Thoughts and advice on the care and feeding of fine automobiles from Machine Aficionado and bestselling author John Elder Robison, owner of JE Robison Service in Springfield, Massachusetts


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Bentley Continental GTC at Robison Service

This Bentley GTC convertible top article has been updated as of spring 2019

Over the years, Robison Service has acquired a reputation for knowing convertible tops on Rolls Royce and Bentley cars.  As a result, we see cars with all manner of problems.  Intellectually challenging as that may be, it sometimes makes me long for the days when service was simple and the only convertible top problems we saw were from something obvious, like vandalism.

It was August 2013 we saw out first failure of a new Continental GTC top mechanism.  This car came in with an opening problem, and damage to the outer fabric.  The owner thought he needed a new outer skin and some straps he’d seen broken.  He’d done some research online and found people talking about strap breakage, and the holes in his outer skin made that part of the problem self-evident.





However, as is often the case, we found more to the story.  When we cycled the top we saw the rear edge of the top (which folds up) was scraping the edge of the swing-up boot.  This had been going on long enough to scuff the paint from the boot and cut the fabric bead of the top right through to the metal.  In addition, the top was folding wrong, and there were several patched holes to the left of the rear window. 




“The dealer I bought it from must have done that,” the owner explained.  He told me he’d assumed the car would need a top, and he’d budgeted $3-4,000 to make the change. 

When we looked closer, we saw that one of the inner securing straps was broken, and the cables and headliner were beginning to unravel on the left side.  It was cleat that something had gone wrong on the left side of the top.  It looks like the straps (which keep the top in place as it folds) had ripped away from the top, which left the top bunch up and tangle in the bows.  We’ve seen that happen on Azure cars, and it often leads to big trouble there, as the tangled fabric causes the bows to bend, and the now-misaligned top will never work smoothly no matter how you adjust it.




Indeed, when we made some measurements, we found the two rear bows were slightly out of alignment or bent.  The way Bentley engineers designed this system it does not take much misalignment to cause a collision between top and boot, with the virtual assurance of additional trouble.

Looking at the workshop manual, it appears the only reliable way to fix this problem is to install a new top assembly, at a cost of $21,500 plus installation.  Looking online, I see there are aftermarket suppliers offering the Haartz top skins alone for $2,800.  However, a skin alone won’t fix this situation.  And once you get into replacing the pad, liner, and inner bow pieces the costs quickly approach that of a complete assembly.

The owner of this car looked at three other similar Bentleys in Florida, and saw the same damage on each.   That makes me wonder if this is a designed-in problem that will plague every Bentley convertible, or if these are just four unlucky people.

Since that day we have seen dozens of Bentley GTC with identical top failures. Our experience (and that of some of our dealer friends) is that the only lasting fix is to replace the whole top assembly (currently a $25k job.). Replacing just the outer canvas is a patch that's doomed to end in failure.

Bentley allows these tops to be raised and lowered when the car is moving. We theorize that the top frames are vulnerable to twisting when the top is raised and it is hit by wind gusts, as would happen if raised in a moving car on a windy day.  We also theorize that the frame may be getting warped when the stay cables break and the fabric mis-folds.

Whichever the mechanism, the cables break, the frame deforms, and the structure becomes junk. There are at this time no replacement bows, and canvas repair alone won't fix the underlying structure.

I've heard accounts of Bentley taking care of original purchasers with top failure, but second owners seem to be on their own.  At Robison Service we replace tops using the latest Bentley pieces. It's expensive, but so are other jobs on these cars.

John Elder Robison

About John:
John Robison is the founder of J E Robison Service Co of Springfield, MA. His company specializes in the repair and restoration of Rolls Royce and Bentley motorcars.  John is also known as an author and advocate for people with autism and neurological differences.  His books include Look Me in the Eye, Be Different, and Raising Cubby. John has also written numerous articles on Rolls Royce service and repair, and he’s a frequent contributor to the RROC technical forums. He’s always available to advise owners about the care and feeding of their fine motorcars.  www.robisonservice.com  413-785-1665

38 comments:

Bentley Owner said...

I have a 2007 GTC and have experienced the same problem whereby I had 3 little pinholes develop in the same area as in the photos you posted. Over the past several months, these have become substantially larger in size which I assume is due to continued interaction with some misaligned roof mechanism parts every time I raise or lower the top.

I found your post as I too was curious to know if perhaps this was a documented design flaw. My Bentley dealer was unaware of similar situations but obviously from your comments - they do exist.

Has anybody contacted Bentley Motors to find out if they are prepared to do anything. Obviously I don't wish to spend the money repairing the top if it is just going to happen again.

Unknown said...

The blog has provided me one of the most efficient stepwise method troubleshot shoot the problems of my Bentley car.Thanks for sharing.

Regards
Henry Jordan

Hydraulic Seals

Price Action said...

I own a 2007 GTC and everyone whom I have met who has a GTC has had the same exact problem.

Do you have a fix for this?

If so, I will gladly bring my car to you to fix it.

???? said...

I had a late 2007 Bentley GTC and was called back to the dealership for a re call on the convertible top ....as I remember their was a problem with the sensing motor or proximity sensor and they repaired it...I believe that the factory is aware of the problem. My car was under warranty at the time.I had NO problems with my top.

???? said...

I had a late 2007 Bentley GTC and was called back to the dealership for a re call on the convertible top ....as I remember their was a problem with the sensing motor or proximity sensor and they repaired it...I believe that the factory is aware of the problem. My car was under warranty at the time.I had NO problems with my top.

hotrod2130 said...

I have a 08 GTC, with two brackets at base of the rear window right at the seal to the deck, both are cracked. Top seems to work ok most times with halting operation once in a while. Recycling the top seems to end the troubles. Has anyone had a similar issue ?

Bentley Owner said...

Further to my earlier post, earlier this week I saw another GTC with the identical pattern of holes as in my car but on the right side (mine are on the left). The person who showed it to me said he had seen four cars with the identical problem so these are obviously NOT isolated cases.Anybody else hear of other cases?
The fix definitely seems to be first replace the straps - but the question is - will the new ones also snap?

Universal Record Pool said...

I have the exact same problem with my 2007 GTC. It started with small pinholes on the drivers rear side which have gotten bigger over time. Bentley needs a recall about this problem.

Bob J said...

just told my 2009 GTC needs a whole new top, according to the Bentley dealer in FL. No cost estimate yet. suggestions?

Unknown said...

Where to begin? Well, the top is slow to close because, you guess it, she is starting to rub. No holes so far and hopes to solve this situation shortly. But as we know with a Bentley there are always more to the story. The New England service center mechanic told me that hot Florida weather will make the rear window come unglued. So moved from New England to Florida a few months ago and guess what is being fixed with the 2007 GTC today. If you guessed the rear window coming unglued from the convertible top's canvass then you'd be correct.

Someone truly needs to start a Class Action lawsuit.

Unknown said...

I have a 2008 Bentley GTC and many issues with the roof. I just replaced the straps and now I have holes in both rear quarter panel of the roof. I see this is a common issue is Bentley doing anything about this? I live in S. Florida and do notice this on other Bentley. Can someone recommend a place to get these holes fixed or a replacement top. I also get a FAULT code at times but after a few times trying to move the roof up and down it resets.

Bob J said...

Contacted the Bentley manufacturers rep. Negotiated a reasonable sharing of expenses to replace the top on my 2009 GTC. That plus another complex part, also a a very fair price. Dealer also agreed to a reasonable discount on labor. Now I have a new top with a new warranty.

Unknown said...

Hey Bob. Could you please provide contact info for the Bentley manufacturer's rep that worked with you on your top issues? Thanks bud. If I am unable to straighten out MY top issues, I am thinking of using my gorgeous sky blue with yellow interior GTC as the most expensive planter ever created and having it hoisted to the rooftop terrace of my home in Miami Beach where it will overlook the matching blue of the Atlantic in perpetuity! :)

greg muzz said...

is anyone aware if there have been any class action lawsuits or other litigation about this? seems to me that bentley has significant liability due to their engineering flaws.

greg muzz said...

hello all. i have a 2010 and have paid 3 times to have the roof repaired by a bentley dealer. the roof still isn't right and they want me to now pay for a new roof. i believe this is a design / manufacturing flaw from bentley and working with an attorney to file a class action lawsuit. people who have paid money to fix bentley's mistakes should be compensated and people who have roofs that don't work should get roofs that work. if you would like to be part of this litigation please let me know.

Unknown said...

I have a 2011 Bentley Continental GTC-S that just developed two little holes in the exact spot as your photo. I am very upset to find that this is a common and unresolved problem. My car only has 20,000 miles and is in otherwise mint condition.

NeverBentAgain2019 said...

Yes, another mad Bentley owner in Florida! My top got stuck in the halfway position on my 07 GTC. Upon shutting the car off, the roof fault continued to buzz. Slowly the top folded down all by itself. I then had to use the manual crank to get it down all the way. Took it to the dealer in Orlando, where they quickly told me the tops are a chronic problem. $750 later, I left with a new servo. On the drive home, I could hear a lot of wind. During the repair, all the up and down made the rear window seal break and my glass fell down. The dealer denied it was them. GMAFB! I had the glass re-glued elsewhere and next time I went to use the top it got stuck again. Upon calling the Orlando dealer, I was told I need a new top, “the factory recommends replacement after ten years”, $21,929! Upon reading ALL your blogs, this entire Bentley convertible top issue is such a bag of BS, you can smell it through your iPad. Bentley knows they suck, the dealers know they suck, and now we all know they suck. The question is, are we just a bunch of rich cry babies, or are we going to do something about it?

james said...

Dear Greg Muzz,

I agree that a class action suit is in order, I told my Bentley dealer that the other day.
Call or email me 310 902 2634, drjcdetelich@yahoo.com

ALL OF YOU OUT THERE THAT HAVE THIS TOP PROBLEM NEED TO CONTACT GREG AND START THE BALL ROLLING ON A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST BENTLEY!!!!!!!!
Here is my story. I had taken my 2008 GTC into my dealer about 6 months ago, he said that a recall for the top was due.I said fine and he said they did it. So about late July I noticed
a couple holes on my passenger side and looking inside saw a strap broken and a metal eyelet not connected. The top was scrapping as well at the back.

Took it to the Bentley dealer here in St. Pete, Clearwater,Florida for a light issue on the dashboard and also mentioned the top. This was a new manager and he said that within the last week or two he has seen three Bentleys with the same problem. I asked if the recall addressed this issue and said I had it done back a few months ago. He said it was not done but I was told it was. He said the old manager did and did not do many things and did things he should not have done. Took the car in, said he would order top parts for recall.
Then he said the tech told him the recall would not fix the top problem but he would continue to get parts. He then said the tech could try to do a little to fix the problem with the top and it would cost around $ 1,500 and did i want to go ahead, I said yes. Never heard from them only waiting for parts. Then parts are in next day will get done 1 week to 10 days later it will be finished. Then will be done next week around Tuesday this was on a Friday. Got a call from the head tech and service manager explaining to me that recall could not be done because where an attachment was supposed to go was missing and someone had drilled a hole into the frame about an inch from that attachment. Then was asked if I wanted the recall done and I said yes. They then proceeded to mention that the tops have a problem and wear out from the hot FL sun. It had only been in the sun for two years. Anyway I don't want you to take it to a Miami Bentley dealer when the top quits working and have them tell you that it is because of something we did here. I said go ahead with the recall since it had nothing to do with the top problem. I get the car back, no call from the manager or service manager, no paperwork. The deliver the car and the driver said I told them about the light but they said nothing. I thought he meant the headlight lite or turn signal light. About 4 hours later I get in the car and the top light is on, so I try to lower the top, it does not go down. I go outside to look at top and now I have 4 holes not two.No one called me and said the top does not work. sent email to the manager no response. I did mention to all of them maybe class action suit against Bentley is in order because I see online many complaining and the only fix is $25K??? Will go talk to them on Monday September 10.

Artie B said...

There are multiple problems with these tops as I have learned the hard way. I have a 2011 Continental GTC Supersports and replaced the top earlier this year. fortunately, I found Naples Upholstery in Naples, FL who apparently does the repairs for the local dealer. It cost me just under $ 15,000 which I am told by others who have had it done through a dealership is a good price. I also had problems with the "Roof Fault" light staying on and the roof failing to open or close with a single depression of the button. This I found out is related to potentiometers that are part of the servo motors that open the lid that covers the roof when open. I replaced both of those at $ 400 each with the local non-Bentley repair shop here in Naples (Naples Motorsports) and that solved that problem. So I am a little under $ 16,000 out of pocket but the roof is working better than it has in years. Just gotta love these exotic sports cars.

Jeffrey said...

I own a 2007 GTC AND HAVE THE 2 holes on the drivers sid about the size of nickels. Visited a top repair place in Los Angeles to get info. And he showed me 4 other Bentley tops he replaced. This is an obvious problem and this is a known flaw that Bentley is fully
Aware of and need to address. Sometimes the top will not go up. Very annoying and costly according to estimates to repair. Bentley needs to take responsibility for their design flaws!!

David Stewart said...

Very interesting! Here in the UK my first problem with the soft top on my 2006 GTC was a leak from the join of the tonneau body panel and the trim unit containing the high level brake light. I have taken it apart and put a bead of silicone sealant in to stop water ingress. I hope it has worked! Secondly one of the plastic eyes through which a cord passes to pull the headliner former into place next to the rear window has broken. I have reattached the cord in place using a piece of wire looped through a hole I have drilled in the plastic eye....we'lll see how long that lasts! Finally I can see the beginnings of the problem which will eventually lead to holes in the top. I wonder if there's any treatment that might delay the inevitable.

I have to say that I wasn't impressed with the quality of the bolts and fastenings that Bentley used to attach the tonneau trim. I hope the rest of the car is built to a higher standard.

Unknown said...

As is the case with all of the other posts, I have a 2010 Continental and it has the requisite 2-3 holes in the rear, drivers side of the top. I live in Seattle and it has become problematic due to the rain seeping into the interior. I have not attempted to get the problem fixed as I do not think the Bentley dealer/service shop are very proficient. Plus, I was certain it was going to be the cost of a Honda to replace.
Obviously, this is a Bentley manufacturing and design issue. You would think for the cost of the car that they would have engineered the top as well as the rest of the car.

happymom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ziggy said...

I have a 2012 with 7,500 miles same issue I would like to join class action suit if one exists

zygiman1226@aol.com

ziggy

highleopold said...

A post here refers to this roof problem still happening even with a 2015 model GTC. Does anyone know whether Bentley have completely solved the problem since (and including) any later year model? I'd like to change my GT for a GTC.

Unknown said...

Well, good or bad, I am now the owner of a 2007 GTC purchased from a single owner who had all maintenance and services done at a Bentley dealership. I started the car up this morning and a "roof fault" light came on. The top was replaced about 2 years ago (its in excellent condition) but I was careful in inspecting the tops for rips and holes, this one had none. I haven;t tried lowering or raising the roof since the fault light came on but when I start the car, I can hear a "click" coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. Not sure if its a flap motor, servo, etc.... but I plan on making an appointment with Bentley of LI for next week to test for the fault to see if they can pinpoint the problem. Based on what I have been reading, it looks like I may be in of a world of hurt over the next two years - good thing is I don't expect to drop the top more than 20-30 times a year. We will see .....oh. did I mention I am also a lawyer? If there is any "class action" on this, I would be curious to read the complaint and claims. Just say'n.

Bradley said...

I live in California, and I have a 2008 Conti GTC with the exact same issues as the post here. I have pinhole beginning to appear on my passenger rear top.

I took it to a convertible upholstery repair place today and the owner knew about my issue before we even reached my car to inspect it. He said its a common problem on Bentley's and the strap is broken and the assembly is rubbing against the top.

Do not let it go to far when you notice this, I have a very small pinhole (not a tear) which he said can be fixed by a patch on the inside. He is going to replace BOTH of my straps for $300.00

I would also be interested in any class action lawsuit if one is out there.

Brad
brad-troy@sbcglobal.net

Unknown said...

Geary said
I too have a 2007 Bentley GTC with small holes in the passenger side of my convertible top. fortunately, the previous owner had just fixed the problem. I wonder if it will be a constant issue in the future.

Geary@pdq.net

happymom said...

My top has been replace twice, the whole mechanical part first in May of 2019 including the canvas, and now part of the mechanical part and again the canvas in September 2019. It too was damaging itself and creating holes. I was told that "they had never seen this problem before". These were holes on the passenger side, just like everyone else- strap issue failures I am told. Bentley motors will not return phone calls to me- even after repeated phone calls to my after market representative, Mike Proenza. I have called the UK, the US, never really able to speak to anyone. I purchased this car new, and honestly, it has been a nightmare from day one, but that is a whole different story. Bentley's inability to even phone be back is astounding, my car has been covered by my extended warranty, but the days in service have monumental. For a luxury brand, they certainly don't seem to car about their customers at all. And to think I was actually ready to purchase the new continental in January....

Beth

NeverBentAgain2019 said...

Beth,
Customer service is the LAST thing on Bentley's mind these days. The Bentayga was "supposed to save the company" but has tanked totally! Since its inception, its been ridden with system failures. The blogs and unhappy customers are monumental. Whats next for Bentley? I'm told its a "affordable, entry level model, 2 door sport model, yet to be named." They are also in desperate pursuit of a totally electric model (thank God Tesla has no patent aye?) Destin for failure, and the earmark of a vehicle manufacturer's acceptance of certain fate. I still get their magazines/catalogs. I wonder if they have any clue how they destroyed this brand, or that I am one of thousands that will NEVER buy anything from them EVER AGAIN!

Jody said...

Hello, Tim's Auto Upholstery, Duluth, GA, here. We had a GTC in our shop to install a new top, this summer, same problems, Customer provided top, so we only received labor. Came back this fall, same problems. Saw your Blog, Thank you by the way. We had spent many hours trying to come up with a fix. no charge to the customer. So we sent him down the road, instructing them to bring back after a month of using the top. Being winter, we will have to wait until spring to see if it works. I will come back and post later to let you know the progress.

Unknown said...

I have a 2013 same problem holes on the back passenger side total bs should be a class action law suit

Unknown said...

Is there any collective progress? Or once all owners get their’s fixed they are satisfied till pinholes reappear?#jerobinson

Bentley Owner said...

I first posted re this problem back in 2013. Since then, I have contacted Bentley directly and through authorized dealerships in both Fort Lauderdale, FL and Toronto Canada. The answer was always the same - we have not heard of this problem. Given the fact that I have seen at least 5 cars myself with the exact same problem and heard of many others - this is simply not believable and appears to be total stonewalling.

I then found a Field Bulletin on the NHSTA site where Bentley actually does recognize the problem and gives detailed instructions as to repair. Follow the link below:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/SB-10091063-5448.pdf

Incredibly, it tells dealers to fix the problem but THERE IS NO NEED TO TO INFORM CUSTOMERS DIRECTLY. When I confronted Bentley with this through their authorized dealer, I was informed that my car was not covered as it was originally sold in New York state and the campaign only covers cars sold in hot climates such as California, Florida, the Middle East, and a number of other places. This despite the fact that my car was usually driven in Florida (backed up by service records from the dealership in Fort Lauderdale).

I have never witnessed such a reluctance by any manufacturer to own up to their problems and attempt to satisfy their customers - especially when one is talking about a luxury product such as a Bentley.

I will be unloading the car within the next couple of weeks and although it runs perfectly and is in otherwise in perfect shape - from the offers I've received so far, I will probably have to settle for a very deeply discounted price. Good luck getting me to buy another Bentley product in the future. I have also talked several of my associates out of purchasing Bentleys due to my experience and the response (or lack thereof) from Bentley.

Finally, as an aside, this pattern seems to be common amongst other divisions of Volkswagen. I also owned an Audi TT convertible on which the servo motors for the roof flaps seem to fail at least once a year. Once again, the manufacturer fails to recognize that repeated and frequent failures are a result of a design flaw and no assistance is offered. So once again, though I love the cars, I will be hard pressed to purchase another.

Is anyone seriously considering a class action lawsuit especially since the Service Bulletin clearly indicates that despite what many of us werte told, Bentley has in fact been aware of the problem for several years?

Unknown said...

I have the same issue on my 2012 GTC super sports. Has a suit been started?

Unknown said...

I have a 2017 GTC, 28,000 miles. Unfortunately, same set of problems just started. Roof stuck up, Cable broke controlling the rear side flap so would not operate, then, after repair, fault light, THEN two holes develop on left side rear roof fabric. Today, March 29, 2021 brought to Bentley Palm Beach. Don’t have an answer yet. Is there an existing legal action???
Any fixes Yet???

Jmancuso8@gmail.com

March 29, 2021 @ 6:42 PM

Unknown said...

This just happened to me on my 2016 Bentley GTC with 8800 miles on it. Purchased it certified and the warranty just ran out in Jan 2021. Have to replace the Outer and inner skin as well as the whole convertible assembly for it to be replaced correctly. This is an obvious manufacturer defect that needs to be admitted by Bentley and fixed at their cost.

Unknown said...

Hey bentley owners I'm experiencing a problem with my 2008 gtc convertible my problem is that when I have my top down when driving sometimes over these streets riddled with potholes and deep manhole covers on three occasions my fault light comes on and I cannot close my top this only happens when the top is down I took it to the bentley dealer and he repaired it and stated that one of my sensors were bad after fixing it for seven hundred dollars within 2 hours it happened again they came and picked the car up I was told that he reset the system fault and that I would need to replace the top, my top has no holes on either side but I did notice that there are straps that appear to be loose and or stretched do you think that I should replace all straps is that a good start? Any suggestions or has anyone experienced this problem?

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