MG 6 MOT Failures
An analysis of 27,841 real DVSA MOT tests on the MG 6 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: MK1 (2011–2016).
Where the MG 6 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the MG 6 is suspension component damaged or corroded — this model is 14 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it worth watching for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 27,841 MOT tests, 6.29% of all MG 6 tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include anti-roll bar links worn (38x the fleet average), wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt o... (9.8x the fleet average), brake pipes corroded (9.7x the fleet average), and abs fault (18x the fleet average). These ratios compare the MG 6's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 4 categories: Suspension, Wheels, Brakes, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a MG 6 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The MG 6's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the MG 6 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (38x the average) and stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... (16x). suspension component damaged or corroded (14x) and abs fault (12x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the MG 6 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (18x the average) and wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt o... (9.8x). suspension component damaged or corroded (9.2x) and stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/... (8.4x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
The standout failure at this mileage is suspension component damaged or corroded at 6.6x the fleet average.
The shift from anti-roll bar links worn at lower mileages to suspension component damaged or corroded at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that MG 6 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Brake pipe corrosion (MK1) Dangerous
Brake pipes on the MG6 corrode at an unusually rapid rate compared to other vehicles, particularly the rear brake lines running under the fuel tank. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£500.
Suspension component corrosion and wear (MK1) Major
The MG6 suffers from premature failure of suspension bushes, ball joints, and anti-roll bar links. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£800.
Coil spring fracture (MK1) Major
Front and rear coil springs on the MG6 are prone to fracturing, with MOT data showing failures at 88.1 times the fleet average. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Electronic Stability Control malfunction (MK1) Major
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system on petrol MG6 models develops faults that trigger the malfunction indicator lamp. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full MG 6 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a MG 6
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a MG 6:
Suspension — check for suspension component damaged or corroded, anti-roll bar links worn. Wheels — check for wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt o.... Brakes — check for brake pipes corroded, abs fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about brake pipe corrosion and suspension component corrosion and wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £200. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific MG 6?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
MG 6 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a MG 6?
Based on 27,841 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is suspension component damaged or corroded — at 14x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include anti-roll bar links worn and wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt o....
Is the MG 6 reliable based on MOT data?
The MG 6 has 10 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag brake pipe corrosion as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
The most common high-mileage failures include suspension component damaged or corroded, anti-roll bar links worn, wheel with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt o....
How do I check a MG 6's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.