2012 Bentley Continental

The 2012 Bentley Continental is a luxury grand tourer that offers a blend of performance, opulent luxury, and handcrafted details. The most common engine option for this model year is the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, producing 567 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A less common but available option is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 500 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Continental’s powerful engine, luxurious interior, and smooth ride. However, some common complaints include high maintenance costs, complex electronics that can be prone to issues, and limited rear passenger space.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged W12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks are commonly reported from various seals and gaskets within the engine. Visible oil puddles underneath the car, low oil levels, and burning oil smells.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn seals and gaskets. Common areas include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the location of the leak and the extent of disassembly required.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from hoses, the water pump, or the radiator are relatively common. Overheating and low coolant levels are the main symptoms.
  • Solution: Replacing deteriorated hoses, water pump, or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on the component that needs replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Oil Separator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, smoke from exhaust, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil separator unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, especially at lower speeds. Hesitation or slipping under acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+ depending on whether the torque converter is replaced or the entire transmission is rebuilt.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, erratic gear selection, or inability to shift.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ depending on the complexity of the rebuild and whether new components are used.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The car sits low, especially on one side. The air suspension warning light is illuminated. The car takes a long time to raise or doesn’t raise at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ depending on the supplier and labor rates.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: One corner of the car sits lower than the others. Hissing sound from the affected strut.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ per strut, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery drains quickly, especially if it sits unused for a few days. Difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. Common causes include faulty control modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the complexity of the issue. Diagnostic fees can be substantial.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes or becomes unresponsive. Navigation system malfunctions. Audio system problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the head unit, or repair of faulty wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+ depending on the issue and the cost of replacement parts.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation or moisture inside the headlight housings. This can lead to reduced visibility.
  • Solution: Replacement of the headlight housing seals, or, in severe cases, replacement of the entire headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ per headlight assembly.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty adjusting the seats. Clicking or grinding noises when adjusting the seats. Some seat functions may stop working.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat actuator or motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ per seat, depending on the part needed and the labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Creaking/Rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying creaking or rattling noises from the dashboard, especially on rough roads.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and tightening of loose components within the dashboard. Installation of sound-deadening material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the source of the noise and the amount of labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2012 Bentley Continental, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, can be prone to several common issues, particularly within the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems. The cost of repairs can be substantial, especially for air suspension components and complex engine work. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, including a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic specializing in high-end vehicles. The severity of the issues varies, but many can be costly to repair, making regular maintenance and preventative care crucial for owning a 2012 Bentley Continental.