MG TF MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 10,075 MOT tests on the MG TF carried out in 2023. 30% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 TF models passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2011. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2006 models did best (74% passed, +17.5 points against the average for 17-year-old cars), while 2011 models fared worst (68%, +5.0 points). Tested cars had covered 57,729 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was brakes, found on 10.0% of tests (slightly above the 6.8% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 10,075
- First-time pass rate
- 70%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −1.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 57,729
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular TF?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
TF 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 78 | 68% | 63% | +5.0 points | 36,733 |
| 2010 | 211 | 76% | 60% | +15.8 points | 39,537 |
| 2009 | 298 | 76% | 59% | +16.5 points | 42,075 |
| 2008 | 109 | 67% | 57% | +9.6 points | 46,090 |
| 2006 | 315 | 74% | 56% | +17.5 points | 51,000 |
| 2005 | 1,334 | 71% | 56% | +14.7 points | 53,295 |
| 2004 | 2,798 | 69% | 56% | +12.8 points | 58,217 |
| 2003 | 2,924 | 69% | 57% | +11.9 points | 60,893 |
| 2002 | 1,917 | 70% | 58% | +12.3 points | 63,045 |
Why the MG TF fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | TF | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 10.0% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 9.9% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 9.8% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.3% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 6.3% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.7% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 3.5% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 3.1% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.2% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.4%
- 2efficiency below requirements5.4%
- 3corroded and seriously weakened2.8%
- 4ball joint has excessive play2.6%
- 5prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
- 7Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.4%
- 8ball joint excessively worn2.1%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid2.1%
- 10inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.0%
Common TF MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used TF, 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 | 14.6% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 10.9% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.7% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 7.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.4% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 6.6% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.8% |
| ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 5.4% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.9% |
Tips to help your TF pass
Based on where TF models most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 10.0% of TF 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.
Lights and electrics · 9.9% of TF 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.
Compare with other models
Is the TF ULEZ compliant? See the MG TF ULEZ check, or view all MG models.
Other MG models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 10,075 first MOT tests of the MG TF 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 10,075 first MOT tests of the MG TF.
What is the MG TF MOT failure rate?
In our data, 30% of 10,075 first MOT attempts on the MG TF ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a MG TF fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were brakes (10.0% of tests), lights and electrics (9.9% of tests), suspension (9.8% of tests).
Which TF year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2006 cars performed best: 74% passed first time, +17.5 points against the average for 17-year-old cars. The weakest was 2011, at 68% (+5.0 points).
How many miles had a typical MG TF covered at its MOT?
The average was 57,729 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2011 cars averaged 36,733 miles and 2002 cars 63,045.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the MG TF?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 14.6% of tests, in the brakes area. 10.0% of TF models failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific TF's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 10,075 TF models in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 67% to 76% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 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 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 TF's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.