RE21/17 (RB98) – Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break – 2021 Bentley Bentayga

April 21, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V276000

Rear Axle Lock Nuts May Break

A broken lock nut may misalign the rear axle, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V276

Manufacturer Bentley Motors, Inc.

Components SUSPENSION

Potential Number of Units Affected 206

 

Summary

Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2021 Bentayga vehicles. The lock nut on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break due to stress corrosion.

 

Remedy

Bentley will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lock nuts, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed on June 16, 2021. Owners may contact Bentley customer service at 1-800-777-6923. Bentley’s number for this recall is RE21/17 (RB98).

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check for Bentley Recalls

 

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Bentley Bulletin

Aftersales

21-037	June 16, 2021
To:	Parts & Service
Subject:	RECALL CAMPAIGN – Bentley 21MY Bentayga Rear Axle Trailing Arm Lock Nut (RE20/21)

 

RECALL CAMPAIGN – Bentley 21MY Bentayga Rear Axle Trailing Arm Lock Nut (RE20/21)

 

We are writing to advise you that Bentley Motors has determined a potential safety defect may exist on Bentley 21MY Bentayga vehicles, with the rear axle trailing arm lock nut, manufactured between October 2020 and December 2020.

 

This letter will provide you with all of the information to explain why this recall is being initiated, the actions you are required to take and provide you with the appropriate administrative details.

 

Due to stress corrosion on lock nuts of particular production batches, the nut of the eccentric bolt on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break which may cause alterations in the wheel alignment of the rear axle. This could be noticed by a steering wheel misalignment when driving straight ahead or by the vehicle pulling to one side when braking or accelerating. It cannot be ruled out that the rear axle could suddenly and uncontrollably move in the wrong direction at higher speeds. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control and a crash without warning.

 

Owners of affected cars will be notified in writing week beginning 14th June 2021

 

The Bentley Technical Product Information (TPI) document, has been posted to ElsaPro and details the procedure which must be followed exactly (copy attached at the end of this Bulletin).

 

It is not necessary to contact us for authorisation.  We will take our records from your warranty claim which must be generated and submitted immediately upon completion of the work.  You are reminded that claims for recalls cannot contain any other warranty repairs.  The warranty code and repair time are quoted within the TPI.

 

It is to our mutual advantage that this recall campaign goes as smoothly as possible.  Should you have any questions or queries concerning this recall, please contact your Area Aftersales Manager.

 

Sincerely,

 

Aftersales Team Bentley Motors, Inc.

 

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Field campaign

Topic	Rear axle lower lever (right and left) Inner and outer nut replacement  (RE21/17)
Market area	Australia E04 Bentley rest Asia and Australia (6E04),China 796 VW Import Comp. Ltd (Vico), Beijing (6796),Germany E02 Bentley rest Europe (6E02),Japan E03 Bentley Japan (6E03),United Arab Emirates E06 Bentley Middle East and Africa (6E06),United Kingdom E01 Bentley UK (6E01),United States E05 Bentley USA and rest America (6E05)
Brand	Bentley
Transaction No.	2063114/1
Campaign number	RB98
Note
Type
US code

 

Vehicle data

Bentayga

 

Sales types 

Type	MY	Brand	Designation	Engine code	Gearbox code	Final drive code
4V1*	2021	E		*	*	*

 

Documents 

Document name

master.xml

re2117vinlist.pdf

 

RB98 Rear axle lower lever (right and left) Inner and outer nut replacement (RE21/17)

Transaction No.: 2063114/1

 

Notes

Repair instructions

 

Technical background

All vehicles require replacement of the original (WHT 007 610) left and right hand rear axle lower lever inner and outer nuts (x4)

A new specification part (WHT 010 234) is now available, the inspection of the original nuts (Figure 1) prior to removal is imperative as this will confirm if any other components require replacement.

 

Replacement of WHT 007 610 (x4) nuts is mandatory on all vehicles

NOTE: For photographic purposes Figure 1 shows one side only

 

Figure 1

 

Remedy

Replacement of the left and right hand lower rear axle lever nuts (x4) is required due to a potential fracturing issue, the issue has been identified as a possible concern on a very low number of vehicles

 

Customer notification

Customers of affected vehicles will be notified in writing by their Bentley retailer to arrange an appointment.

Please ensure that all affected vehicles are checked and repaired at the nearest opportunity, make a note of the required action on the workshop order before it is signed by the customer.

If it is omitted to perform the work required during a workshop visit, the customer should be notified immediately.

You should also pass on this information to your new and used car sales departments so that affected vehicles are checked and repaired immediately

 

Warranty accounting instructions

Replacement of the rear axle lower lever nuts (x4) – All vehicles

Warranty type	710 or 790
Damage service number	RB98
Damage code	0099
Criteria	01

 

Labour

Labour Operation Code	42 11 42 00
Time	50 TU

 

NOTE: The time of 50 TU also includes the replacement of (x4) rear axle lower lever inner and outer bolts including washers (left and right hand side if required)

 

Alignment of applicable driver assist systems (Depending on vehicle specification)

• Vehicle front + rear measured wheel alignment checked – 44 95 03 00 – 110 TU
• Rear wheel camber adjust – 44 94 15 50 – 30 TU
• Rear wheel track adjust – 44 93 15 50 – 30 TU
• Front wheel camber adjust – 44 89 15 50 – 40 TU
• Front wheel track adjust – 44 88 15 50 – 20 TU
• (ACC) – Radar sensor checked + adjusted – 91 63 05 51 – 30 TU
• Overhead view camera adjusted – 90 83 15 00 – 40 TU
• Driver assist camera adjusted – 96 38 15 50 – 120 TU
• Control unit for (Lane change assist) adjusted – 96 35 15 00 – 50 TU
• Night vision system calibration – 90 80 15 50 – 40 TU
• Headlamps to adjust – 94 15 16 00 20 TU

 

Genuine parts

All vehicles require the original (WHT 007 610) left and right hand rear axle lower lever nuts (x4) replacing as below:

New Part number	Description	Quantity
WHT 010 234	Nut	4

 

The following parts may not require replacing on all vehicles, please refer to the Work section for further details, should the parts require replacement, the left and right hand lower bolts and applicable washers MUST be replaced as below: 

Part number	Description	Quantity
WHT 007 043A	Washer	2
WHT 007 092A	Inner Bolt	2
N91 236 301	Outer Bolt	2

 

Parts supply

The required replacement parts MUST be ordered from Bentley Motors Limited Crewe or through your regional Bentley parts distribution centre

 

Parts despatch control

Not applicable

 

Questions and answers

1) What is the specific issue with the affected vehicles?

During manufacturing at the supplier, an error was made which resulted in individual batches of nuts being manufactured to the incorrect specification. The affected nuts are susceptible to hydrogen-induced stress corrosion cracking.

 

2) What repercussions does the fault have?

Should the nut crack, the rear axle tracking may change. This could be noticed by a steering wheel misalignment when driving straight ahead or by the vehicle pulling to one side when braking or accelerating. It cannot be ruled out that the rear axle could suddenly and uncontrollably move in the wrong direction at higher speeds. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control and a crash without warning.

 

3) Are any other Bentley models affected?

No, this issue only affects 444 specific Bentayga vehicles. The affected vehicles have been identified using supplier and manufacturing records. Other vehicles are not affected by this issue.

 

4) Have you seen any reports on Bentley vehicles?

We are not aware of any reported occurrences on Bentley vehicles.

 

5) What is the fix?

Bentley authorised retailers will remove the out of specification nuts and replace them with correctly specified nuts. Following replacement, vehicle geometry and driver assistance systems will be checked and recalibrated as necessary. This will take approximately five hours dependant on specification of vehicle.

 

6) Can customers continue to drive the cars?

Yes, however, we encourage customers to arrange an appointment with their retailer as soon as possible. If while driving, steering wheel misalignment or pulling to one side during braking or accelerating is noticed, we recommend that customers proceed with caution and contact their retailer immediately.

 

7) Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes, that’s important. Customers need to contact their retailer immediately.

 

Technical background

All vehicles require replacement of the original (WHT 007 610) left and right hand rear axle lower lever inner and outer nuts (x4)

A new specification part (WHT 010 234) is now available, the inspection of the original nuts (Figure 1) prior to removal is imperative as this will confirm if any other components require replacement.

 

Replacement of WHT 007 610 (x4) nuts is mandatory on all vehicles

NOTE: For photographic purposes Figure 1 shows one side only

 

Figure 1

 

Check

If the vehicle is not already listed as repaired in the “Repair history” (in Elsa Pro) refer to the Identification section to check the presence of the red paint completion mark

Should neither be evident (“Repair history” or applicable paint mark) carry out the required work in accordance with these instructions Genuine parts

 

All vehicles require the original (WHT 007 610) left and right hand rear axle lower lever nuts (x4) replacing as below:

New Part number	Description	Quantity
WHT 010 234	Nut	4

 

The following parts may not require replacing on all vehicles, please refer to the Work section for further details, should the parts require replacement, the left and right hand lower bolts and applicable washers MUST be replaced as below: 

Part number	Description	Quantity
WHT 007 043A	Washer	2
WHT 007 092A	Inner Bolt	2
N91 236 301	Outer Bolt	2

 

 

Work

 

• Set the vehicle in “Jack” mode and position the vehicle on a wheel free ramp

 

• Discharge the air from the left and right air spring dampers – Refer to “Air suspension system – To discharge and charge”.
• Carry out a visual inspection of the left and right hand rear lower lever inner and outer nuts (x4) as Figure 1 IMPORTANT: Check for fracturing or signs of reduced torque, see the example shown in Figure 2 of a fractured nut

 

In the event the left and or right hand side nuts (x4) are found NOT fractured with NO signs of reduced torque – Conduct Section 1

Or

In the event that any of the left and/or right hand side nuts are found to be fractured – Conduct Section 2

 

Section 1 Nuts not fractured – No signs of reduced torque

1) Remove the left and right hand rear lower lever covers Rep.Gr 42

• Remove the left hand lower lever inner and outer nuts and discard as per all local environmental guidelines
• Fit the replacement left hand lower lever inner and outer nuts IMPORTANT: Do not torque tighten the fixing at this stage

 

2) Repeat step 1 on the right hand lower lever inner and outer nuts

 

3) Refer to Rep.Gr 42 – Rear lower suspension lever – rear – To remove and fit – Torque tighten the newly replaced nuts (x4) ensuring the following is strictly adhered to:

VERY IMPORTANT: The operative MUST ensure the procedure within Rep.Gr 42 is strictly followed in particular the following:

The suspension must be set to a specific angle prior to torque tightening the fixings as per Rep.Gr 42 guidelines

 

There is a requirement that any suspension component with bonded rubber bushes, all levers and the bearing housing MUST be set at standard ride height before tightening the fixings.

 

Bonded rubber bushes can only be turned to a limited extent. The suspension mountings must therefore only be tightened when the suspension is in the unladen position or normal level.

 

Failure to comply will result in the lever bushes undertaking excessive torsional twist, resulting in rupture and complete failure of the rubber inserts

 

4) Carry out wheel alignment and ensure the driver assist system calibrations are performed (Depending on vehicle specification) as follows

• Vehicle front + rear measured wheel alignment checked
• Rear wheel camber adjust
• Rear wheel track adjust
• Front wheel camber adjust
• Front wheel track adjust
• (ACC) – Radar sensor checked + adjusted
• Overhead view camera adjusted
• Driver assist camera adjusted
• Control unit for (Lane change assist) adjusted
• Night vision system calibration
• Headlamps to adjust

 

5) Refit the left and right hand rear lower lever covers Rep.Gr 42 6) Raise a non-technical DISS query attaching the following:

• Before and after screen shot of the wheel alignment results
• Screen shots confirming the applicable drive assist systems have been successfully adjusted/calibrated

 

Without the submission of the requested wheel alignment and calibration results via a non-technical DISS query warranty payments will be cancelled

 

6) Place a red paint completion mark on the 12 volt battery retaining strap

 

Section 2 – Nuts fractured or signs of reduced torque

The following MUST be conducted and all fixings replaced (Bolts, Nuts and Washers) in the event that any of the nuts are found to be fractured or have signs of reduced torque

 

1) Referring to Rep.Gr 42 – Rear lower suspension lever – To remove and fit – Conduct the following:

• Remove the left and right hand rear lower lever covers Rep.Gr 42
• Remove the left and right hand lower lever inner Bolts – Washer and Nut – Discard as per all local environmental guidelines • Check the rear lower lever for any damage/wear
• Fit the replacement left and right hand inner bolts – washers and new replacement nuts IMPORTANT: Do not torque tighten the fixing at this stage

 

2) Remove the left and right hand lower lever outer bolts – Discard as per all local environmental guidelines

• Check the rear lower lever for any damage/wear
• Fit the replacement left and right hand outer bolts and new replacement nuts IMPORTANT: Do not torque tighten the fixing at this stage

 

3) Refer to Rep.Gr 42 – Rear lower suspension lever – rear – To remove and fit – Torque tighten the newly replaced fixings (left and right hand side) ensuring the following is strictly adhered to:

VERY IMPORTANT: The operative MUST ensure the procedure within Rep.Gr 42 is strictly followed in particular the f ollowing:

The suspension must be set to a specific angle prior to torque tightening the fixings as per Rep.Gr 42 guidelines

 

There is a requirement that any suspension component with bonded rubber bushes, all levers and the bearing housing MUST be set at standard ride height before tightening the fixings.

 

Bonded rubber bushes can only be turned to a limited extent. The suspension mountings must therefore only be tightened when the suspension is in the unladen position or normal level.

 

Failure to comply will result in the lever bushes undertaking excessive torsional twist, resulting in rupture and complete failure of the rubber inserts

4) Carry out wheel alignment and ensure the driver assist system calibrations are performed (Depending on vehicle specification) as follows:

• Vehicle front + rear measured wheel alignment checked
• Rear wheel camber adjust
• Rear wheel track adjust
• Front wheel camber adjust
• Front wheel track adjust
• (ACC) – Radar sensor checked + adjusted
• Overhead view camera adjusted
• Driver assist camera adjusted
• Control unit for (Lane change assist) adjusted
• Night vision system calibration
• Headlamps to adjust

 

5) Refit the left and right hand rear lower lever covers Rep.Gr 42

 

6) Raise a non-technical DISS query attaching the following

• Before and after screen shot of the wheel alignment results
• Screen shots confirming the applicable drive assist systems have been successfully adjusted/calibrated

 

Without the submission of the requested wheel alignment and calibration results via DISS warranty payments will be cancelled

 

7) Place a red paint completion mark on the 12 volt battery retaining strap

 

Identification

Red paint completion mark on the 12 volt battery retaining strap

 

Repair instructions  Notes

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

 

JUNE 2021

 

This notice applies to your vehicle,
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):
Model Year/Model: 2021 BENTAYGA V8
NHTSA: 21V276

 

RE: SAFETY RECALL – REAR AXLE TRAILING ARM LOCK NUTS (RE21/17)

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Bentley Motors has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2021 model year Bentley Bentayga vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of one of these vehicles.

 

What is the issue

Due to stress corrosion cracking on lock nuts of particular production batches, the nuts of the eccentric bolts on the trailing arm of the rear axle may break which may cause alterations in the wheel alignment of the rear axle. This could be noticed by a steering wheel misalignment when driving straight ahead or by the vehicle pulling to one side when braking or accelerating.

The rear axle could suddenly and uncontrollably move in the wrong direction at higher speeds. This can lead to a loss of vehicle control and a crash without warning.

 

What will we do?

To correct this defect, your authorized Bentley dealer will replace the affected lock nuts. If the screw connection is already damaged, it will be replaced completely. This work will take about one hour to complete and will be performed for you free of charge.

 

What should you do?

Please telephone your authorized Bentley dealer without delay to schedule a repair appointment. Your dealer has all the necessary parts and instructions to perform this important safety repair to your satisfaction.

 

Precautions you should take

If this condition is present in the vehicle, the driver may notice a steering wheel misalignment when driving straight ahead or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking or accelerating. Should this occur, owners are advised to contact an authorized Bentley dealer without delay and make arrangements to have the vehicle inspected/repaired.

 

Lease vehicles

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, the law requires you to forward this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt.

 

Can we assist you further?

If you have any questions, require any assistance or if you would like us to address any concerns that you may have, please telephone our dedicated Customer Service team at 1 800-777-6923.

 

In the event your authorized Bentley dealer fails or is unable to remedy the defect free of charge within a reasonable time, you may also submit a complaint to:  The Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590; or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to https://www.nhtsa.gov.

We would like you to know that we sincerely appreciate your continued support of our vehicles.  I do apologize for the fact that we have to ask you to allow us to recall your vehicle for this modification.

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

Stephen Worrall

Director, Aftersales

 

BENTLEY MOTORS, INC.    2003 Edmund Halley Drive, Reston, VA 20191, U.S.A.
Telephone: (800) 777 6923  /  Fax: (248) 754 6541  www.bentleymotors.com

 

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1 Affected Product

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
BENTLEY	BENTAYGA	2021

 

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9 Associated Documents

Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V276-6940.pdf 839.674KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2021-2

RCLQRT-21V276-5553.PDF 211.137KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Stop Sale Delivery Message re Stop Sale/Stop Delivery: Bentayga: Rear Training Arm Nut Recall 21V-276

RCMN-21V276-7017.pdf 619.518KB

 

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Part 577 Owner Notification Envelope

RONE-21V276-4832.pdf 588.583KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-21V276-4984.pdf 253.685KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V276-9469.PDF 215.199KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21V276-2710.pdf 645.14KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-3

RCLQRT-21V276-6624.PDF 211.239KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-4

RCLQRT-21V276-3247.PDF 211.328KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=21V276&docType=RCL

 

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Last update on 2025-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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