At a Glance
The Mg 3 has 15 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 (2011-2024) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 95K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mg 3 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mg 3 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mg 3 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mg 3 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Mg 3?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Mg 3 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Mg 3 MOT Failures
Every reason Mg 3 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 16.12% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 14.60% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 8.96% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.42% |
| 5 | Brake disc or drum worn | 6.07% |
| 6 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 5.83% |
| 7 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 5.45% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.17% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 3.63% |
| 10 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.70% |
| 11 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.68% |
| 12 | Position lamp not working | 2.58% |
| 13 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.54% |
| 14 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.10% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.45% |
| 16 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 1.31% |
| 17 | Indicator fault | 1.15% |
| 18 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.06% |
| 19 | Driveshaft fault | 0.80% |
| 20 | Airbag warning light on | 0.75% |
| 21 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.70% |
| 22 | Engine oil leak | 0.69% |
| 23 | Brake lever fault | 0.52% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 0.49% |
| 25 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.42% |
| 26 | Horn not working | 0.42% |
| 27 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.36% |
| 28 | Tyre condition | 0.35% |
| 29 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.33% |
| 30 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.32% |
| 31 | Electrical switch fault | 0.32% |
| 32 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.30% |
| 33 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.27% |
| 34 | Brake pedal fault | 0.26% |
| 35 | Exhaust system fault | 0.26% |
| 36 | ABS fault | 0.22% |
| 37 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.22% |
| 38 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 39 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.16% |
| 40 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 41 | Passenger seat fault | 0.16% |
| 42 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.15% |
| 43 | Exhaust leak | 0.14% |
| 44 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 45 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.13% |
| 46 | Driver door fault | 0.13% |
| 47 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 48 | Steering rack fault | 0.11% |
| 49 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.09% |
| 50 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 51 | Seat belt condition | 0.07% |
| 52 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.06% |
| 53 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 54 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 55 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 56 | Universal joint worn | 0.05% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 58 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 59 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 60 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 61 | Dip switch fault | 0.04% |
| 62 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.04% |
| 63 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 64 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 65 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 66 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 67 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 68 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.03% |
| 69 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 70 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 71 | Parking brake condition | 0.03% |
| 72 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Chassis condition | 0.02% |
| 76 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 77 | Front lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 78 | Front suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.02% |
| 80 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 81 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 83 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 84 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 85 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Hazard warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 87 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.01% |
| 89 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 90 | Reversing lamp switch fault | 0.01% |
| 91 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Body corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 93 | Brake hydraulic component worn | <0.01% |
| 94 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | <0.01% |
| 95 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 96 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 98 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 99 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 101 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Rear suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 107 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 110 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 111 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 113 | Windscreen washer not working | <0.01% |
Showing all 113 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mg 3 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mg 3, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mg 3 problems?
Based on analysis of 95K Mg 3 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 15 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Tyre condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mg 3 generation has the most problems?
The Mg 3 Mk1 (2011-2024) (2011–2024) has the highest number of identified common problems (17). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mg 3?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mg 3 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
