Bentley Recalls GTC Vehicles, Citing Torn Airbags

Bentley is recalling certain high-end vehicles over airbags that may not properly work when needed.

The luxury automaker is calling back about 1,700 Bentley Continental GTC vehicles, it recently told federal regulators. The vehicles’ front airbags could tear, according to the company, leaving the important safety devices inoperable.

“In the event of a crash where seat airbags are deployed, it is possible that the airbag material could be torn if a sharp edge is present on the rivet,” Bentley said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A tear in the airbag material could reduce the effectiveness of occupant protection, potentially increasing the risk of an injury.”

The recall covers certain 2021-2022 Continental GTC vehicles which were produced between June 2019 and January 2021. The cars come with a price tag in the $200,000 range.

Bentley told NHTSA that the automaker planned to notify owners by mid-April. It said it would ask owners to bring their vehicles to local dealers for inspection and repair.

“Bentley authorized retailers will inspect the affected front seats and, if necessary, remove the sharp edge on the airbag deflector bracket rivet free of charge,” the automaker said in the defect notice. “If a sharp edge requires rectification, it will take approximately one hour per seat to complete. Bentley will offer a reimbursement plan under this recall.”

This is not Bentley’s first rodeo when it comes to recalling vehicles over serious defects that pose real safety risks.

The manufacturer announced earlier this year that it was calling back some Continental GT vehicles over faulty water pumps. Bentley acknowledged at the time that the defect could result in engine fires.

Last year, the company called back some 2,000 Bentley Bentayga sport utility vehicles because of improperly installed second-row passenger seats. Bentley said at the time that the defect increased the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

How the California Lemon Law Protects Bentley Owners

Fortunately, Bentley and other car owners in California do not need to wait around for a recall to get defective or malfunctioning vehicles repaired.

The state’s lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

Also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law forces carmakers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or just refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle under the law. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. 

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you are a car owner or lessor stuck with a lemon or locked in a dispute with a manufacturer over repairs, the lemon law attorneys at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer today.