MG GS Series 1 (2016-2019) reliability
MG GS Series 1 built around 2018: fails its MOT more often than average
MG GS Series 1 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.
Looking at an MG GS Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
21% of MOT tests on MG GS Series 1 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 GS Series 1 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 3,536 tests of GS models registered 2016-2019.
About 1 in 15 GS Series 1 MOTs (6.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,123 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 20 GS Series 1 MOTs (5.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 1,123 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Series 1 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 9 years old.
How the GS Series 1 compares
At each age below, see how the GS Series 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 8,496 tests across 3 MG models, built around 2018 (7 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.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension springs
Worth checkingCheck ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.
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 SUVs to compare
Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the GS Series 1.
- 1
Lexus RX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.3%
- Dangerous
- 2.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.4%
Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 21.4% for the MG GS Series 1, both built around 2018.
1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Lexus NX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1%
- Dangerous
- 2.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.4%
Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 21.4% for the MG GS Series 1, both built around 2018.
4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Porsche Macan
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 8.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2%
- Dangerous
- 2.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 91.6%
Lower fail rate: 8.7%, against 21.4% for the MG GS Series 1, both built around 2018.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,936 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Volkswagen T-Roc
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.9%
Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 21.4% for the MG GS Series 1, both built around 2018.
9,233 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.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the MG GS name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on GS Series 1 cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 69 cars.
How GS Series 1 cars have aged
How GS Series 1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Series 1 variants compared
Most common issues on MG GSes of this age
This list covers every MG GS built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 119.3%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 216.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 316.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 411.8%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 57.7%Advisory
Coil spring corroded
Based on 1,123 tests
Looking at an MG GS Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the MG GS Series 1 (2016-2019) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,123 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.