1996 Bentley Continental: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Bentley Continental first registered in 1996: we looked at the 130 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 130 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1996 Bentley Continental MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1996 Bentley Continental MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Oil and fluid leaks15% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Brakes15% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension10% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres9% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Steering8% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Lights and electrics7% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Bentley Continental
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Bentley Continental?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Bentley Continental compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 470 | Tyres 10% |
| 2021 | 814 | Tyres 13% |
| 2020 | 1,884 | Tyres 13% |
| 2019 | 2,413 | Tyres 13% |
| 2018 | 1,777 | Tyres 12% |
| 2017 | 1,934 | Tyres 12% |
| 2016 | 2,514 | Tyres 13% |
| 2015 | 2,401 | Tyres 14% |
| 2014 | 2,251 | Tyres 13% |
| 2013 | 2,173 | Tyres 14% |
| 2012 | 2,214 | Tyres 14% |
| 2011 | 1,672 | Tyres 14% |
| 2010 | 1,627 | Tyres 15% |
| 2009 | 1,263 | Tyres 14% |
| 2008 | 2,664 | Tyres 15% |
| 2007 | 4,009 | Tyres 15% |
| 2006 | 3,321 | Tyres 16% |
| 2005 | 3,460 | Brakes 15% |
| 2004 | 3,218 | Tyres 16% |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1998 | 132 | Tyres 14% |
| 1997 | 184 | Suspension 10% |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | 110 | Lights and electrics 19% |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Bentley Continental cars first registered in 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score