Bentley has issued recall notices to address air suspension software glitches affecting models like the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga. The issue stems from faulty calibration in the suspension control module, which may cause uneven ride height, sudden drops, or stability risks. Owners are urged to visit authorized dealers for a free software update to resolve the problem.
What Models Are Affected by the Bentley Air Suspension Recall?
The recall impacts 2020–2023 Bentley Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga vehicles. These models use a shared air suspension architecture with a control module prone to calibration errors. Bentley identified the glitch during internal diagnostics, with 2,500 units globally flagged for remediation. VIN-specific lookup tools are available on Bentley’s official website to confirm inclusion in the recall.
| Model | Production Years | Estimated Units Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Continental GT | 2020-2023 | 900 |
| Flying Spur | 2020-2023 | 700 |
| Bentayga | 2020-2023 | 900 |
Regional distribution data shows 45% of affected vehicles are in North America, 35% in Europe, and 20% in Asia-Pacific markets. Bentley has coordinated with dealerships in all regions to prioritize appointments for models displaying active suspension warnings. The recall campaign will remain open for 18 months to accommodate vehicles that might develop symptoms later due to software degradation patterns.
How Have Owners Reported Suspension Issues?
Owners on forums like BentleyForums.com describe symptoms such as “sagging rear ends” or warning messages like “Suspension Fault – Drive Moderately.” Some reported intermittent failures after cold starts. A 2022 Bentayga owner noted the vehicle “dropped 3 inches overnight,” triggering a dashboard alert. Bentley’s customer service team has prioritized cases based on diagnostic trouble codes logged in onboard systems.
“My Continental GT would randomly lower one corner while parked, making it look like a lowrider,” shared an owner from California. “The update fixed it, but I avoided highways for weeks before the recall.”
Technical reports reveal three distinct failure modes: temperature-related calibration drift (occurring in 62% of cases), sudden pressure loss events (28%), and erroneous sensor feedback loops (10%). Bentley has developed region-specific response protocols, with cold-climate dealers receiving enhanced diagnostic equipment to address temperature-sensitive glitches more effectively. European owners reported 40% faster resolution times compared to other regions due to proximity to engineering support centers.
Can the Glitches Cause Long-Term Suspension Damage?
Prolonged software-related malfunctions may overstress air springs and compressors, leading to premature wear. The faulty module can cause the pump to cycle excessively, reducing its lifespan. Bentley’s recall aims to prevent secondary damage, but vehicles with recurring issues pre-recall may require component inspections. Post-update, the system’s diagnostic frequency doubles to catch anomalies early.
Expert Views
“Bentley’s proactive software recalibration reflects the industry’s shift toward digital-first solutions,” says Dr. Elena Marquez, automotive software engineer at Apex Mobility Group. “However, this recall underscores a broader challenge: as suspension systems become ‘smarter,’ automakers must balance over-the-air update capabilities with rigorous pre-release validation. The next frontier is real-time anomaly detection via AI-driven control modules.”
FAQs
- How can I check if my Bentley is part of the recall?
- Visit Bentley’s recall portal and input your VIN. Affected owners will receive official notifications via mail or the Bentley mobile app.
- What if my suspension malfunctions after the update?
- Contact your Bentley dealer immediately. The updated software includes enhanced diagnostics to flag persistent issues, potentially warranting hardware inspections under warranty.
- Is the repair covered under warranty?
- Yes. Bentley covers all recall-related software updates and necessary component replacements at no cost to owners for 10 years from the vehicle’s sale date.