MG Common MOT Problems (2026)
MG models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 198,129 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average MG MOT pass rate: 86%
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See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
86%
Avg pass rate
14%
Avg fail rate
38
Models tested
MG Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MG 6 | 25% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 2 | MG ZT-T | 25% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 3 | MG MGF | 24% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 4 | MG ZR | 24% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 5 | MG ZT | 22% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear |
Most Reliable MG Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
| # | Model | Pass Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MG HS Exclusive PHEV Auto | 96% | |
| 2 | MG HS Exclusive S-A | 94% | |
| 3 | MG ZS Exclusive T-Gdi | 94% | |
| 4 | MG HS Exclusive | 93% | |
| 5 | MG 5 Exclusive | 93% |
All MG Models by Fail Rate
Every MG model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZT-T | 2003 | 66% | 34% | |
| 6 | 2012 | 71% | 28% | |
| ZS | 2003 | 72% | 28% | |
| MGF | 1996 | 71% | 27% | |
| MGF | 1998 | 72% | 26% | |
| 6 | 2014 | 73% | 26% | |
| ZS | 2002 | 71% | 26% | |
| 6 | 2013 | 72% | 26% | |
| ZR | 2004 | 74% | 25% | |
| ZR | 2003 | 74% | 25% | |
| ZT | 2003 | 74% | 25% | |
| MGF | 1999 | 74% | 24% | |
| MGF | 1997 | 75% | 24% | |
| ZS | 2004 | 75% | 24% | |
| TF | 2003 | 77% | 23% | |
| TF | 2002 | 76% | 23% | |
| MGF | 2001 | 76% | 23% | |
| MGF | 2000 | 76% | 23% | |
| 6 | 2015 | 77% | 23% | |
| ZR | 2002 | 78% | 22% | |
| ZS | 2005 | 78% | 22% | |
| ZT-T | 2005 | 77% | 22% | |
| TF | 2004 | 78% | 21% | |
| 3 | 2014 | 79% | 21% | |
| ZR | 2005 | 78% | 21% | |
| ZT | 2005 | 78% | 21% | |
| ZT-T | 2004 | 77% | 21% | |
| 3 | 2015 | 79% | 20% | |
| TF | 2005 | 79% | 20% | |
| 3 | 2017 | 80% | 19% | |
| 6 | 2016 | 81% | 19% | |
| TF | 2006 | 80% | 19% | |
| 3 | 2016 | 82% | 18% | |
| ZT | 2004 | 81% | 18% | |
| TF | 2009 | 82% | 17% | |
| ZS | 2018 | 84% | 16% | |
| GS | 2017 | 83% | 16% | |
| GS | 2016 | 84% | 16% | |
| GS | 2019 | 83% | 16% | |
| ZS | 2017 | 84% | 16% | |
| TF | 2010 | 84% | 16% | |
| 3 | 2018 | 85% | 15% | |
| GS | 2018 | 85% | 15% | |
| ZS | 2019 | 86% | 13% | |
| ZS | 2020 | 87% | 12% | |
| MG 5 Excite EV | 2021 | 87% | 12% | |
| 3 | 2019 | 88% | 11% | |
| ZS Excite Vti-Tech | 2020 | 88% | 11% | |
| RV8 | 1995 | 88% | 11% | |
| ZS Excite Vti-Tech | 2021 | 90% | 10% |
Showing top 50 of 80 model/year combinations. View all MG models
MG MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on MG cars?
The most common MOT problems on MG cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older MG diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the MG models with at least 1,000 tests, the MG 6 has the highest average fail rate at 25%. The MG ZT-T is level on 25%.
Which MG model is the most reliable?
In our data, the MG HS Exclusive PHEV Auto has the best MOT record of the MG models with at least 1,000 tests: 96% of its 2,302 MOT tests ended in a pass and 4% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for MG?
The average MOT pass rate for MG is 86%, based on 198,129 MOT tests across 38 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 14% of MOT tests on MG cars ended in a fail.
MG Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each MG model
Check a Specific MG
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.