MG 3 MOT Check

MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the MG 3. Check any 3 by registration number below.

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83.1%

Avg Pass Rate

-0.0%

vs MG Avg

Year Ranges

Good

Reliability

MG 3 — MOT Reliability Overview

The MG 3 has an average MOT pass rate of 83.1%, which is 0.0 percentage points below the MG brand average of 83.1%. This is a strong result, indicating that the 3 is well-engineered and tends to age well mechanically. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time.

The most common reasons a MG 3 fails its MOT are the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, an srs malfunction indicator lamp (mil) indicates a system malfunction, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn. If you are preparing your 3 for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.

Before buying a used MG 3, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.

MOT Pass Rate by Year

How the MG 3 performs at MOT across different model years.

2022

Based on 132 vehicles

90.9%Excellent

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

1.5%

Retest Rate

7.6%

Mileage at 3yr

35k mi

2021

Based on 1,038 vehicles

91.1%Excellent

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

3.1%

Retest Rate

8.3%

Mileage at 3yr

31k mi

2020

Based on 4,299 vehicles

89.6%Excellent

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

4.2%

Retest Rate

10.3%

Mileage at 3yr

28k mi

Mileage at 5yr

42k mi

2019

Based on 9,078 vehicles

87.7%Excellent

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

4.2%

Retest Rate

12.9%

Mileage at 3yr

30k mi

Mileage at 5yr

45k mi

2018

Based on 6,208 vehicles

82.6%Good

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

4.9%

Retest Rate

18.5%

Mileage at 5yr

49k mi

2017

Based on 7,086 vehicles

78.8%Good

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

5.7%

Retest Rate

21.9%

Mileage at 5yr

53k mi

2016

Based on 7,421 vehicles

79.4%Good

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

5.0%

Retest Rate

20.4%

2015

Based on 5,715 vehicles

76.5%Good

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

5.0%

Retest Rate

23.1%

Mileage at 10yr

88k mi

2014

Based on 3,811 vehicles

75.5%Good

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

5.4%

Retest Rate

21.7%

Mileage at 10yr

91k mi

2013

Based on 306 vehicles

77.1%Good

MG average: 83.1%

Dangerous Defects

1.8%

Retest Rate

21.2%

Mileage at 10yr

95k mi

0

Based on 21,084 vehicles

84.7%Good

MG average: 83.1%

Mileage at 5yr

36k mi

Top MOT Failures — MG 3

The most common reasons a MG 3 fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.

The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

3.4%

An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction

2.8%

A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn

2.6%

Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded

1.8%

Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen

1.7%

MG 3 Common Faults & Repair Costs

Where Failures Occur

The areas of the vehicle most commonly flagged during MOT inspections.

Front Nearside

3.8%

Rear Nearside

1.5%

Rear Offside

1.5%

Other MG Models

Compare MOT reliability across MG models.

MG ZR

74.1% pass rate

MG 6

64.3% pass rate

MG MGB

70.0% pass rate

MG Mgb Roadster

95.5% pass rate

MG B Gt

75.0% pass rate

MG B

88.0% pass rate

Useful MOT Guides

Common MOT Failures

The most common reasons UK vehicles fail their MOT — and how to prepare.

MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist to improve your chances of passing first time.

Advisory vs Failure

Understanding the difference between MOT advisories and failures.

See detailed fault analysis for MG 3

MG 3 — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the MG 3 MOT and reliability.

What is the MOT pass rate for the MG 3?

The average MOT pass rate for the MG 3 is 83.1% compared to the MG average of 83.1%. Pass rates vary by year — check the year-by-year breakdown on this page for details.

What are the most common MOT failures on a MG 3?

The most common MOT failures on the MG 3 are: The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements (3.4%), An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction (2.8%), A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn (2.6%). These are the components most likely to cause an MOT failure.

Is the MG 3 reliable?

With an average MOT pass rate of 83.1%, the MG 3 is rated as "Good" for reliability. This is a strong result suggesting good build quality and fewer common defects.

How do I check the MOT history of a MG 3?

Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search box at the top of this page. You will instantly see the complete MOT history including every test result, mileage readings, advisories, and dangerous defects — completely free.

What mileage should I expect on a MG 3?

Typical mileage for the MG 3: 34,504 miles at 3 years. Use these benchmarks when evaluating a used 3 to spot vehicles with unusually high or low mileage.

Check Your MG 3's MOT History

Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.