Recalls: Bentley Arnage
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 Arnage
- In January 1999, a recall was issued for Bentley Arnage vehicles due to a defect with the foot-operated parking brake release cable (PRA 1999/3814).
- In June 1999, a recall was issued for Bentley Arnage vehicles manufactured prior to May 1999. In these vehicles the surface of each heated seat could reach an unacceptably high temperature – this could damage anything which came into contact with the seat cushion (PRA 1999/3965).
- In February 2001, a recall was issued for 2000 and 2001 model year Arnage Red Label vehicles. In these vehicles, either of the flexible hoses carrying fuel between 1) the engine and the fuel cooler, or 2) the engine and the body, could leak (PRA 2001/4663).
- In March 2004, a recall was issued for Bentley Arnage vehicles that were manufactured between September 2001 and February 2004. In these vehicles, the fuel line quick connections may not have been refitted correctly in servicing. This could result in fuel leaking which, in the presence of an ignition source, could cause a fire (PRA 2004/6894).
- In February 2005, a recall was issued for 2000MY Arnage Red Label, 2001MY Le Mans and LWB models. In these vehicles, the fuel pump noise reduction kit had a defect in the fuel pump outlet hose assembly which could lead to fuel leakage (PRA 2005/7548).
- In February 2007, a recall was issued for Arnage R, T, RL and Limousine vehicles manufactured between February 2005 and August 2006. In these vehicles, the wheel bolt could potentially loose and cause the affected wheel to become detached from the hub (PRA 2007/9051).
- In September 2010, a recall was issued for Bentley Arnage vehicles due to the possibility that the retractable ‘B’ mechanism may become corroded and not retract the ‘B’ when struck – this could cause additional injury in the event of a pedestrian impact (PRA 2010/11995). The VINs of the affected vehicles were as follows:
- Arnage T: SCBLF45FX7CH12031, SCBLF45F77CH12231, SCBLF45FX7CH12269 and SCBLF45F88CH12658;
- Arnage R Diamond Series: SCBLC37F66CH11635; and,
- Arnage RL: SCBLE37G53CH19157.
Problems and faults: Bentley Arnage
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.
Arnage Red Label: head gasket failure
The 6.75-litre V8 engine with a single turbocharger for the Bentley Series I Arnage Red Label and Le Mans Series (pre-2002) is susceptible to head gasket failure.
For the Series II Arnage R and T, a metal head gasket and different head bolts were used – these models are not regarded as being susceptible to blow head gaskets.
Arnage T: camshaft and tappet wear
The 2002-06 Bentley Arnage T (and to a lesser extent the Arnage R), were susceptible to excessive camshaft and tappet wear – this could manifest from 60,000 to 110,000 kms as a misfire. If the camshaft was destroyed, the entire engine may need to be replaced.
The post-October 2006 Arnage had a reprofiled camshaft with an all-new roller tappet system.
Suspension
- For pre-2007 Arnage vehicles, the electro-hydraulic rear dampers have nitrogen gas-filled spheres that can run out of gas.
- The Sachs shock absorbers wear over time and are expensive to replace.
- Worn bushes or drop links manifest as clunking noises or rattles from the suspension.
- Worn wheel bearings – indicated by whining noises – are not a noted weak point, but their replacement is time consuming due to the design of the wheel hub.
Exhaust clamp
Within the engine bay, the rear exhaust clamp can crack and fall off. When the clamp breaks, the positioning of a flange can make it difficult to replace them.
Batteries
The Arnage has two batteries: one for starting and another for the ancillaries. As the ancillary battery loses charge, warning lights on the dashboard can start to illuminate. If the ancillary battery is flat, the suspension can default to a firm ride mode.
