MG Mgf MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,375 MOT tests on the MG Mgf carried out in 2023. 34% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Mgfs passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1995 to 2002. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2001 models did best (68% passed, +9.5 points against the average for 22-year-old cars), while 1995 models fared worst (47%, −19.6 points). Tested cars had covered 65,538 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 12.1% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "efficiency below requirements", on 7.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,375
- First-time pass rate
- 66%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −5.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 65,538
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Mgf?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Mgf MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 149 | 65% | 58% | +7.6 points | 64,999 |
| 2001 | 1,803 | 68% | 59% | +9.5 points | 62,376 |
| 2000 | 1,081 | 67% | 61% | +6.1 points | 62,861 |
| 1999 | 948 | 66% | 62% | +3.3 points | 65,767 |
| 1998 | 926 | 62% | 64% | −2.0 points | 68,903 |
| 1997 | 753 | 67% | 64% | +2.2 points | 69,178 |
| 1996 | 590 | 63% | 65% | −2.5 points | 70,827 |
| 1995 | 64 | 47% | 66% | −19.6 points | 70,335 |
Why the MG Mgf fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Mgf | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 12.1% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 11.7% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 11.6% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.5% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 6.7% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 4.0% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 3.7% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 2.9% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.9% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1efficiency below requirements7.0%
- 2not working5.8%
- 3carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.2%
- 4Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
- 5prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.3%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
- 7carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.6%
- 8ball joint excessively worn2.5%
- 9corroded and seriously weakened2.3%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid2.3%
Common Mgf MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Mgf, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.1% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 9.4% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 8.7% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.8% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 7.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.9% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 4.0% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.8% |
Tips to help your Mgf pass
Based on where Mgfs most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 12.1% of Mgf tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 11.7% of Mgf tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Mgf ULEZ compliant? See the MG Mgf ULEZ check, or view all MG models.
Other MG models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,375 first MOT tests of the MG Mgf carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 6,375 first MOT tests of the MG Mgf.
What is the MG Mgf MOT failure rate?
In our data, 34% of 6,375 first MOT attempts on the MG Mgf ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a MG Mgf fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (12.1% of tests), brakes (11.7% of tests), suspension (11.6% of tests).
Which Mgf year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2001 cars performed best: 68% passed first time, +9.5 points against the average for 22-year-old cars. The weakest was 1995, at 47% (−19.6 points).
How many miles had a typical MG Mgf covered at its MOT?
The average was 65,538 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2002 cars averaged 64,999 miles and 1995 cars 70,335.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the MG Mgf?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 13.1% of tests, in the brakes area. 11.7% of Mgfs failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Mgf's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,375 Mgfs in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 47% to 68% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Mgf's MOT history
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