Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1996 Bentley Turbo R — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BOLTS ATTACHING THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING COUPLING CAN CONTACT THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM PIPES LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO A BRAKE HYDRAULIC FLUID LEAK AND REDUCED BRAKING PERFORMANCE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE PIPES TO PREVENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE PIPES AND BOLTS, AND ANY DAMAGED PIPES WILL BE REPLACED.
Defect
AN INCOMPATIBILITY CAN EXIST BETWEEN THE MINERAL OIL SUPPLIED BY CASTROL AND THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM OF THESE VEHICLES.
Consequence
THE BRAKE PEDAL FEEL CAN VARY, ESPECIALLY FOLLOWING A PROLONGED PERIOD OF INACTIVITY AND HIGHER PEDAL PRESSURE MAY BE REQUIRED. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL DRAIN THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND REFILL THE SYSTEM WITH NEW MINERAL OIL. THE AFFECTED SPARE BOTTLES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.
Defect
AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED WIRE WITHIN THE ELECTRICALLY OPERATED GEARBOX ACTUATOR CAN CHAFE AGAINST THE COVER CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR FUSE TO BLOW.
Consequence
IF THE FUSE BLOWS, THE DRIVER CANNOT CHANGE GEARS OR PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THIS CONDITION CAN DISABLE THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPOSITION THE AFFECTED WIRE TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH THE GEARBOX ACTUATOR COVER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Bentley Turbo R. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.