MG Mgb GT Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free MG Mgb GT car check
Is the MG Mgb GT reliable? We analysed 3,633 real MOT tests across 342 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific MG Mgb GT? Enter the reg for a free check:
The MG Mgb GT is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include parking brake: efficiency below requirements, windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid and brake binding. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used MG Mgb GT.
MG Mgb GT Number Plates
Number plates registered to a MG Mgb GT. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
MG Mgb GT MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a MG Mgb GT to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
MG Mgb GT Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a MG Mgb GT fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
MG Mgb GT Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical MG Mgb GT owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
MG Mgb GT MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the MG Mgb GT year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | 135 | 73.3% | 37,926 | 49,831 | 57,228 |
| 1980 | 119 | 75.6% | 38,334 | 57,648 | 86,717 |
| 1979 | 217 | 72.4% | 16,561 | 32,044 | 60,290 |
| 1978 | 242 | 69.8% | 16,451 | 68,395 | 79,133 |
| 1977 | 190 | 68.9% | 20,990 | 44,445 | 77,438 |
| 1976 | 110 | 75.5% | 55,025 | 71,728 | 78,786 |
| 1975 | 175 | 65.1% | 15,756 | 50,561 | 83,352 |
| 1974 | 244 | 79.9% | 30,562 | 48,092 | 78,325 |
| 1973 | 336 | 76.2% | 7,418 | 32,713 | 61,930 |
| 1972 | 533 | 75.8% | 13,964 | 41,124 | 64,489 |
| 1971 | 252 | 74.2% | 9,231 | 20,291 | 69,056 |
| 1970 | 192 | 78.6% | 22,220 | 51,800 | 59,530 |
| 1969 | 212 | 73.1% | 13,216 | 50,836 | 75,754 |
| 1968 | 226 | 74.8% | 23,942 | 68,511 | 86,268 |
| 1967 | 205 | 78.0% | 22,279 | 52,239 | 76,309 |
| 1966 | 92 | 80.4% | 18,873 | 26,479 | 61,120 |
How Long Does a MG Mgb GT Last?
Based on 342 MG Mgb GT vehicles on UK roads.
MG Mgb GT Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all MG Mgb GT MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used MG Mgb GT
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
80.4% MOT pass rate from 92 tests
65.1% MOT pass rate from 175 tests
The best year to buy a used MG Mgb GT is 1966, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 80.4% across 92 tests. The 1975 model year has the lowest pass rate at 65.1% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the MG Mgb GT Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG Mgb GT THIS CAR | 74.8% | 3,633 | 44,148 mi | 60 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 |
| Triumph Daytona 955I | 85.7% | 1,279 | 13,990 mi | 27 yrs |
Compared to the MG Zr (69.8% pass rate) and the MG Mgf (66.7% pass rate), the MG Mgb GT outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a MG Mgb GT you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific MG Mgb GTShould you buy a used MG Mgb GT?
The MG Mgb GT has an overall MOT pass rate of 74.8% across 3,633 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the MG Mgb GT are parking brake: efficiency below requirements (113 recorded failures), windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (108), and brake binding (88). 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 Mgb GT owner drives around 484 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 Mgb GT models stay on UK roads for around 60 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.