The third-generation Continental GT is widely regarded as one of the finest grand tourers ever built. The 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo engine delivers effortless performance, and the MSB platform shared with the Porsche Panamera gives it a much more agile chassis than its predecessor. Build quality is a step above previous generations, though the sheer complexity of the W12 powertrain and the dense electronics mean ownership costs remain substantial.· more· less
Proven W12, robust when maintainedExcellent ZF 8-speed transmission
Extreme labor costs (engine access)Air suspension and electrics age poorly
Buy if: You want the ultimate grand tourer experience and can budget for specialist maintenance and occasional four-figure repair bills.
Avoid if: You expect low running costs or plan to maintain it at a non-specialist garage without Bentley diagnostic tools.
Air struts develop leaks after 60,000-100,000 km, causing one corner or the front to sag overnight · more· less
The Continental GT uses air suspension on all four corners. Struts develop internal leaks as the rubber bladders age, typically appearing between 60,000 and 100,000 km. The first sign is usually one corner sitting lower after the car has been parked overnight. The compressor then works overtime to compensate, which shortens its lifespan too. OEM struts cost approximately €2,000-2,500 each from Bentley, though quality aftermarket options from suppliers like Aerosus are available for around €1,000-1,200 each. Labor runs 3-5 hours per strut. If both front struts and the compressor need replacement simultaneously, the bill at a Bentley dealer can reach €8,000. Independent specialists typically charge 30-40% less.
Turbocharger wastegate actuator failure
€3,000 - 12,0002 of 8
Wastegate diaphragm swells from oil vapor exposure, causing boost loss and limp mode · more· less
The twin turbochargers are buried deep inside the engine bay with extremely limited access. The wastegate actuator contains a rubber diaphragm that can swell from oil vapor accumulation, eventually causing it to fail. Symptoms include rattling noise, reduced power, EPC warning light, and limp mode. Bentley does not sell the wastegate actuator separately; the entire turbocharger assembly must be replaced. Accessing the turbos typically requires significant engine disassembly or even engine removal, with labor alone running 30-50 hours at a dealer. A full turbo replacement at a dealer can reach €10,000-12,000 per side. Specialist remanufactured turbochargers with upgraded wastegate bushings are available for significantly less. This issue is relatively uncommon on the Mk3 generation but remains a high-cost risk.
Rotating display mechanism malfunction
€2,000 - 5,0003 of 8
The signature three-sided rotating centre display can stop rotating or display incorrectly · more· less
The Continental GT's distinctive rotating centre console display features three faces: a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a trio of analogue gauges, and a veneer panel. The rotation mechanism is controlled by an ECU and motorized drive system. Owners have reported the display failing to rotate, getting stuck mid-rotation, or the touchscreen going blank. Software resets (holding the volume button) occasionally resolve the issue temporarily, but persistent faults usually require replacement of the rotation motor assembly or the ECU. Because this is a bespoke Bentley component with no aftermarket alternatives, parts must come from the dealer. Repair costs including parts and labor typically run €2,000-5,000 depending on whether only the motor or the entire unit needs replacement.
Power window motor/regulator failure
€800 - 2,5004 of 8
Window motors fail with a characteristic hissing sound; each motor has its own ECU · more· less
Electric window failures have been a recurring Bentley Continental GT issue across all generations. The symptom is a hissing sound when operating the window, indicating the motor is failing. Each window motor has its own integrated ECU, and the motor cannot typically be replaced separately. The entire window lift assembly must be replaced. Bentley parts pricing for the complete unit runs €600-1,200 per window, plus 2-3 hours of labor. Rebuild services exist that can refurbish the original unit for €300-500, offering significant savings. This issue is less common on Mk3 cars than earlier generations but still occurs, particularly on cars over 5 years old.
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and turbo feed lines
€1,500 - 6,0005 of 8
The tightly-packaged W12 develops gasket weeps, especially around valve covers and turbo oil lines · more· less
The W12 engine is two VR6 units married at the crankshaft, resulting in a very complex gasket layout. Valve cover gaskets are a known wear item that Bentley recommends replacing every 60,000-100,000 km. Oil can also leak from the turbocharger feed and return lines, the oil filter housing gasket, and various smaller seals. Because the engine bay is extremely tight, even minor oil leak repairs involve significant disassembly. Valve cover gasket replacement alone requires 10-17 hours of labor due to intake manifold removal. At dealer labor rates of €150-200/hour, this quickly becomes expensive. The oil lines to the turbos should be inspected annually, as blocked or leaking lines can cause oil starvation to the turbochargers, leading to premature turbo failure.
Coolant pump failure (fire risk recall)
€500 - 1,5006 of 8
External coolant pump for climate system can short-circuit if coolant seeps into electronics · more· less
This was the subject of recall RE23/02, which covers specific cars built between June 2018 and July 2020 that were not fitted with the park heater option. The 5,461-vehicle worldwide figure usually quoted with it spans the Continental GT, the GTC and the Flying Spur, so it is not a count of affected coupes. The water pump can generate negative pressure, allowing coolant to seep through the pump housing onto the electrical circuit board. This can cause a short circuit and potentially a fire. The recall fix involves replacing the pump with an improved Pierburg unit featuring a pressure compensation seal. The repair is free, and it stays free: Bentley does not charge for an outstanding recall, so an unfinished RE23/02 is a booking to make rather than a bill to budget for. Always verify this recall has been completed before purchasing any 2018-2020 Continental GT.
Electrical system glitches and warning lights
€300 - 3,0007 of 8
Spurious dashboard warnings, sensor faults, and module failures from the complex electronics architecture · more· less
The Continental GT contains an enormous number of electronic control modules governing everything from the adaptive dampers to the seat ventilation. Intermittent dashboard warning lights are common, particularly for tire pressure monitoring, parking sensors, and the engine management system. Many of these can be resolved with a diagnostic session and software reset at a dealer (€200-400), but others require module replacement. The wiring looms can develop issues over time, especially in the footwell area where moisture intrusion has been reported. More serious electrical failures involving the power steering control unit prompted separate recalls during 2019. Battery drain is also a concern if the car sits unused for more than a week; a quality trickle charger is essential.
Ignition coil failure
€500 - 1,5008 of 8
Individual coil packs fail causing misfires; the W12 has 12 coils, and access requires intake removal · more· less
Failed ignition coils are a known VW Group W12 issue. The 6.0 W12 has 12 individual coil packs, and failure of one or more causes rough idle, misfires, and check engine lights. The coils themselves are relatively inexpensive (around €30-40 each), but accessing them requires removal of the intake manifold sections, which involves significant labor. A full set of 12 coils costs approximately €350-500. Labor for coil replacement is typically 4-8 hours depending on how many are being done. It makes sense to replace all 12 coils and spark plugs simultaneously to avoid repeated disassembly. Check the car's own service plan for the plug interval rather than assuming a fixed figure: Bentley's plan for the MY21 W12 puts spark plug replacement at the third-year service, 30,000 miles.
Reliable powertrain, but extreme labor costs when repairs are needed
The third-generation Continental GT W12 benefits from a well-proven engine and the robust ZF 8-speed transmission. Major mechanical failures are uncommon with proper maintenance. However, the extreme density of the engine bay means that even routine tasks like spark plug changes require extensive disassembly. When something does go wrong, labor costs escalate quickly. Air suspension aging, electrical module issues, and oil seepage from the complex gasket layout are the most likely ownership costs beyond scheduled maintenance.
Service history
Complete Bentley dealer or authorized specialist records are essential. Verify all services were completed on schedule (annually or every 15,000 km).
Tires
Check tread depth and age (date codes). The approved staggered fitments are 265/40 ZR21 front with 305/35 ZR21 rear, or 275/35 ZR22 front with 315/30 ZR22 rear. Bentley-approved Pirelli P Zero tires cost €250-350 each.
Cold start
Must start the engine completely cold. Listen for any unusual knocking, rattling, or rough idle.
Test drive
Minimum 30-40 minutes including motorway speeds. The car needs to reach full operating temperature to reveal any issues.
Specific for this vehicle
Check air suspension level on all four corners
Park the car on level ground overnight. Return and check if any corner sits lower. Drive it and watch for suspension warnings.
Test the rotating centre display
Cycle through all three display faces multiple times. Listen for unusual grinding or hesitation during rotation.
Verify coolant pump recall RE23/02 completion
Affects cars built June 2018 - July 2020. Contact Bentley with VIN. Fire risk if not completed.
+ 5 more checksShow less
Inspect for oil leaks underneath
With the car on a lift, check the underside for oil seepage around valve covers, turbo lines, and the oil filter housing.
Test all power windows
Operate every window fully up and down. Listen for hissing sounds indicating motor failure.
Check for dashboard warning lights
With ignition on, verify all warning lights illuminate during self-test, then extinguish. Note any that remain lit after starting.
Verify power steering recall completion
Separate 2019 recalls covered the steering ECU software and the steering wiring harness, the latter as RE19/07 on right-hand-drive cars. Confirm what applies to this VIN has been completed.
Test all electronics thoroughly
Heated/ventilated seats, Naim audio system, night vision (if fitted), parking cameras, all driving modes. Repair costs for these items are high.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Coolant pump fire risk, liquid entering the electrical circuit board - recall RE23/02, specific cars built June 2018 to July 2020 without the park heater optionCritical - verify completed
Centre console software could disable the hazard lights and demister - recall RE19/06, cars built January 2018 to March 2019Critical - verify completed
Power steering control unit software error (January 2019)Verify completed
Power steering wiring harness short circuit risk - recall RE19/07, right-hand-drive vehicles (July 2019)Verify completed
Front seat entrapment during automated seat movement (2018-2021 production)Verify completed
Front seat belt assembly ALR installation error (2020-2022 models)Verify completed
Contact Bentley with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The coolant pump recall RE23/02 matters most because of the fire risk, and RE19/06 is close behind since losing the hazard lights is a safety issue in itself. RE19/07 was issued for right-hand-drive cars, so it may or may not apply depending on where the car was sold. Recall work is free of charge even years later, so an outstanding campaign is a reason to book the car in, not a reason to negotiate on price alone.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / unlimited km)Expired on 2018-2022 models
Bentley Extended WarrantyAvailable through Bentley dealers, typically 1-2 years
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still be active on 2018+ models
Most used Mk3 Continental GTs are now outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Extended warranties are available through Bentley retailers but exclusions apply. Given the potential repair costs, an extended warranty is strongly recommended for used purchase.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
