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MG reliability and common MOT problems by model

MG shows a 16.3% combined MOT failure rate across 93,457 tests in MOTIntel data. Zs has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 13.6%. 3 deserves extra checking at 14.8%.

Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.

MG combined failure rate: 16.3% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #17 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.

Which MG models look strongest?

Zs (13.6%), 3 (14.8%)

Which MG models need extra caution?

3 (14.8%), Zs (13.6%)

Most reliable MG models in MOT data

#ModelMOT failure rateTestsVehicles
1 MG Zs 13.6% 22,047 tests 18,382 vehicles
2 MG 3 14.8% 21,084 tests 17,445 vehicles

MG models with the highest MOT failure rates

#ModelMOT failure rateTestsVehicles
1 MG 3 14.8% 21,084 tests 17,445 vehicles
2 MG Zs 13.6% 22,047 tests 18,382 vehicles

Common MG MOT problem areas

#Problem areaMOT notesModels affectedWhat to checkHigh-rate examples
1 Corrosion and structure 5,636 MOT notes 2 models Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. MG 3, MG Zs
2 Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors 2,327 MOT notes 2 models Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. MG 3, MG Zs
3 Suspension and steering 1,701 MOT notes 2 models Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. MG 3, MG Zs
4 Lights and electrical 1,653 MOT notes 2 models Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. MG Zs, MG 3
5 Emissions, engine, and exhaust 1,205 MOT notes 2 models Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. MG Zs, MG 3
6 Tyres and wheels 1,189 MOT notes 2 models Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. MG Zs, MG 3

All MG model reports

Model MOT tests Vehicles Failure rate
Zs 22,047 18,382 13.6%
3 21,084 17,445 14.8%
Tf limited data 12,139 9,524 21.6%
Mgf limited data 7,870 5,985 24.8%
Zs Exclusive Ev limited data 5,920 5,189 6.8%
Gs limited data 3,258 2,714 13.0%
B limited data 3,145 2,652 16.2%
Zr limited data 2,981 2,261 25.0%
6 limited data 2,760 1,980 27.0%
Zt limited data 2,122 1,582 25.7%
5 Exclusive limited data 2,001 1,273 5.1%
B Gt limited data 1,625 1,358 16.7%
5 Excite limited data 1,407 735 7.3%
Zs Exclusive Vti Tech limited data 1,317 1,186 8.6%
Hs Exclusive S A limited data 1,310 1,155 6.6%
Zt T limited data 1,248 906 28.4%
Hs Exclusive limited data 1,223 1,081 7.3%

Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.