'Risk of death': $500,000 Bentleys recalled over fears they could catch fire

More than 150 luxury cars have been recalled in Australia due to concerns a wiring defect could cause the SUVs - some worth in excess of $500,000 - to catch on fire.

The federal government's Vehicle Recalls department put out an alert on Monday for the recall of 158 Bentley Bentaygas.

"Due to a design defect, the wiring harness within the fuel tank may overheat and melt the fuel inlet flange material," the notice read.

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"If this occurs fuel may leak, and if exposed to an external ignition source result in a vehicle fire."

The recall said that could, in turn, pose a serious danger.

"A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders and/or damage to property," it reads.

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The affected cars were sold between 2015 and 2023, and are limited to the W12 variant.

While the price of the Bentayga W12 varied from year to year, it ranged from $206,470 to as much as $490,490.

Owners have been told to contact their nearest Bentley dealer as soon as possible to have the defect repaired free of charge, with anyone who notices the smell of fuel around the car urged to do so immediately.

The full list of affected vehicle numbers can be found on the Vehicle Recall website.