2019 Bentley Mulsanne

The 2019 Bentley Mulsanne is the pinnacle of luxury sedans, offering a blend of handcrafted details, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort. It comes standard with a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque in the standard Mulsanne or 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque in the Mulsanne Speed. Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners love the car’s opulent interior, smooth ride, and exclusivity. Criticisms often revolve around the car’s considerable size, fuel economy, and high running costs. Due to the low production volume, comprehensive and widely reported issues are relatively scarce compared to mass-market vehicles. However, some common concerns can be gathered from owner forums, repair data, and professional reviews.

Engine

6.75-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may occur from various engine seals, particularly around the valve covers and timing chain cover. Symptoms include visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected seals and gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+, depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, whistling or whining noises from the turbochargers, and potential engine misfires. Can be caused by a bad wastegate actuator, or problems with the turbo itself.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the source of the issue. Replacement or repair of the turbocharger or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+ per turbocharger (if replacement is necessary).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky gear changes, especially during low-speed operation.
  • Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush, or valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $4,000+ (depending on the solution)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine revving without corresponding acceleration, delayed engagement of gears.
  • Solution: This can occur due to low fluid, or worn clutch packs. A full transmission rebuild may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, air compressor running frequently, suspension malfunction warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaking air struts or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ per strut.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ride Height Sensor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate ride height readings, leading to improper suspension adjustments and a compromised ride quality.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty ride height sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, or unresponsive touchscreen. Navigation errors, audio system malfunctions, and connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ (depending on the severity and solution).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, and the need for frequent jump-starts. Parasitic draw from various electrical components.
  • Solution: Diagnostic testing to identify the source of the drain. Repair or replacement of the affected component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the cause).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic or false readings from parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, or other driver-assistance systems.
  • Solution: Cleaning, recalibration, or replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight/Taillight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: LED lights flicker, malfunction, or go out.
  • Solution: Replacement of the LED control module or complete headlight/taillight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+ per headlight/taillight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Trim Pieces Loosening/Rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: Interior trim panels, wood veneers, or other decorative elements becoming loose or creating rattling noises.
  • Solution: Re-securing the trim pieces or replacing damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Motor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats become stuck, or do not move smoothly
  • Solution: Replace seat motors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Bentley Mulsanne, while a symbol of luxury and performance, is not immune to potential issues. Due to the car’s sophisticated technology and bespoke construction, repairs can be costly. The most common concerns revolve around the engine (oil leaks, turbocharger issues), suspension (air suspension problems), and electrical systems (infotainment glitches, battery drain). While many issues are minor, some can be quite expensive to resolve, especially those related to the engine, transmission, and air suspension. Potential buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified Bentley technician to identify any existing or potential problems. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to significant mechanical failures. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to tens of thousands of dollars for major engine or transmission overhauls.