Recalls: Bentley 3W2 Continental GT
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Bentley 3W2 Continental GT
Bentley 3W2 Continental GT: loose battery connection
In October 2015, a recall was issued for Bentley 3W2 Continental GT vehicles that had VINs in the range SCBFH63W4CC067356 to SCBGE23W2FC041768. In these vehicles, a 12 volt battery cable may have a loose connection where it passes through the front bulkhead on the right hand side of the vehicle. In most instances, a loose connection would prevent the driver from being able to start the engine. In rare cases, however, a loose connection could cause overheating and a vehicle fire if the battery was significantly discharged and the vehicle was being operated under increased electrical load PRA (2015/14974).
2017 Bentley Continental Supersports: hydraulic steering fluid leak
In December 2019, recall campaign RE19/27 (RB41) was issued for Bentley Continental Supersports vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 19 May 2017 to 1 November 2017. Due to incorrect manufacture, the Power Assisted Steering (PAS) cooler hose could detach from the stub pipe, causing the vehicle to leak hydraulic steering fluid. A hydraulic steering fluid leak could result in the loss of steering control or vehicle fire, increasing the risk of a collision or injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/18006.
Problems and faults: Bentley 3W2 Continental GT
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT W12: bank 2 drive belt deflection pulley
In April 2013, Bentley Motors issued Technical Production Information (TPI) 2032874/1 for 2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT vehicles. In these vehicles, the Bank 2 accessory drive belt deflection pulley may be diagnosed as unserviceable/noisy, such that the pulley would have to be replaced. According to the TPI, a new specification Bank 2 deflection pulley (part number 07C 145 276F) was introduced which had the following ‘significant changes’ from the original:
- The original pulley operated using a single-row ball bearing, whereas the new pulley had a double-row ball bearing;
- The original specification single row pulley could be identified as it had a grooved belt running surface and a shallow cone shaped dust cap. The new pulley had a smooth belt running surface and a deep cone shaped dust cap; and,
- The original pulley was secured with a Torx bolt, whereas the new pulley was supplied and secured with a 16 mm hexagon-headed bolt.
The new pulley, however, was only to be fitted to Bank 2 and not Bank 1.
2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT V8: cold start valve coolant leak
For 2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT V8 vehicles, a seal in the coolant warm up valve (part number 079 121 678 G) may not have been seated correctly during assembly. In such vehicles, a minor coolant leak may occur at the valve spindle in the actuator arm housing and be visible on the outside lower edge of the housing. The leak would be apparent early in the vehicle’s life.
The coolant warm up valve on all affected vehicles was to be checked for evidence of coolant leakage. Once the coolant residue had been removed, the valve should then be repeatedly cycled to correctly seat the seal and identify valves that were not serviceable. Where coolant leaks were present, the coolant valve was to be replaced with the updated part (part number 079 121 678 G +). For further information, see Bentley Motors Campaign E765.
2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT V8: one-way valves in cooling circuit
For 2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT V8 vehicles, the cooling de-gas circuit had two one-way valves integrated into the hose assembly that may have been incorrectly orientated – this could reduce coolant flow in the heater circuit and reduce cabin heating performance. As part of Bentley Motors Campaign E781, the orientation of these two valves was to be checked and, if incorrect, the hose was to be replaced.
2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT V8 and GT Speed: front differential noise and transmission replacement
For 2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT V8 and GT Speed vehicles, the eight-speed automatic transmission may develop a front differential noise due to a reduction in the torque of a nut retaining the front differential bevel gear bearing. Where the clamping load on this bearing relaxed, the front differential would become noisy and have a greatly reduced service life. Since the front axle final drive unit was not serviceable and was integrated with the main transmission assembly, this problem could only be rectified by fitting a new transmission assembly. As a production change, the surface finish and method of locking the bevel gear bearing retaining nut was changed. For further information, see Bentley Motors Technical Production Information 2032542/1.
2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT V8: corrosion of alternator’s main output terminal
For 2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT V8 vehicles, water could enter the engine bay from the front right wheel arch liner slats and contact the rear of the alternator – this could cause corrosion of the alternator’s main output terminal. To minimise the risk of water ingress, a new water deflection shield was developed and fitted during manufacture. Furthermore, affected vehicles were to be fitted with the new shield when the vehicle was being serviced. For further information, see Bentley Motors Campaign E789.
2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT: harsh gearshifts
For 2011-13 Bentley 3W2 Continental GT vehicles, gear shift performance when in ‘D’ mode may be harsh or not as smooth as expected. To fix, the Bentley dealer was not to carry out the standard ‘Transmission adaption process’, but to follow the procedure document in Bentley Motors’ Technical Production Information 2035309/1.
