Bentley Incident Report

2.0 Prioritized Analysis of "Emerging" Issues

A core strategic component of this analysis is the immediate focus on issues classified as "Emerging." This classification signifies that multiple, distinct consumer complaints have been registered for the same vehicle system, indicating a potential pattern of failure rather than an isolated incident. These patterns warrant priority attention from the Quality Assurance team as they may represent early indicators of a more widespread component or software defect with significant safety implications.

2.1 Air Bags (Emerging)

• Affected Model(s) and Widespread Level: Bentley Bentayga (Emerging)
• Synthesis of Complaints: Reports for the Bentayga point to critical vulnerabilities in the vehicle's electronic architecture affecting primary safety systems. One report explicitly details the concern of a potential cyber-attack targeting the vehicle's connected systems, which could disable essential features including air bags. A second report describes a failure of the anti-collision and anti-pedestrian systems during a low-speed parking maneuver.
• Safety Risk Assessment: A compromise of the vehicle's connected architecture presents a critical attack vector. A denial-of-service attack on primary safety systems (e.g., air bags, steering, service brakes) could result in a catastrophic loss of vehicle control with no prior warning to the operator. Separately, the reported failure of an automated collision avoidance feature undermines a key active safety system, increasing the risk of pedestrian impact.
• Reference IDs: 1405580, 1754450

2.2 Electrical System (Emerging)

• Affected Model(s) and Widespread Level: Bentley Bentayga (Emerging)
• Synthesis of Complaints: Consumers report intermittent and unpredictable behavior from the Bentayga's electrical systems. One complaint describes the climate control system as only being partially operable. A more critical complaint, also categorized under other systems, details a failure of the electronic anti-collision and anti-pedestrian safety features.
• Safety Risk Assessment: While an intermittent climate control system is primarily a quality and convenience issue, it may be indicative of a deeper instability within the vehicle's electrical architecture. The failure of a critical active safety feature like collision avoidance, linked to the electrical system, demonstrates that such instability can have direct and severe safety consequences, elevating the risk of collision and occupant or pedestrian injury.
• Reference IDs: 1754451, 1855819

2.3 Forward Collision Avoidance (Emerging)

• Affected Model(s) and Widespread Level: Bentley Bentayga (Emerging)
• Synthesis of Complaints: A specific complaint details the failure of the Bentayga's forward collision avoidance and anti-pedestrian feature. The system reportedly failed to function as a pedestrian was guiding the driver into a residential garage, creating a direct safety hazard. It is critical to note that this single incident was filed under three separate system categories (Forward Collision Avoidance, Air Bags, and Electrical System), corresponding to IDs [1754452], [1754450], and [1754451] respectively. This highlights a potential data artifact in the reporting system and should not be misinterpreted as three distinct failure events.
• Safety Risk Assessment: This incident represents a direct failure of an active safety system designed to prevent low-speed impacts. Such a failure poses a significant and immediate risk of injury to pedestrians or property damage, especially in common maneuvering scenarios where drivers may rely on the system to function as advertised.
• Reference IDs: 1754452

The focused review of these high-priority emerging issues provides a clear starting point for investigation. The subsequent sections will broaden the analysis to include all unique complaints across the full range of Bentley models.

3.0 Comprehensive Complaint Analysis by Vehicle Model

This section provides a complete breakdown of all unique and emerging consumer complaints, organized by the specific Bentley model. This granular view allows for a focused assessment of potential quality control issues or design flaws that may be unique to certain platforms or production years, providing valuable context for model-specific engineering teams.

3.1 Bentley Bentayga

Affected System Summary of Complaint Complaint ID

AIR BAGS Concerns raised about cyber-attack vulnerabilities disabling safety systems and failure of the anti-pedestrian feature. 1405580, 1754450

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Reports of intermittently functioning climate control and failure of the electronic anti-pedestrian system. 1754451, 1855819

ENGINE Vehicle reportedly disengages from gear and slips into neutral when coasting. A separate report indicates the auto-start feature stalls the engine at inopportune times. 1404699, 1404700, 1405201

EXTERIOR LIGHTING Complaint text describes intermittently operable climate control, suggesting a potential electrical fault affecting multiple systems. 1855820

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE Anti-collision and anti-pedestrian safety feature reportedly failed during a low-speed parking maneuver. 1754452

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Driver reported an abnormally strong fuel odor detected inside the vehicle while driving. 1830232

SERVICE BRAKES Complaints include dangerously low brake pads found at only 8,800 miles and concerns that dynamic cruise control allows for unsafe following distances. 1405477, 1405581, 1879290

STEERING The Lane Assist feature reportedly steered the vehicle violently into oncoming traffic when road markings became ambiguous. 1405311

UNKNOWN OR OTHER The "Safeguard" feature, intended to stop the vehicle for an obstacle, reportedly failed during a left turn. 1405008, 1405582

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Dynamic cruise control system is described as dangerous, as it allows for an unsafe following distance to be set. 1405478

VISIBILITY/WIPER A ventilation system design flaw is reported to cause the front windshield to steam up constantly in humid weather, severely impairing visibility. 1404752

3.2 Bentley Arnage

Affected System Summary of Complaint Complaint ID

SUSPENSION The vehicle was reportedly out of alignment while being driven. 1807861

TIRES Complaint alleges defective tires and issues with warranty claims in an incoherent narrative. 1886184

3.3 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Affected System Summary of Complaint Complaint ID

AIR BAGS Multiple system fault lights, including for the engine, illuminated shortly after purchase and would not reset. 1528913, 1528919

BACK OVER PREVENTION The rear backup camera reportedly takes an extended time (15-25 seconds) to activate after the vehicle is placed in reverse. 1258121

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM The speedometer is reported to read 6-8% high by design; other reports detail numerous electrical fault codes appearing. 726277, 1528914, 1528920

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Multiple fault lights, including the check engine light, appeared shortly after purchase. 1528915, 1528921

SERVICE BRAKES A report was filed for a complete brake failure while the vehicle was being driven. 1459367

SUSPENSION:FRONT The front hydraulic suspension system reportedly collapsed while the vehicle was parked, rendering it inoperable. 862980

TIRES Four tires reportedly failed simultaneously by ripping apart at the sidewall. 963321

UNKNOWN OR OTHER The small quarter panel windows on multiple vehicles of this model have become foggy, creating a safety hazard by obstructing visibility. 1465267

WHEELS Complaint related to the simultaneous failure of all four tires. 963322

3.4 Bentley Continental GT

Affected System Summary of Complaint Complaint ID

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Incomplete narrative; complaint text ends abruptly without describing a failure mode. 1950417

ENGINE Incomplete narrative; complaint text ends abruptly without describing a failure mode. 1950416

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING A loose internal flap in the exhaust system caused a loud rattling noise, requiring a full replacement of the left-side exhaust assembly. 1068637

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM A rattling exhaust system required replacement. A separate report contains an incomplete narrative without describing a failure. 1068636, 1950415

SEATS The front seats, when moved for rear access, reportedly do not return to their original position and instead move fully backward, trapping rear occupants. 1791894, 1796071

TIRES / WHEELS The vehicle was reportedly sold and delivered with summer tires when the owner was expecting all-season tires. 1476063, 1476064

3.5 Bentley Continental

Affected System Summary of Complaint Complaint ID

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A complaint was filed, but the details are contained in an attached document not available for review. 2015031

ENGINE Degraded plastic vacuum lines running over the transmission are reported to crack, which can cause the engine to stall suddenly while driving. 1836379

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL A complaint was filed, but the details are contained in an attached document not available for review. 2015030

WHEELS The manufacturer-provided tools were the incorrect size for the wheel nuts, preventing the owner from changing a flat tire. 1619374

3.6 Other Models with Unique Complaints

This table aggregates single complaints from other Bentley models to provide a comprehensive overview.

Model Affected System Summary of Complaint Complaint ID

ARNAGE LWB ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Complaint is vague and states only "MY CAR." 819602

AZURE EQUIPMENT A general request for regulatory safety inspections of multiple luxury automotive brands, not a specific vehicle complaint. 753178

AZURE TIRES A general request for regulatory safety inspections of multiple luxury automotive brands, not a specific vehicle complaint. 753180

CONTINENTAL GT CABRIO AIR BAGS The SRS warning light remains illuminated due to a persistent code for the driver's side seat belt pretensioner igniter. 818906

CONTINENTAL GTC STRUCTURE:BODY The convertible top opening mechanism on pre-2014 models is described as being defective and prone to failure. 1393263

CONTINENTAL R FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE A consumer inquiry regarding a fuel system safety recall notice for a 1993 model. 1610412

Having detailed the issues on a model-by-model basis, the next step is to identify common themes that appear across the product line.

4.0 Cross-Model Thematic Analysis

Analyzing complaint data for themes that transcend individual models is crucial for identifying potential systemic issues. Such patterns may point to vulnerabilities in shared components, common software platforms, or systemic supplier quality problems that require a broader, more strategic investigation than a single-model inquiry.

• Electrical System: Complaints related to this system were registered for the Bentayga, Continental, Continental Flying Spur, and Continental GT. This widespread pattern suggests a possible common vulnerability in the electrical architecture or shared electronic control units across these distinct platforms.
• Tires & Wheels: Complaints were filed for the Arnage, Azure, Continental, Continental Flying Spur, and Continental GT. These reports range from alleged defects and simultaneous failures to incorrect tools and tire types, indicating a recurring theme of issues related to tires, wheels, and associated equipment.
• Engine & Fuel Systems: Issues were reported across the Bentayga, Continental, Continental Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental R. The variety of complaints, from stalling and slipping gears to fuel odors and exhaust failures, suggests that powertrain and fuel delivery systems may warrant a broad quality review.
• Air Bags: Issues were reported on the Bentayga, Continental Flying Spur, and Continental GT Cabrio. While the specifics differ (cyber-vulnerability vs. warning lights), the presence of complaints across multiple models highlights the need to ensure the robustness of safety restraint systems throughout the product line.
• Service Brakes: Complaints were noted for the Bentayga and Continental Flying Spur. Given the critical safety function of braking systems, any pattern, even across two models, is significant and warrants review.

This thematic analysis provides a strategic overlay to the model-specific data, guiding the final recommendations for the Quality Assurance team.

5.0 Data Quality Considerations and Non-Actionable Reports

For a complete and accurate analysis, it is essential to identify and segregate reports that lack specific, actionable details regarding a vehicle defect. Filtering these submissions allows the Quality Assurance team to concentrate its resources on investigating verifiable and clearly articulated potential defects.

The following categories of non-actionable reports were identified in the dataset:

• General Inspection Requests: Several filings do not report a specific vehicle failure but are instead broad requests for government regulators to inspect multiple luxury automotive brands. These are not actionable as defect complaints.
• Reference IDs: 753178 (Azure), 753179 (PF59918PB), 753180 (Azure).
• Indeterminate Reports: Some complaints are too vague or nonsensical to provide a basis for a technical investigation.
• The TIRES complaint for the Arnage [1886184] is written in incoherent, non-technical language, making it impossible to determine the nature of the alleged defect.
• The ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) complaint for the Arnage LWB [819602] consists only of the words "MY CAR," offering no actionable information.

By setting aside these reports, the team can better focus its efforts on the substantive safety and quality concerns detailed in the preceding sections.

6.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

This analysis of consumer complaints reveals several key areas of concern for Bentley vehicles, with a notable concentration of high-severity issues reported for the Bentley Bentayga. The most critical findings are the "Emerging" issues related to the Bentayga's advanced electronic systems, including its forward collision avoidance features, electrical architecture, and, most alarmingly, its potential vulnerability to cyber-attacks that could disable primary safety systems like air bags. Furthermore, thematic analysis indicates potential systemic issues with electrical systems and tire/wheel assemblies that affect multiple models across the product line.

Based on these findings, the following recommendations are presented for the Quality Assurance team:

1. Prioritize Investigation of Emerging Issues: Initiate a formal engineering investigation into the "Emerging" issues identified in Section 2.0. Immediate priority should be given to the Bentayga's Forward Collision Avoidance, Air Bag, and Electrical System complaints to understand the root cause of the reported failures and assess the scope of the potential cyber-attack vulnerability.

2. Conduct Model-Specific Deep Dive on Bentayga: Given the high volume and severity of complaints associated with the Bentayga, a comprehensive, model-specific review is warranted. This review should scrutinize all reported issues, paying special attention to the integration and reliability of its advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) and core electronic architecture.

3. Initiate Cross-Model Component Review: Launch a technical review of shared components, software, and suppliers for systems that demonstrated issues across multiple models. The Electrical System and Tires/Wheels should be the initial focus of this cross-platform analysis to identify and mitigate any potential systemic quality or design weaknesses.