The 2021 Bentley Bentayga exhibits several safety-related recalls, notably affecting critical components such as seat belts and suspension. Given the nature of these issues arising within the initial ownership period, prospective buyers should proceed with caution and focus on completion of recall repairs.
Key Factor:Multiple safety recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (7) than the average BENTLEY vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
7 recalls for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The presence of seven recalls highlights significant safety concerns regarding core systems that directly impact occupant protection and vehicle handling. The issue with the seat belt locking mechanism poses a serious risk, potentially compromising children's safety during travel. Further complicating matters is the suspension recall concerning stress corrosion, which could lead to handling instability or even accidents if not addressed. For a luxury SUV like the Bentayga, such defects indicate lapses in quality control that would typically be expected from this prestigious brand.
Having zero complaints is a positive note; however, it is overshadowed by these critical recalls. For a vehicle in this price segment, buyers anticipate exceptional engineering mastery and reliabilityβboth of which are being questioned given the current data. The absence of consumer complaints suggests some awareness among owners regarding these issues but reinforces the necessity for thorough inspections and documentation before acquisition.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
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Summary: The safety trend for the 2021 Bentley Bentayga reveals an alarming rate of recalls that significantly overshadows its luxury market position. While high-end brands often experience fewer issues in their newer models, Bentley's record for this year indicates potential quality control concerns that are worse than expected.
Safety & Reliability Score
29/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-56
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 BENTLEY Bentayga
Model Year2021
MakeBENTLEY
ModelBentayga
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Jul20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr21
RECALLRecall Issued
May22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BENTLEY Bentayga. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
SEAT BELTSEQUIPMENTSUSPENSIONELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)SEATSBACK OVER PREVENTIONFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
Confirm that all necessary recall repairs have been completed regarding seat belts.
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Request confirmation on whether all recalls related to seat belts have been performed.
Campaign:21V395000
2
Suspension
Issue: Lock nut on rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
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Inspect rear axle components regularly for wear or damage as per TSB guidelines.
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Check for documented inspections or repairs related to rear axle suspension before purchasing.
Campaign:21V395000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your BENTLEY dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (7)
Campaign: 21V605000
SEAT BELTS
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Summary
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The front passenger seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat belt assemblies, and if necessary, replace the seat belts free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/31 (RC13).
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V975000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
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Summary
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga, Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Continental GT Convertible vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the air bag system will not deploy when the "Passenger Airbag On" symbol is illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
The incorrect information may change how occupants position themselves in relation to the air bags, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Bentley will mail new labels to owners. Owners may apply the label themselves or have a dealer apply the label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/43 (RC26).
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V276000
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
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Summary
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.
Consequence
A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed on June 16, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/17 (RB98).
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V647000
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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Summary
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. Incorrect software for the chassis control module may cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to malfunction.
Consequence
A malfunctioning ESC system can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the chassis control module with the correct software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 5, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE21/29.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V257000
SEATS
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Summary
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga vehicles. The second row seats may be installed incorrectly, without being locked on all seat rails.
Consequence
An unlocked seat rail could move in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
Remedy
Dealers will check and reset the 2nd row seat rail positions to ensure proper engagement of the seat rails, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 16, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RC22/10 (RC36).
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V743000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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Summary
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bentayga vehicles. Due to a software error, the rearview camera image may be blank when the car is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera screen that displays a blank image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2022. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-877-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE22/29 (RC54).
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V592000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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Summary
Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting in a fuel leak.
Consequence
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the flange and fuel supply module wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE23/19.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Bentayga.
INV-2021-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Bentayga performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 41,485
INV-2021-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Bentayga performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 44,528
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the 2021 Bentley Bentayga?
'Common problems include several critical safety-related recalls involving seat belts and suspension components. Buyers should ensure all recall work has been completed to mitigate risks associated with these issues.'
'How do I verify if my Bentley Bentayga has open recalls?'
'To check for open recalls on your Bentley Bentayga, you can visit the NHTSA website or use your vehicle identification number (VIN) at your local dealership's service department.'
πYear-over-Year Context
πElevated Activity
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new seat belts components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 75% versus the 2020 version.
π§What This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified BENTLEY service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in BENTLEY's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every BENTLEY recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later Bentayga iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a BENTLEY specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.