Small car · 2013–2021 cars

MG 3 reliability

The MG 3 fails 23.4% of first MOT tests, 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 58,143 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Well below averageReliability score 10/100#57 of 63 small cars

Checking a MG 3 before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 23.4%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 44% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 58,143; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 6,100; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

MOT fail rate by age

How the MG 3 ages

Each point is the share of MG 3s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

MG 3All cars

MG 3 first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	MG 3	All cars
3	16%	12.3%
4	18.5%	14.1%
5	22.2%	16.4%
6	25.7%	19.1%
7	26.4%	22.1%
8	30.5%	25.5%
9	30.6%	28.8%
10	33.1%	31.8%

By year

The best and worst MG 3 years

2014 cars come out best and 2017 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

MG 3 MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021	730	16.8%	66% more fails	18,597
2020 3	4,224	15.7%	47% more fails	20,246
2019 3	9,977	17.4%	48% more fails	23,050
2018 3	8,698	21.1%	58% more fails	27,845
2017 3	9,892	24.9%	59% more fails	34,683
2016 3	10,490	25.7%	43% more fails	39,952
2015 3	8,072	28.5%	37% more fails	44,878
2014 3	5,440	30.2%	27% more fails	50,185
2013	620	25.6%	1% more fails	54,158

Common problems

What fails most on a MG 3

Its weak spot is seat belts and airbags: 609% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Tyres7.2%53% above avg
Lights and electrics6.5%52% above avg
Brakes5.5%89% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.5%37% above avg
Suspension4.3%45% above avg
Seat belts and airbags2.3%609% above avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.1%3% above avg
Steering1%85% above avg
Body, chassis and structure0.7%16% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.13% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
2
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.84% of tests
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
3
Headlamp aim set too low 1.76% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.68% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
5
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.55% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
6
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.39% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.33% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
8
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.31% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a MG 3's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit13.6%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking8.13%
Brake disc pitted or scored8.13%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear7.51%
Brake pads wearing thin6.13%
Brake pipes corroded and greasy3.29%

Before you buy

What to check on a used MG 3

1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
2
Airbag warning lamp shows fault
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
3
Headlamp aim set too low
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical MG 3 covers about 6,100 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Petrol100%
LPG0%

Most common colours

Red, White, Black, Blue, Yellow

Average engine size: 1.5 litres.

Compare

How the MG 3 compares with its rivals

MG 3 against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
BMW i3	11.7%	28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Skoda Roomster	33.2%	about average for its age
Nissan Almera	44.5%	8% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Suzuki Splash	35.4%	23% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Fiat 500L	33.7%	30% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Dacia Logan	28.7%	35% more MOT fails than the average car its age
MG 3	23.4%	44% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every small car ranked in the small car reliability index, or all MG models.

Questions

MG 3 questions, answered

Is the MG 3 reliable?

On MOT results, the MG 3 is well below average: it fails 23.4% of first MOT tests, 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 57 of 63 small car models in our index.

What fails most on a MG 3 MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the MG 3 are wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.13% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (1.84% of tests), headlamp aim set too low (1.76% of tests). By area, tyres fails 7.2% of its tests.

Which MG 3 year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2014 cars do best (27% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2017 cars do worst (59% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a MG 3 do a year?

A typical MG 3 covers about 6,100 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a MG 3 before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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