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MG 3 reliability by build year

Coverage 2019-20241 named generationHatchbackPETROL
At a glance

MG 3 built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average

MG 3 models built around 2018 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Check an MG 3 by number plate

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on MG 3 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on MG 3 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The MG 3's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 3's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

3 Mk1

Mk1 (2019-2024)

Poor
PETROL

18.6% fail rate, built around 2020 (5 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 8 MOTs, 12.8%)

From 3,681 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Pre

Older models (before 2005)

PETROL
8,996 MOT tests across all agesNo separate page

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the MG 3.

See every build year for the MG 3

By age

MG 3 fail rate by age

This chart combines every MG 3 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
4,57012.9%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
2,55516.3%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
3,68118.6%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
4,10020.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,38323.3%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
3,60323.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
3,74124.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,51225.1%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,30427.1%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
6421.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 11 years old.

Where it ranks

Where the MG 3 stacks up

Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates

Against other MG models

3rd of 3

Among the highest fail rates of the 3 MG models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

Close to the middle third

Against other hatchbacks

72nd of 84

72nd lowest fail rate of 84 hatchbacks with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the highest third

Against the UK average

23.3%

The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old MG 3 models

These issues come from 7-year-old MG 3 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    22.8%
    Advisory: 1,090Fail: 72 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.8%
    Advisory: 499Fail: 109 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.7%
    Advisory: 480Fail: 6 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    11.0%
    Advisory: 671Fail: 11 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.1%
    Advisory: 300Fail: 41 (12% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,383 MOT tests on 7-year-old MG 3 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old MG 3 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Brakes + Tyres34%
  2. Brakes + Suspension27%
  3. Suspension + Tyres25%
  4. Body & structure + Suspension17%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 1,365 MOT tests on MG 3 cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

88%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the MG 3 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 23.3% for the MG 3, both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 23.3% for the MG 3, both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Hyundai IONIQ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.1%
    Dangerous
    4.2%

    Lower fail rate: 14.1%, against 23.3% for the MG 3, both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    8,438 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 23.3% for the MG 3, both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the MG 3 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. It has among the highest fail rates of the 3 MG models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 3,383 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every MG 3 ever sold: 29,513 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 3,383 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.