Most Reliable Mg Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 79,571 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Mg models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
79,571 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Mg model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Mg HS EXCLUSIVE
90.6% pass rate
Best Single Year
TF 2005 Petrol
70.9% pass rate
Mg vs National Average
78.0% vs 71.5%
+6.5% above average
Proven Durability Champion
TF 2005
+13.6% at 13+ years
Mg has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 79,571 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Mg models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Mg model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Mg Compares to Rivals
Mg ranks #24 out of 75 manufacturers with a 78.0% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mg | 78.0% | #24 | 79,571 |
| Toyota | 74.0% | #31 | 1,606,300 |
| Volkswagen | 72.2% | #43 | 2,967,545 |
| Nissan | 68.7% | #50 | 1,612,552 |
| Ford | 68.5% | #51 | 4,432,652 |
| Vauxhall | 65.4% | #59 | 3,038,498 |
The verdict: Mg leads its competitors with a 78.0% pass rate. However, newer Mg models significantly outperform this average.
Best Mg Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Mg's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS EXCLUSIVE | 90.6% | +19.1% | 2,186 | 2020-2020 |
| 5 EXCLUSIVE | 88.6% | +17.1% | 1,889 | 2020-2022 |
| HS EXCITE | 86.2% | +14.7% | 829 | 2020-2020 |
| ZS | 83.8% | +12.3% | 28,611 | 2002-2022 |
| 5 EXCITE | 83.5% | +12.0% | 1,253 | 2021-2022 |
| GS | 79.5% | +8.0% | 2,868 | 2016-2019 |
| 3 | 77.4% | +5.9% | 18,902 | 2013-2020 |
| TF | 69.6% | -1.9% | 9,859 | 2002-2010 |
| MGF | 67.5% | -4.1% | 3,018 | 2000-2002 |
| ZT | 63.5% | -8.0% | 1,463 | 2002-2005 |
Top performer
The HS EXCLUSIVE dramatically outperforms other Mgs with an 90.6% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Mg Models Age Best?
These Mg models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TF | 2005 | Petrol | +13.6% | 13+ years | 70.9% |
| TF | 2002 | Petrol | +12.5% | 13+ years | 69.8% |
| TF | 2004 | Petrol | +11.5% | 13+ years | 68.8% |
| TF | 2003 | Petrol | +11.2% | 13+ years | 68.5% |
| MGF | 2001 | Petrol | +10.8% | 13+ years | 68.1% |
| MGF | 2000 | Petrol | +9.4% | 13+ years | 66.7% |
| ZR | 2003 | Petrol | +5.6% | 13+ years | 62.9% |
| ZR | 2004 | Petrol | +2.9% | 13+ years | 60.2% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Mg models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZS EXCLUSIVE EV | 2020 | Electric | +5.0% | 3-4 years | 90.9% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Mg ZS: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The ZS has 28,611 tests in our database with an overall 83.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Electric | 92.1% | -0.8% | 518 |
| 2021 | Petrol | 90.1% | -0.8% | 121 |
| 2021 | Electric | 89.6% | -1.2% | 250 |
| 2020 | Electric | 90.0% | +2.3% | 5,498 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 86.6% | -1.1% | 6,904 |
| 2019 | Electric | 85.4% | -0.8% | 658 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 82.6% | -3.6% | 8,025 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 79.9% | -4.4% | 5,085 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 72.9% | -8.8% | 350 |
| 2005 | Petrol | 64.0% | +7.7% | 261 |
| 2004 | Petrol | 62.1% | +6.1% | 391 |
| 2003 | Petrol | 55.9% | -0.8% | 299 |
| ... | ||||
| 2003 | Petrol | 55.9% | -0.8% | 299 |
| 2002 | Petrol | 59.8% | +2.2% | 251 |
ZS verdict: The 2022 electric model achieves an excellent 92.1% pass rate. Avoid the 2003 petrol (55.9%).
Avoid early ZS models
The 2003 petrol ZS has a 55.9% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Mg 3: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The 3 has 18,902 tests in our database with an overall 77.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 84.2% | -3.4% | 2,467 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 83.0% | -3.2% | 3,684 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 78.5% | -5.8% | 2,572 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 75.9% | -5.8% | 2,894 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 74.1% | -4.5% | 3,111 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 72.6% | -2.9% | 2,419 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 69.6% | -2.1% | 1,614 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 66.0% | -2.3% | 141 |
3 verdict:
Mg Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Mg's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 95.8% | +24.3% | 119 |
| Electric | 88.5% | +17.0% | 10,631 |
| Petrol | 76.8% | +5.3% | 63,626 |
| Diesel | 58.0% | -13.5% | 1,863 |
The hybrid advantage: Mg hybrids pass MOTs 19% more often than petrols and 38% more often than diesels.
Mg Models to Avoid
Not all Mgs are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 EXCITE | 2022 | Electric | 83.2% | 709 |
| 5 EXCITE | 2021 | Electric | 83.8% | 544 |
| 3 | 2018 | Petrol | 78.5% (-6.6% vs same-age) | 2,572 |
| 3 | 2017 | Petrol | 75.9% (-6.2% vs same-age) | 2,894 |
| 5 EXCLUSIVE | 2021 | Electric | 86.2% | 607 |
| 3 | 2016 | Petrol | 74.1% (-6.1% vs same-age) | 3,111 |
| ZS | 2018 | Petrol | 79.9% (-5.3% vs same-age) | 5,085 |
| 3 | 2020 | Petrol | 84.0% | 1,702 |
| GS | 2017 | Petrol | 78.1% (-4.0% vs same-age) | 940 |
| ZS | 2019 | Petrol | 82.6% (-3.8% vs same-age) | 8,025 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2021-2022 electric 5 EXCITEs, 2016-2020 petrol 3s, 2018-2019 petrol ZSs are the models that drag down Mg's average. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Mgs?
When Mgs fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 5,657 |
| 2. Brakes | 4,949 |
| 3. Tyres | 4,123 |
| 4. Suspension | 3,343 |
| 5. Visibility | 2,552 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 1,970 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 1,289 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Mg owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- HS EXCLUSIVE S-A 2020 Petrol: 91% pass rate
- ZS EXCLUSIVE EV 2020 Electric: 91% pass rate
- HS EXCLUSIVE 2020 Petrol: 89% pass rate
- ZS EXCLUSIVE VTI-TECH 2020 Petrol: 89% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- TF 2002-2005: +12% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- MGF 2000-2001: +10% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- ZR 2003-2004: +4% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Mg Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- No major proven reliability concerns
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 79,571 tests on Mg vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
Check Any Vehicle's MOT History
Get the full MOT history, mileage records, and reliability insights for any UK vehicle. Make an informed decision before you buy.
Run a Free Check