Bentley Continental MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 14,532 MOT tests on the Bentley Continental carried out in 2023. 9% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Continentals passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1997 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2009 models did best (92% passed, +33.5 points against the average for 14-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (94%, +6.8 points). Tested cars had covered 43,865 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 2.9% of tests (slightly below the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "inoperative or indicates a malfunction", on 1.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 14,532
- First-time pass rate
- 91%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +19.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 43,865
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Continental?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Continental MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 646 | 94% | 88% | +6.8 points | 12,371 |
| 2019 | 827 | 95% | 86% | +8.7 points | 15,111 |
| 2018 | 603 | 95% | 84% | +10.5 points | 18,551 |
| 2017 | 660 | 95% | 82% | +12.9 points | 23,712 |
| 2016 | 857 | 94% | 79% | +14.9 points | 27,139 |
| 2015 | 817 | 94% | 75% | +18.8 points | 29,872 |
| 2014 | 769 | 94% | 72% | +22.0 points | 34,237 |
| 2013 | 742 | 95% | 68% | +26.3 points | 39,072 |
| 2012 | 748 | 92% | 66% | +26.4 points | 40,843 |
| 2011 | 579 | 91% | 63% | +27.9 points | 43,594 |
| 2010 | 551 | 90% | 60% | +29.9 points | 44,610 |
| 2009 | 437 | 92% | 59% | +33.5 points | 49,572 |
| 2008 | 911 | 88% | 57% | +30.3 points | 53,406 |
| 2007 | 1,377 | 90% | 57% | +32.9 points | 56,254 |
| 2006 | 1,172 | 87% | 56% | +30.8 points | 61,498 |
| 2005 | 1,230 | 88% | 56% | +31.6 points | 66,436 |
| 2004 | 1,147 | 87% | 56% | +30.7 points | 68,670 |
| 1997 | 67 | 90% | 64% | +25.1 points | 60,579 |
Why the Bentley Continental fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Continental | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 2.9% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 2.3% | 11.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.2% | 3.1% |
| Brakes | 1.6% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 0.9% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 0.9% | 4.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.2% | 1.8% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.6%
- 2not working0.9%
- 3has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.8%
- 4has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
- 5has ply or cords exposed0.5%
- 6does not conform to the specified requirements0.5%
- 7pin or bush excessively worn0.5%
- 8too high0.4%
- 9tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.4%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
Common Continental MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Continental, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 5.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 2.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.3% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 1.4% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.3% |
| has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 1.0% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 0.9% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 0.7% |
Tips to help your Continental pass
Based on where Continentals most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 2.3% of Continental tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 1.6% of Continental tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Continental ULEZ compliant? See the Bentley Continental ULEZ check, or view all Bentley models.
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 14,532 first MOT tests of the Bentley Continental carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 14,532 first MOT tests of the Bentley Continental.
What is the Bentley Continental MOT failure rate?
In our data, 9% of 14,532 first MOT attempts on the Bentley Continental ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Bentley Continental fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (2.9% of tests), lights and electrics (2.3% of tests), noise, emissions and leaks (2.2% of tests).
Which Continental year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2009 cars performed best: 92% passed first time, +33.5 points against the average for 14-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 94% (+6.8 points).
How many miles had a typical Bentley Continental covered at its MOT?
The average was 43,865 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 12,371 miles and 1997 cars 60,579.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Bentley Continental?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 5.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 2.9% of Continentals failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Continental's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 14,532 Continentals in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 87% to 95% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readDashboard warning lights and the MOT: which ones mean a fail?An engine, ABS or airbag light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, even if the car drives perfectly. Which lights testers check, and what to do first.Read the guide
Check any Continental's MOT history
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