Verdict
MGs pass their MOT first time on 75.8% of tests, against 78.0% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. They beat 33% of cars on UK roads, ranking MG 30th of 40 makes: below average, and well behind makes such as Toyota and Honda.
The older sports cars do best: the TF beats about two in three cars (66%), and the MGF 50%, about average for its age. Of the newer models, the HS beats 57%, about average, and the MG5 43%.
Check the MG3 most carefully: it beats only 4% of cars and passes about 7 points below a typical car of its age and mileage. The ZS, the most-tested MG, beats only 9%.
Across all models, MGs fail on brakes about 1.4 times as often as a typical car (about 1 in 14 tests), on emissions and leaks about 1.4 times and on seat belts and airbags about 1.5 times, though that is only about 1.5% of tests. Body and structure fails are less common than typical. About one in eight MG tests are of electric cars: the MOT does not test their battery or motor, so ask for a battery health report, and electric cars have no exhaust emissions test, which flatters the comparison a little.
Where it fails
Every MG compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage.
Every MOT area
Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).
Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.
MG models
Models with 20,000+ MOT tests, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate. Light vans are included and tend to grade lower, partly from hard commercial use.
| Model first registered | Pass rate | Rank | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZS 2017–2023 | 82.7% | Beats 9% | E |
| 3 2013–2023 | 77.2% | Beats 4% | E |
| TF 2002–2010 | 66.8% | Beats 66% | B |
| HS 2020–2023 | 88.3% | Beats 57% | C |
| MGF 1996–2002 | 62.8% | Beats 50% | C |
| 5 2021–2022 | 83.7% | Beats 43% | C |
| ZR 2002–2005 | 57.6% | Beats 55% | C |
FAQ
What is the MG MOT pass rate?
75.8% of MG MOT tests were passed first time, from 726,151 tests. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 78.0%, so MG is below average.
Is MG reliable?
On MOT results MG is below average: it beats 33% of cars on UK roads and ranks 30th of 40 makes. The older TF does well, but the MG3 and ZS pull the make down. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.
Which MG model is most reliable?
The TF, which beats about two in three cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account. Of the newer MGs, the HS does best, about average.
Which MG model should I check most carefully?
The MG3, which beats only 4% of cars, and the ZS, which beats fewer than one in ten.
What do MGs fail the MOT on?
Lights and electrics most often, on about 1 in 12 tests, close to typical. Compared with typical cars, brakes fail about 1.4 times as often (about 1 in 14 tests), and emissions and leaks, steering and seat belts and airbags also fail more often than typical; body and structure fails less often.