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2018 Bentley Bentayga

Gas

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
1 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26

Safety Signal

71 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record

Recalls1 critical 4

Complaintsnone reporting a crash, fire or injury 1

Crash ratingnot rated by NHTSA —

Fuel economybest combined, EPA 15 mpg

2027 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017

The 2018 Bentley Bentayga is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV. The most efficient version, the Bentayga, is EPA-rated at 15 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of C. Owners have filed 1 complaint, most often about the service brakes.

Bentley Bentayga — photograph via Wikimedia Commons — Bentley Bentayga · Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Configuration	Powertrain	Drive	Engine / motor	City	Hwy	Comb	Annual fuel*
Bentayga	Gas	AWD	6.0L 12-cyl turbo	12	19	15	$5,500

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 38592.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates

Configuration	Smog rating	Emission standard	Where it can be sold new	SmartWay
Bentayga	3 / 10	California LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body style	Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors	5
GVWR class	Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders	12
Displacement	6.8 L
Engine configuration	W Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower

608 hp

Fuel Economy

Fuel	Gasoline

Seating

Seat rows	2
Seating capacity	4 seats

Transmission

Drivetrain	AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic
Transmission speeds	8

Driver assistance

Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Parking assist

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes one configuration rather than every trim (seen: Bentayga). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada

Length	202.4 in
Width (body, without mirrors)	78.7 in
Height	68.5 in
Wheelbase	117.7 in
Curb weight	5,340 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear	57/43

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here one configuration: All versions. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

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Recalls (4)

Source: NHTSA recall database

!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

RE23/19

3,527 vehicles 69% reported repaired

Problem Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Bentayga vehicles. The fuel supply module wiring can overheat and melt the flange, resulting in a fuel leak. Risk A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Fix Dealers will replace the flange and fuel supply module wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2023. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE23/19.

Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF

NHTSA campaign 23V592000 reported Aug 23, 2023 Bentley Motors, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

▲high

Seat Belts

RE20/06

281 vehicles 96% reported repaired built Feb 3, 2017 – Jan 23, 2020

Problem Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row upper seat belt attachment may not stay connected to the vehicle in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." Risk If the seat belt is not properly secured in the event of a crash, the occupant will not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury. Fix Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the upper seat belt attachment bolt, free of charge. The recall began May 20, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE20/06.

Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF Owner letter PDF

NHTSA campaign 20V154000 reported Mar 18, 2020 Bentley Motors, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

▲high

Air Bags

RE20/04

4 vehicles 100% reported repaired built Feb 13, 2017 – Jun 22, 2019

Problem Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Bentayga vehicles. In the event of a crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly inflate. Risk An air bag that does not properly inflate in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury. Fix Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2020. All vehicles (4) have been remedied as of October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE20/04.

Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF Remedy instructions PDF

NHTSA campaign 20V092000 reported Feb 17, 2020 Bentley Motors, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

○minor

Back Over Prevention

RE 18/11

12 vehicles 92% reported repaired built May 2, 2018 – May 3, 2018

Problem Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018 Bentley Mulsanne and 2018 Bentayga vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rearview camera display may be obstructed or may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors." Risk If the full camera view is obstructed or delayed and the driver does not check their surroundings before backing up, there may be an increased risk of a crash. Fix Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software in the infotainment system, free of charge. The recall began October 19, 2018. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley's number for this recall is RE 18/11.

Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF Remedy instructions PDF

NHTSA campaign 18V632000 reported Sep 14, 2018 Bentley Motors, Inc. the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific Bentayga

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2018 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds.

NHTSA VIN check →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2018 Bentley Bentayga, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database

1complaints filed

0 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 0 injuries · 0 deaths reported

6.7 per 10,000 built · Bentley reported 1,488 Bentayga built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2023: 1

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 1

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

On July 19, 2019, with 8800 miles on my 2018 Bentley Bentayga, I took it into an authorized Bentley dealer repair shop for routine service. I was advised that the brakes, front, and back were dangerously low. There was no prior warning or indication of this problem. I had the front and back brakes replaced.

Service Brakes Mar 12, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11511458

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Bentley itself: 2 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 2 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 134 per 100,000 built. Every Bentayga model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

NHTSA has not published 5-Star crash ratings for this model year.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 751

Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-09-28

Kindsas classified by NHTSA 746 service bulletins, 5 service campaigns

Most often about: Electrical System, Engine, Equipment, Structure, Suspension.

2078038/6 Service campaign
2026-09-28 · Structure — Body
Service info: Paint Damage/Anomalies | All Models Customer statement / workshop findings: In rare instances the customer and/or retailer may identify visual damage/anomalies in the paint finish during or post pre-delivery inspection. These may include: • Uneven sheen or texture • Patchy or blotchy appearance • Inconsistent under lighting • Staining, discolouration, or surface blemishes
2057841/5 Service bulletin
2026-08-27 · Structure — Body
Windscreen replacement criteria whilst under manufacturers warranty.
2078038/5 Service bulletin
2026-08-27 · Structure — Body
Service info: Paint Damage/Anomalies | All Models
2083061/1 Service bulletin
2026-08-19 · Unknown Or Other
Real Wear Setup and Guide using VYSOR
2061369/14 Service bulletin
2026-08-19 · Engine
Engine Overheating - Warning in the DIP | V8 Kovomo. Customer statement / workshop findings: One or a combination of the following symptoms are evident • Engine overheat warning in the DIP (Engine overheating) • Unusual cooling fan operation at high temperatures • P19F700: Low engine coolant temperature indicator lamp coolant too warm • Signs of coolant in the vacuum hoses for switch valve N649
2082806/1 Service bulletin
2026-08-11 · Steering
Steering Rack Requires Replacement | Bentayga | 17-18MY
2078395/3 Service bulletin
2026-08-11 · Structure — Body
Service info: Leather Damage/Anomalies | All Models
2061369/13 Service bulletin
2026-08-06 · Electrical System
Engine Overheating - Warning in the DIP | V8 Kovomo. Customer statement / workshop findings: One or a combination of the following symptoms are evident: • Engine overheat warning in the DIP (Engine overheating) • Unusual cooling fan operation at high temperatures • P19F700: Low engine coolant temperature indicator lamp coolant too warm • Signs of coolant in the vacuum hoses for switch valve N649

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Bentayga by model year

all years, side by side →

Year Safety Recalls Complaints

2027 A 0 0 21 mpg 2026 A 1 0 21 mpg 2025 A 1 0 21 mpg 2024 A 0 0 16 mpg 2023 D 3 0 20 mpg 2022 D 5 0 18 mpg 2021 D 7 1 19 mpg 2020 D 4 0 19 mpg 2019 D 4 1 17 mpg 2018 this page C 4 1 15 mpg 2017 C 2 9 15 mpg

Common questions about the 2018 Bentayga

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2018 Bentley Bentayga have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 4 recall campaigns for the 2018 Bentley Bentayga, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 23V592000, covering Fuel System, Gasoline. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2018 Bentley Bentayga?

NHTSA has not published a crash-test rating for the 2018 Bentley Bentayga yet. On the recall record WhichTrim grades it C (71/100), which measures open and severe recalls rather than crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Bentley Bentayga?

For the 2018 Bentley Bentayga, the best EPA combined figure is 15 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2018 Bentley Bentayga?

Transport Canada measured it at 202.4 in long, 78.7 in wide (body, without mirrors), 68.5 in tall, on a 117.7 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 5,340 lb. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2018 Bentley Bentayga?

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2018 Bentley Bentayga, most often about service brakes. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2018 Bentley Bentayga?

The EPA smog rating for the 2018 Bentley Bentayga is 3 out of 10. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III ULEV125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2018 Bentley Bentayga?

The manufacturer has filed 751 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2018 Bentley Bentayga, most often covering electrical system, engine, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-09-28. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

Data	Held	Source	What it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations	1 configurations	EPA certification records	Every configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates	1 configurations	EPA emission certificates	Smog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls	4	NHTSA recall campaigns	A complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints	1	NHTSA complaint database	Also complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings	none	NHTSA NCAP	NHTSA has not tested this model year. Cars are selected for testing, so untested is not unsafe.
Service bulletins	751	NHTSA manufacturer communications	Everything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations	none	NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation	No defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reports	none	NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01	No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA	13 fields	NHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patterns	What the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions	5 fields	Transport Canada, Canadian Vehicle Specifications	Length, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipment	none	Manufacturer press kit	We have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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