MG Gs MOT Failures
An analysis of 27,472 real DVSA MOT tests on the MG Gs — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: MK1 (2016–2019).
Where the MG Gs fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the MG Gs is abs fault — this model is 26 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 27,472 MOT tests, 2.71% of all MG Gs tests recorded this as a failure.
Brake failures on the MOT range from worn pads and discs (routine maintenance) to corroded brake lines and seized calipers (more serious). Check for any pulling under braking and listen for grinding.
Other notable weak points include headlight fault (20x the fleet average), tyre wear or damage (8.2x the fleet average), light unit fault (17x the fleet average), and coil springs broken (6.7x the fleet average). These ratios compare the MG Gs'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: Brakes, Lights & Electrics, Tyres, Suspension. If you're inspecting a MG Gs 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 Gs'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 Gs specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (26x the average) and light unit fault (17x). coil springs broken (6.7x) and headlight fault (6.3x) 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 Gs specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (16x the average) and tyre wear or damage (8.2x). headlight fault (6.9x) and headlight fault also appear frequently.
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 Gs specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Electronic Stability Control system malfunction Major
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system frequently develops software or sensor faults that trigger the malfunction indicator light. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Premature brake disc wear and cracking Major
Brake discs develop excessive wear, cracking, or fractures at unusually low mileages, even on nearly new vehicles. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Coil spring fracture Major
Coil springs fracture or seriously weaken at very low mileages, including on nearly new vehicles. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
Warning system malfunction
Multiple warning systems experience malfunctions that cause warning lights or audible alerts to activate incorrectly. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full MG Gs common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a MG Gs
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a MG Gs:
Brakes — check for abs fault, excessive fluctuation in brake effort through e.... Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault, light unit fault. Tyres — check for tyre wear or damage.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about electronic stability control system malfunction and premature brake disc wear and cracking. 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 Gs?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
MG Gs MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a MG Gs?
Based on 27,472 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is abs fault — at 26x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include headlight fault and tyre wear or damage.
Is the MG Gs reliable based on MOT data?
The MG Gs has 6 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag electronic stability control system malfunction 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 abs fault, headlight fault, tyre wear or damage.
How do I check a MG Gs'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.