At a Glance
The Mg Midget has 47 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the 1500 (1974-1979) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 106K 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 Midget 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 Midget 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 Midget Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk I
Most common MOT failure: Brake performance below minimum
Mk II
Most common MOT failure: Brake performance below minimum
Mk III
Top issue: Brake performance below minimum
1500
Top issue: Brake performance below minimum
Most Common Mg Midget MOT Failures
Every reason Mg Midget 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 | Exhaust system fault | 7.07% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.55% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.53% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.64% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.42% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.95% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 4.62% |
| 8 | Track rod end worn | 3.89% |
| 9 | Tyre condition | 3.37% |
| 10 | Front suspension fault | 3.21% |
| 11 | Rear lamp not working | 3.07% |
| 12 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.74% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.43% |
| 14 | Parking brake condition | 2.31% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 2.13% |
| 16 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.07% |
| 17 | Chassis condition | 2.05% |
| 18 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.04% |
| 19 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 1.89% |
| 20 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.79% |
| 21 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.53% |
| 22 | Horn not working | 1.53% |
| 23 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.36% |
| 24 | Position lamp not working | 1.11% |
| 25 | Headlamp fault | 1.03% |
| 26 | Steering rack fault | 0.96% |
| 27 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.83% |
| 28 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.80% |
| 29 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.78% |
| 30 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.67% |
| 31 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.65% |
| 32 | Steering free play excessive | 0.64% |
| 33 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.64% |
| 34 | Brake pedal fault | 0.60% |
| 35 | Seat belt condition | 0.55% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.53% |
| 37 | Steering lock fault | 0.53% |
| 38 | Rear suspension fault | 0.52% |
| 39 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.51% |
| 40 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.49% |
| 41 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.41% |
| 42 | Steering operation fault | 0.40% |
| 43 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.38% |
| 44 | Electrical switch fault | 0.37% |
| 45 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.37% |
| 46 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.35% |
| 47 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.29% |
| 48 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.29% |
| 49 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.29% |
| 50 | Brake fluid leak | 0.28% |
| 51 | Brake lever fault | 0.27% |
| 52 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.27% |
| 53 | Steering column fault | 0.26% |
| 54 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.25% |
| 55 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 56 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.24% |
| 57 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.24% |
| 58 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.23% |
| 59 | Fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 60 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.20% |
| 61 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.20% |
| 62 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.17% |
| 63 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.17% |
| 64 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.16% |
| 65 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.16% |
| 66 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 67 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.15% |
| 68 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.14% |
| 69 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 70 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.12% |
| 71 | Speedometer fault | 0.12% |
| 72 | Steering arm worn | 0.12% |
| 73 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.11% |
| 74 | Stub axle worn | 0.11% |
| 75 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.10% |
| 76 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.10% |
| 77 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.09% |
| 78 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.08% |
| 79 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 80 | Body security fault | 0.08% |
| 81 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 82 | Steering shaft fault | 0.07% |
| 83 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 84 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.07% |
| 85 | Drag link end worn | 0.07% |
| 86 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 87 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.06% |
| 88 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 89 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 91 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 93 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 94 | Steering coupling worn | 0.04% |
| 95 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.04% |
| 96 | Dip switch fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 98 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.03% |
| 99 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 102 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 103 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 105 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 107 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 109 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 110 | Driveshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 114 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Steering box fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 117 | Wheel hub fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 119 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 120 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.01% |
| 121 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Leaf spring slipper worn | 0.01% |
| 123 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 125 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.01% |
| 126 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 127 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 130 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | <0.01% |
| 131 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 132 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 133 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 134 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 141 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 144 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 149 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 154 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mg Midget MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mg Midget, 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 Midget problems?
Based on analysis of 106K Mg Midget MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 47 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mg Midget generation has the most problems?
The Mg Midget 1500 (1974-1979) (1974–1979) has the highest number of identified common problems (56). 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 Midget?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mg Midget owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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