Across 19,011 MOT tests of the MG 3 in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 22.6% failed — about 1 in 4. The parts that fail most are tyres (7.4% of tests), lights and electrics (6.3%), brakes (5.0%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (4.2%) and suspension (3.6%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the MG 3 has 43% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
MG 3 (2013–2025)
MOT: 22.6% of 19,011 initial tests failed — 43% more failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 7.4% |
| 2 | lights and electrics | 6.3% |
| 3 | brakes | 5.0% |
| 4 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 4.2% |
| 5 | suspension | 3.6% |
Questions
What fails most on a MG 3 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 7.4% of MG 3 MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come lights and electrics (6.3%) and brakes (5.0%).
How often does a MG 3 fail its MOT?
22.6% of MG 3 MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 4), counting initial tests only, across 19,011 tests. Allowing for age and mileage, that is 43% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
Is the MG 3 reliable?
On MOT results, the MG 3 has 43% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this MG 3 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.