MG HS Mk1 (2020-present) reliability
MG HS Mk1 built around 2020: about average at the MOT
MG HS Mk1 models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at an MG HS Mk1?
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Key figure
11% of MOT tests on MG HS Mk1 models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on MG HS Mk1 models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 27,387 tests of HS models registered 2020+.
About 1 in 8 petrol HS cars registered in 2022 (13.1%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 14,373 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 HS Mk1 MOTs (2.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 2,003 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 HS Mk1 MOTs (4.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 2,003 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1 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 5 years old.
How the HS Mk1 compares
At each age below, see how the HS Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 19,643 tests across 5 MG models, built around 2020 (5 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.
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 HS Mk1.
- 1
Lexus RX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 4.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.8%
- Dangerous
- 1.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.4%
Lower fail rate: 4.9%, against 11.4% for the MG HS Mk1, both built around 2020.
1,790 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Lexus UX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.6%
- Dangerous
- 2.3%
Lower fail rate: 7.1%, against 11.4% for the MG HS Mk1, both built around 2020.
4,133 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Porsche Macan
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 6.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.3%
- Dangerous
- 2.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 91.6%
Lower fail rate: 6.5%, against 11.4% for the MG HS Mk1, both built around 2020.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,146 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Honda HR-V
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.6%
- Dangerous
- 2.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 97%
Lower fail rate: 8.0%, against 11.4% for the MG HS Mk1, both built around 2020.
4,166 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 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
1 recall in all1 HS Mk1 recall covers cars built in these years.
- 1 recall
Top concerns
- On affected vehicles the position of the PTC ground wire may not be correctly anchored to the vehicle body. This can pot
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
How HS Mk1 cars have aged
How HS Mk1 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Mk1 variants compared
HS Mk1 variants built around 2020
The fail rate for each HS Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- HS EXCLUSIVE S-A9.1%678 tests
- HS EXCLUSIVE11.6%663 tests
- HS EXCITE14.6%288 tests
- HS EXCITE S-A14.6%239 tests
Most common issues on MG HSes of this age
This list covers every MG HS built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.4%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 217.4%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 312.6%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 410.9%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 54.0%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 2,077 tests
Looking at an MG HS Mk1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the MG HS Mk1 (2020-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 2,003 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.