Family hatchback · 2016–2019 cars
MG GS reliability
The MG GS fails 21.3% of first MOT tests, 31% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 9,270 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a MG GS before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 21.3%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 31% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 9,270
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,600
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the MG GS ages
Each point is the share of MG GSs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | MG GS | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11.2% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 19.5% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 21.5% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 24.1% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 26.6% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 26.2% | 25.5% |
By year
The best and worst MG GS years
2016 cars come out best and 2019 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
Common problems
What fails most on a MG GS
Its weak spot is seat belts and airbags: 422% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics9.3%128% above avg
- Tyres6.4%24% above avg
- Brakes6.2%103% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.2%108% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.1%36% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags1.7%422% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure1%30% above avg
- Suspension0.6%75% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.3%53% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Headlamp aim set too low 4.39% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.15% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 1.91% of tests
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
- 4
Tyre pressure monitoring system faulty 1.91% of tests
A faulty tyre pressure monitor cannot warn about low tyre pressure, so check tyres manually and have the fault diagnosed.
- 5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.83% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 6
ESC warning lamp shows fault 1.38% of tests
A lit stability control warning means the car's skid protection may not work, so it should be diagnosed promptly.
- 7
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.29% of tests
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
- 8
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.98% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a MG GS's MOT certificate most often.
- Brake disc pitted or scored13.28%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking12.59%
- Tyre worn close to legal limit9.56%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.95%
- Child seat limits belt inspection2.9%
- Nail in tyre, monitor2.7%
Before you buy
What to check on a used MG GS
- 1
Headlamp aim set too low
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
- 2
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 3
ABS warning lamp shows a fault
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
- 4
Tyre pressure monitoring system faulty
A faulty tyre pressure monitor cannot warn about low tyre pressure, so check tyres manually and have the fault diagnosed.
- 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 GS covers about 7,600 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%
Most common colours
Black, White, Silver, Orange, Brown
Average engine size: 1.5 litres.
Compare
How the MG GS compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Skoda Scala | 11.5% | 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Escort | 38.9% | 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Rover 45 | 43.9% | 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia ProCeed | 28.3% | 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai Veloster | 36.2% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MG GS | 21.3% | 31% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Chevrolet Lacetti | 52.3% | 39% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all MG models.
Questions
MG GS questions, answered
Is the MG GS reliable?
On MOT results, the MG GS is well below average: it fails 21.3% of first MOT tests, 31% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 60 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.
What fails most on a MG GS MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the MG GS are headlamp aim set too low (4.39% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.15% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (1.91% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 9.3% of its tests.
Which MG GS year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2016 cars do best (15% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2019 cars do worst (49% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a MG GS do a year?
A typical MG GS covers about 7,600 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 GS 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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