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2016 Bentley Continental Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis

Overall Score

6.3/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Bentley Continental is a powerful and luxurious grand tourer with a 6.0L W12 engine and all-wheel drive.
  • Zero recalls and zero consumer complaints suggest a lack of major safety defects or widespread owner dissatisfaction reported to NHTSA.
  • A notable 36 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) indicate potential for minor, non-safety-critical issues that require proactive inspection.
  • Fuel economy is modest, with a combined EPA rating of 15 MPG, contributing to higher running costs.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2016 Bentley Continental

The 2016 Bentley Continental offers a blend of potent performance and opulent luxury, powered by a formidable 6.0-liter, 12-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This grand tourer achieves an EPA-estimated 15 MPG combined. While the vehicle boasts zero recalls and zero consumer complaints logged with NHTSA, its reliability assessment notes a considerable 36 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). These bulletins likely address non-safety-critical items, but their volume indicates a potential for minor component issues or drivability quirks that warrant attention from prospective buyers. NHTSA has not provided specific safety ratings for this model.

Critical Failure Risk

TSBs indicate potential issues with the ECM, leading to various drivability and system malfunctions. These can range from minor glitches to more significant performance impacts.

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,500-$3,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
15
MPG
City
12
MPG
Highway
20
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.8/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Discerning buyers seeking a high-performance luxury grand tourer with a distinctive presence.

+3 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Budget-conscious shoppers concerned about high fuel and potential maintenance costs.

+3 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2016 Bentley Continental Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Bentley Continental.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects

Limited reliability records are available for this model year.

Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Premium
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Coupe
EPA Combined MPG
15

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Most Common Issues

1. Electronic Control Module (ECM) Issues

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Air Suspension System Leaks

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change and Filter Replacement (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering, Washer)

Est. shop cost: $300 - $500

10,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (6 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2016 Bentley Continental reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Bentley Continental is 8.8/10. Reliability score is 8.8/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2016 Bentley Continental for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 15 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2016 Bentley Continental?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Bentley Continental is 6.3/10. Overall score is 6.3/10 (Mixed). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 7.3/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Bentley Continental?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change and Filter Replacement (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering, Washer) at 10,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,000 - $1,800. Repair prediction highlight: Electronic Control Module (ECM) (typical at 65,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $1,500 • Max: $3,000).

What engine is in the 2016 Bentley Continental?▾

Engine specs list 12 • 6.0.

What transmission does the 2016 Bentley Continental use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Bentley Continental, transmission is Automatic (S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

Does the 2016 Continental require Premium gas?▾

Manufacturer fuel recommendation: Premium.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Bentley Continental?▾

EPA combined estimate is 15 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Bentley Continental?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What body style is the 2016 Bentley Continental?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Bentley Continental, body style is coupe.

What drivetrain does the 2016 Bentley Continental use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Bentley Continental, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S8).

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2016 Bentley Continental?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2016 Aston Martin DB9 and 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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