Bentley is recalling 130 Bentayga Hybrid vehicles manufactured between September 13 and September 28, 2023, due to a potential fire hazard stemming from defective high-voltage battery packs supplied by Samsung SDI. The recall was issued after an internal review by Bentley’s Product Safety Committee identified a risk of overheating and potential thermal runaway within the battery cells.
The Problem: Contamination and Damage
The defect originates from manufacturing flaws within the battery cells themselves. Specifically, Samsung SDI identified two key issues: particle contamination and separator damage inside the 18 kWh battery packs. Either of these could cause a short circuit during charging, leading to rapid overheating and a heightened risk of fire.
While Bentley reports no actual fires or injuries to date, the company acted proactively to prevent potential safety incidents. This decision followed similar battery-related faults reported in other Volkswagen Group vehicles, prompting a reassessment of earlier internal data.
How Bentley Will Fix It
Rather than wholesale battery replacements, Bentley will deploy a software update to the Battery Management Controller (BMC) in affected vehicles. This software will monitor the batteries for abnormal self-discharge conditions, allowing the system to identify and flag defective modules for replacement.
According to Bentley, fewer than 1% of recalled SUVs are expected to require actual battery swaps. The majority should pass the software screening process without issue. This approach minimizes disruption for owners while addressing the underlying risk.
Why This Matters
The recall underscores the growing scrutiny of EV battery safety, especially as automakers scale up production. Despite rigorous testing, manufacturing defects can still slip through, and even luxury brands like Bentley are not immune. The incident highlights the importance of proactive recalls – even before incidents occur – to protect consumers and maintain brand trust.
This situation demonstrates that high price tags do not guarantee flawless engineering. Battery safety remains a critical challenge for all EV manufacturers, regardless of brand prestige.
