At a Glance
The Mg Mgb has 69 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk2 (1967-1980) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 357K 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 Mgb 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 Mgb 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.
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Browse Mg Mgb Generations
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Most Common Mg Mgb MOT Failures
Every reason Mg Mgb 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 | Stop lamp not working | 9.28% |
| 2 | Brake performance below minimum | 8.85% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 8.24% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 5.79% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.42% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 5.39% |
| 7 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 4.75% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.83% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.43% |
| 10 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.97% |
| 11 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.71% |
| 12 | Parking brake condition | 2.41% |
| 13 | Steering rack fault | 2.10% |
| 14 | Horn not working | 2.09% |
| 15 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.05% |
| 16 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.58% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.38% |
| 18 | Track rod end worn | 1.33% |
| 19 | Headlamp fault | 1.24% |
| 20 | Chassis condition | 1.18% |
| 21 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.18% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.16% |
| 23 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.05% |
| 24 | Front suspension fault | 1.03% |
| 25 | Rear suspension fault | 0.97% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.96% |
| 27 | Fog lamp not working | 0.96% |
| 28 | Rear lamp not working | 0.87% |
| 29 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.80% |
| 30 | Tyre condition | 0.68% |
| 31 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.67% |
| 32 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.65% |
| 33 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.57% |
| 34 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.49% |
| 35 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.46% |
| 36 | Steering free play excessive | 0.45% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.44% |
| 38 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.42% |
| 39 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.41% |
| 40 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.40% |
| 41 | Brake fluid leak | 0.39% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.39% |
| 43 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.36% |
| 44 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.34% |
| 45 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.29% |
| 46 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.29% |
| 47 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.29% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.28% |
| 49 | Electrical switch fault | 0.28% |
| 50 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.27% |
| 51 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.25% |
| 52 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.22% |
| 53 | Brake caliper fault | 0.21% |
| 54 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.21% |
| 55 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.19% |
| 56 | Steering column fault | 0.19% |
| 57 | Steering operation fault | 0.19% |
| 58 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.18% |
| 59 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.18% |
| 60 | Steering arm worn | 0.17% |
| 61 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 62 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.17% |
| 63 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.15% |
| 64 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.15% |
| 65 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 66 | Steering lock fault | 0.12% |
| 67 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.12% |
| 68 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.12% |
| 69 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 70 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.12% |
| 71 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 72 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.11% |
| 73 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.11% |
| 74 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.11% |
| 75 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.10% |
| 76 | Speedometer fault | 0.09% |
| 77 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 78 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.08% |
| 79 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.08% |
| 80 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.07% |
| 81 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Brake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 83 | Steering coupling worn | 0.07% |
| 84 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 85 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 86 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.06% |
| 87 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 88 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 89 | Driveshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Wheel hub fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Exhaust leak | 0.05% |
| 93 | Steering shaft fault | 0.05% |
| 94 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 95 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 96 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 97 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 98 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 99 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 100 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.04% |
| 101 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 102 | Dip switch fault | 0.04% |
| 103 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.04% |
| 104 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.03% |
| 105 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 107 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 108 | Brake servo fault | 0.03% |
| 109 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.03% |
| 110 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 111 | Stub axle worn | 0.02% |
| 112 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 113 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 114 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
| 116 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 117 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.02% |
| 118 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 119 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.02% |
| 120 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 121 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.02% |
| 122 | Universal joint worn | 0.01% |
| 123 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 126 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 127 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 128 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 129 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 130 | Leaf spring slipper worn | 0.01% |
| 131 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 141 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 143 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Airbag warning light on | <0.01% |
| 146 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 147 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 158 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 159 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | ABS fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 165 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 169 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 173 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 175 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
Showing all 175 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mg Mgb MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mg Mgb, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mg Mgb problems?
Based on analysis of 357K Mg Mgb MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 69 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mg Mgb generation has the most problems?
The Mg Mgb Mk2 (1967-1980) (1967–1980) has the highest number of identified common problems (88). 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 Mgb?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mg Mgb owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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