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MG MG Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults

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Is the MG MG reliable? We analysed 2,574 real MOT tests across 373 vehicles to find out.

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Data last updated: · Based on 2,574 real MOT tests
MOT Pass Rate
74.0%
Typical Mileage
48,763mi
Annual Mileage
542mi/yr
Est. Lifespan
62yrs

The MG MG is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include parking brake: efficiency below requirements, tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm and windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used MG MG.

Specifications

MG MG — specs & performance

Verified from DVLA & DVSA records

A snapshot of the engine, performance, dimensions, fuel economy and running costs for the MG MG — drawn from official DVLA vehicle records and the DVSA fuel-economy database.

154bhp
Power
7.7sec
0–62 mph

Engine & Performance

Power
154 BHP
0–62 mph
7.7 sec
Fuel type
Electricity

Body & Dimensions

Body type
Car
Common colour
Black
Wheel plan
2 Axle Rigid Body

Fuel Economy

Fuel-economy data not held for this model.

Tax & Emissions

Emission class
6d
Road tax (6 mo.)
£N/A
Sources: DVLA vehicle register. Specifications reflect a representative MG MG record and may vary by trim, year and option pack.

MG MG Number Plates

Number plates registered to a MG MG. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.

MG MG MOT Pass Rate by Year

How likely is a MG MG to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.

67.8%
2001
70.8%
2000
69.7%
1999
59.3%
1998
62.8%
1997
59.7%
1996
72.5%
1980
70.7%
1979
75.4%
1978
83.5%
1975
85.9%
1974
79.2%
1973
76.5%
1972
71.1%
1971
76%
1970
83.8%
1969
71.4%
1967
77.8%
1965
88.7%
1964

MG MG Problems — What Goes Wrong?

The most common reasons a MG MG fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 120
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 103
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 95
parking brake recording little or no effort 72
Track rod end ball joint has excessive play 72
Brake pipe excessively corroded 72
position lamp(s) not working 52
brake disc excessively pitted 49
Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush 48
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 46

MG MG Mileage — What's Normal?

How many miles does a typical MG MG owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.

Low usage
170 mi/yr
Typical
542 mi/yr
Average
1,933 mi/yr
Heavy usage
2,067 mi/yr

MG MG MOT Data by Registration Year

Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the MG MG year you're looking at.

Year Tests Pass Rate Low Mi. Typical Mi. High Mi.
2001 118 67.8% 37,612 49,848 62,758
2000 72 70.8% 22,520 48,608 62,161
1999 99 69.7% 34,745 58,108 75,230
1998 162 59.3% 58,721 72,742 93,467
1997 164 62.8% 54,395 68,718 82,363
1996 216 59.7% 61,262 78,344 96,104
1980 51 72.5% 17,756 24,777 29,842
1979 123 70.7% 36,427 60,526 69,494
1978 122 75.4% 8,754 62,112 86,082
1975 109 83.5% 28,435 41,122 68,099
1974 64 85.9% 48,990 76,622 81,324
1973 101 79.2% 15,474 27,316 55,928
1972 272 76.5% 12,060 23,612 49,280
1971 76 71.1% 42,993 78,243 85,868
1970 75 76.0% 11,732 25,469 82,964
1969 74 83.8% 8,614 15,891 27,032
1967 63 71.4% 10,472 55,979 72,936
1965 54 77.8% 2,788 45,313 90,701
1964 62 88.7% 10,770 39,560 73,202

How Long Does a MG MG Last?

Based on 373 MG MG vehicles on UK roads.

Average
30.4 years
Median
31.0 years
Estimated max lifespan
62 years

MG MG Mileage Distribution

Total mileage recorded across all MG MG MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.

Median
48,763 mi
75th Percentile
77,624 mi
95th Percentile
99,132 mi
Max Recorded
881,789 mi

Best Year to Buy a Used MG MG

Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.

Best year
1964

88.7% MOT pass rate from 62 tests

Year to avoid
1998

59.3% MOT pass rate from 162 tests

The best year to buy a used MG MG is 1964, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 88.7% across 62 tests. The 1998 model year has the lowest pass rate at 59.3% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

How Does the MG MG Compare?

MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.

Model Pass Rate Tests Typical Mileage Lifespan
MG MG THIS CAR 74.0% 2,574 48,763 mi 62 yrs
MG Zr 69.8% 651,705 57,257 mi 25 yrs
MG Mgf 66.7% 546,238 62,469 mi 31 yrs
MG Tf 72.8% 475,348 45,249 mi 24 yrs
Audi A4 S Line 170 TDI Dpf 78.8% 855 128,775 mi — yrs

Compared to the MG Zr (69.8% pass rate) and the MG Mgf (66.7% pass rate), the MG MG outperforms both on MOT reliability.

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Should you buy a used MG MG?

The MG MG has an overall MOT pass rate of 74.0% across 2,574 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.

The most common problems on the MG MG are parking brake: efficiency below requirements (120 recorded failures), tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (103), and windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (95). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.

A typical MG MG owner drives around 542 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.

In terms of longevity, most MG MG models stay on UK roads for around 62 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.

Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.

MG MG — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MG MG reliable?
Based on 2,574 MOT tests, the MG MG has a 74.0% pass rate — about average for UK cars.
What are the common problems on a MG MG?
The most common MOT failures are parking brake: efficiency below requirements, tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, and windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid. Check these on any test drive.
How many miles does a MG MG do per year?
The typical MG MG does around 542 miles per year. Anything significantly above or below this is worth investigating.
How long does a MG MG last?
Most MG MG models stay on UK roads for around 62 years based on our analysis of 373 vehicles.
Should I get a vehicle check before buying a MG MG?
Yes. An MOT pass rate tells you about the model in general, but a vehicle history check reveals the specific car's finance, stolen, write-off and mileage history — things the seller may not disclose.
What is the best year to buy a MG MG?
Based on MOT pass rates, the best year to buy a used MG MG is 1964 with a 88.7% pass rate across 62 tests.