Recall 21V550 covers 3,647 2020-2021 Bentley Continental GT vehicles for front seats that trap rear passengers' legs. Repair is free at a franchised Bentley dealer.
Bentley is recalling 3,647 2020-2021 Continental GT vehicles because during automated front seat movement, the front seat can trap a rear passenger's legs. A trapped passenger faces an increased risk of injury, and Bentley dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The seat control module in the 2020-2021 Bentley Continental GT is the electronic controller for the power front seats. When the front seat slides, tilts, or moves through a preset position, the module tells the seat motors where to go and when to stop. That mapping matters because the front seat shares space with anyone sitting behind it.
On affected vehicles, the software inside the front seat control modules has incorrect automated seat movement mapping. During certain automated movements, the front seat can move into a position that traps a rear passenger's legs. The repair uses updated software in the seat control modules so the seat follows the corrected movement path.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is tied to the seat's automated movement, not to a dashboard light, sound, or other advance signal that gives the owner time to react.
Who's affected?
The listed scope uses the same seat control module part family across the 2020 and 2021 model years.
| 2020 Bentley Continental GT | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2021 Bentley Continental GT | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 3,647 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific coupe.
What's the safety risk?
A front-seat software fault can leave a rear passenger trapped by the front seat, increasing injury risk. Keep rear passengers clear of front-seat movement and schedule the software update soon. If the seat traps someone or movement feels wrong, stop using that seat until a dealer checks it. Repair is free at any franchised Bentley dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Bentley Continental GT is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Bentley dealer to schedule the free front-seat software update so automated seat movement does not trap a rear passenger's legs.
- Bring the recall notice if Bentley mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V550 when you call.
- Avoid automated front-seat movements with a rear passenger seated behind the front seats until the update is complete.
- Call Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923 with questions about recall number 21V550.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Bentley technician updates the front seat software covered by the recall. The software update is free of charge and is meant to address automated front seat movement that can trap a rear passenger's legs. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, since the affected vehicles are within the warranty period. Ask the Bentley service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 21, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 5, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 5, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 23, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 23, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 31, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V550?
Recall 21V550 covers 3,647 2020-2021 Bentley Continental GT vehicles with a front-seat software issue. During certain automated seat movements, the front seat can trap a rear passenger's legs, increasing injury risk. Bentley dealers will update the front-seat software for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Bentley Continental GT is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V550. If it is, contact a franchised Bentley dealer to schedule the front-seat software update. Reference recall number 21V550 or Bentley recall RE21/26 (RC08) when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Bentley dealers will update the front-seat software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V550.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V550?
The safety risk is injury to a rear passenger's legs during certain automated front-seat movements. If the vehicle is included, arrange the free software update with a Bentley dealer and be careful with front-seat movement when someone is seated behind it.
When did Bentley notify owners about recall 21V550?
Bentley mailed owner notification letters on August 31, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Continental GT is included before calling a Bentley dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V550000 |
|---|---|
| Bentley customer service | 1-800-777-6923 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V550 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V550000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →