MG 5 Mk1 (EV) (2021-present) reliability
MG 5 Mk1 (EV) built around 2021: about average at the MOT
MG 5 Mk1 (EV) models built around 2021 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at an MG 5 Mk1 (EV) right now?
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Key figure
12% of MOT tests on MG 5 Mk1 (EV) models built around 2021 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on MG 5 Mk1 (EV) models built around 2021 involves the tyres.
Based on 12,266 tests of 5 models registered 2021+.
About 1 in 7 electricity 5 cars registered in 2022 (14.3%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 5,065 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 50 5 Mk1 (EV) MOTs (1.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2021 (4 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 3,497 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 25 5 Mk1 (EV) MOTs (3.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2021 (4 years old).
Based on 3,497 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1 (EV) fail rate by age
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 3 years old.
How the 5 Mk1 (EV) compares
At each age below, see how the 5 Mk1 (EV) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 29,655 tests across 4 MG models, built around 2021 (4 years old).
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.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 5 Mk1 (EV).
- 1
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the MG 5 Mk1 (EV) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
37,846 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9%
Lower fail rate: 9.0%, against 12.1% for the MG 5 Mk1 (EV), both built around 2021.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,564 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Volkswagen ID.3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 12.1% for the MG 5 Mk1 (EV), both built around 2021.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,873 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Volkswagen ID.3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.2%
Lower fail rate: 9.2%, against 12.1% for the MG 5 Mk1 (EV), both built around 2021.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,811 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
2 recalls in allBoth 5 Mk1 (EV) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 recalls
Top concerns
- BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ACTIVATED WHEN THE CAR IS REGENERATIVELY BRAKING OVER 1.3m/s2
- Vehicle roof bars were previously recorded as being non-load bearing
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Mk1 (EV) variants compared
5 Mk1 (EV) variants built around 2021
The fail rate for each 5 Mk1 (EV) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Electricity
- 5 EXCLUSIVE11.4%2,561 tests
- 5 EXCITE13.8%934 tests
Most common issues on MG 5 models of this age
This list covers every MG 5 built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (EV) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 123.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 28.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 36.9%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 43.3%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 52.4%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
Based on 3,617 tests
Looking at an MG 5 Mk1 (EV) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the MG 5 Mk1 (EV) (2021-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,497 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.