CARMOTIQ Model Research Report
Bentley Continental
2011–2016
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.
Report Dataset
- Official UK DVSA MOT tests analysed
- 14,580
- Recorded defect notes
- 7,268
- Registration era
- 2011–2016
- Coverage
- United Kingdom
- Snapshot
- 17 August 2026
- Research method
- Aggregated model-level MOT analysis
MOT pass rate
92.7%
of MOT tests passed
MOT tests analysed
14,580
Defect notes recorded
7,268
Key Findings
Bentley Continental (2011–2016)
- 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.
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 doesn't 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 this report to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car.
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 — for example 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 that appear across the model fleet and 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.
How MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category for Bentley Continental in this age band (not MOT tests and not number of vehicles).
- Owner maintenance
71.7% · 5,209
defect notes
- Wear & tear
11.4% · 830
defect notes
- Systemic
4.2% · 306
defect notes
- Other
12.7% · 923
defect notes
Severity mix
How those defect notes were graded — advisory, minor, major or dangerous — summed across categories for this model band.
Advisory
5,607
defect notes
Minor
330
defect notes
Major
1,021
defect notes
Dangerous
310
defect notes
Most Common Owner-Maintenance Faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
- Recorded
- 1,041 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (e)
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
Tyre worn close to the legal limit
- Recorded
- 215 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.E.1
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
Headlamp aim too low
- Recorded
- 94 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (a)
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
Windscreen washer not working
- Recorded
- 76 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5 (a)
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
Headlamp aim too low
- Recorded
- 55 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.8
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
Tyre has ply or cords exposed
- Recorded
- 53 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.D.1b
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
Brake pad(s) wearing thin
- Recorded
- 50 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5.1g
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
Tyre pressure monitoring system warning lamp indicates a fault
- Recorded
- 35 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.D.4
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.
brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- Recorded
- 41 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5.1i
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
Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement
- Recorded
- 19 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.4.G.2
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
Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.6.1
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
Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a track control arm inner bush
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.5.B.2b
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
wheel bearing rough when rotated
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.5.A.2
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
Lower Front suspension has excessive movement at a wishbone pin or bush
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.5.A.1c
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.
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 69 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (h)
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
Electronic parking brake defective but can be satisfactorily operated Housing cracked
- Recorded
- 18 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.6 (d)
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
Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.11 (c)
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
Power steering component leaking also excessive noise .
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.1.5 (a)
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
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (g)
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
Rear Electrical wiring insecure wire rubbing on nearside rear drive shaft
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.9.2a
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
Steering rack gaiter split
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.2.D.2d
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
Outer Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter missing IN SCURE
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.4.G.4e
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
Recent year-by-year category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, and not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | |
| 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 |
Buying a used Bentley Continental: practical MOT checks
- Measure tyre tread across the full width and check age (DOT date) before you buy.
- Ask for a full service history that matches the mileage.
- Compare this model with a peer in the same age band, not against a single registration check alone.
- Confirm 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.