At a Glance
The Mg Mgf has 63 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the MGF (1995-2002) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 397K 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 Mgf 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 Mgf 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 Mgf Generations
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Most Common Mg Mgf MOT Failures
Every reason Mg Mgf 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 26.64% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 17.90% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 6.13% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.90% |
| 5 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.22% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 3.89% |
| 7 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.15% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.98% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.26% |
| 10 | Tyre condition | 1.43% |
| 11 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.37% |
| 12 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 1.22% |
| 13 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 1.20% |
| 14 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.13% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.11% |
| 16 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.07% |
| 17 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.05% |
| 18 | Position lamp not working | 1.04% |
| 19 | Chassis condition | 1.04% |
| 20 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.04% |
| 21 | Steering rack fault | 0.91% |
| 22 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.85% |
| 23 | Seat belt condition | 0.81% |
| 24 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.64% |
| 25 | Track rod end worn | 0.64% |
| 26 | ABS fault | 0.61% |
| 27 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.59% |
| 28 | Airbag warning light on | 0.55% |
| 29 | Stop lamp not working | 0.53% |
| 30 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.50% |
| 31 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.47% |
| 32 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.47% |
| 33 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.45% |
| 34 | Brake pedal fault | 0.39% |
| 35 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.37% |
| 36 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.36% |
| 37 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.33% |
| 38 | Indicator fault | 0.27% |
| 39 | Steering free play excessive | 0.22% |
| 40 | Horn not working | 0.21% |
| 41 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.21% |
| 42 | Front suspension fault | 0.20% |
| 43 | Rear lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 44 | Driveshaft fault | 0.17% |
| 45 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.17% |
| 46 | Steering arm worn | 0.12% |
| 47 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 48 | Rear suspension fault | 0.12% |
| 49 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.12% |
| 50 | Fog lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 51 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.11% |
| 52 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.09% |
| 53 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 54 | Parking brake condition | 0.08% |
| 55 | Suspension unit fault | 0.08% |
| 56 | Drag link end worn | 0.08% |
| 57 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 58 | Headlamp fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 60 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.07% |
| 61 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 62 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 63 | Brake caliper fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.06% |
| 65 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 67 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Driver door fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 71 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 72 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 74 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 75 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 76 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 78 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 80 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 81 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.03% |
| 83 | Brake servo fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 87 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 89 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 91 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 92 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 93 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 94 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Brake fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 96 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 97 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Spare wheel fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Brake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.01% |
| 103 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 104 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Driver seat fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.01% |
| 109 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.01% |
| 112 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 113 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 124 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 130 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 131 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 133 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 144 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 145 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 147 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 151 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 154 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 157 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 161 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 164 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 166 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 168 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 170 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 171 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 173 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 174 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 175 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 178 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Steering linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 183 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mg Mgf MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mg Mgf, 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 Mgf problems?
Based on analysis of 397K Mg Mgf MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 63 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Catalytic converter efficiency low". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mg Mgf generation has the most problems?
The Mg Mgf MGF (1995-2002) (1995–2005) has the highest number of identified common problems (83). 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 Mgf?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mg Mgf owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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