faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
- 1
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
69 notes8.2.1.2 (h)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
- Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
- Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 2
Electronic parking brake defective but can be satisfactorily operated Housing cracked
18 notes1.1.6 (d)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- A road wheel shows a crack or fracture. That is a structural safety issue, not a cosmetic mark.
Why it happens
- Pothole impacts, corrosion or prior kerbing damage can crack alloy or steel wheels.
Buyer tip
- Walk away or insist on replacement wheels and a re-test — do not treat this as a minor snag.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 3
Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
3 notes1.1.11 (c)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
- Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
- Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 4
Power steering component leaking also excessive noise .
3 notes2.1.5 (a)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- Power steering assistance is malfunctioning, making the car heavier and less predictable to steer.
Why it happens
- Low fluid, pump faults, leaks or electric PAS failures remove assistance.
Buyer tip
- Check fluid (if hydraulic), look for leaks, and verify electric PAS warnings on the dash.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 5
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
3 notes8.2.2.2 (g)What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
- Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
- Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 6
Rear Electrical wiring insecure wire rubbing on nearside rear drive shaft
1 notes1.9.2aWhat it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- When similar DVSA wording appears across many examples, it can reflect shared components or recurring model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 7
Steering rack gaiter split
1 notes2.2.D.2dWhat it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- When similar DVSA wording appears across many examples, it can reflect shared components or recurring model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
- 8
Outer Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter missing IN SCURE
1 notes2.4.G.4eWhat it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
- This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
- When similar DVSA wording appears across many examples, it can reflect shared components or recurring model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
Buyer tip
- Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
- Often a recurring model pattern
Bentley Continental research summary
Based on over 14,580 official UK MOT tests, Bentley Continental models registered between 2011 and 2016 achieve a strong 92.7% MOT pass rate.
The overwhelming majority of recorded MOT defects relate to routine owner maintenance, with tyres, lighting and washer systems accounting for most common faults seen on used examples in this age band.
Recurring systemic faults occur far less frequently, although engine management warning lamp (MIL) defects appear consistently across the dataset.
Overall, the data suggests that this generation of Bentley Continental is more likely to fail MOT due to maintenance items than widespread design faults, making service history and routine upkeep particularly important when buying used. Shoppers comparing a used Bentley Continental should treat this research summary as model-level context before inspecting any individual car.
What this report cannot tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Bentley Continental models can have very different maintenance histories.
Use it to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car — then check that car’s own MOT history.
Year by year
Recent category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 479 | 82 | 31 | 90 |
| 2022 | 609 | 84 | 43 | 90 |
| 2023 | 508 | 109 | 31 | 74 |
| 2024 | 568 | 121 | 44 | 77 |
| 2025 | 577 | 150 | 36 | 90 |
| 2026 | 281 | 56 | 29 | 53 |
All counts are defect notes.
How we classify MOT faults
We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.
- Owner maintenance
- Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
- Wear & tear
- Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
- Systemic
- Recurring wording and patterns across the model fleet that may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
- Other
- Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.
Dataset: 14,580 official UK DVSA MOT tests · 7,268 defect notes · 2011–2016 registrations · United Kingdom · snapshot 26 September 2026 · aggregated model-level MOT analysis.
Buying a used Bentley Continental: practical MOT checks
- 1Measure tyre tread across the full width and check age (DOT date) before you buy.
- 2Ask for a full service history that matches the mileage.
- 3Compare this model with a peer in the same age band, not against a single registration check alone.
- 4Confirm any warning lamps (engine management, ABS, SRS) are investigated, not just cleared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bentley Continental MOT pass rate for 2011–2016?
- In this extract, Bentley Continental shows a 92.7% MOT pass rate across 14,580 recorded DVSA tests.
What drives most Bentley Continental MOT defect notes?
- About 72% of recorded defect notes are classed as owner maintenance, with tyres among the highest-volume items.
Is this the same as checking one registration on GOV.UK?
- No. GOV.UK shows one vehicle. This page aggregates MOT outcomes for the Bentley Continental model in a fixed UK registration age band so you can research the model before you shortlist cars.
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