1999 MGF · 3,806 MOT tests
1999 MGF reliability
1999 MGFs fail 33.3% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 5 MGF years (3,806 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 1999 MGF?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all MGFs: 34.1%)
- 33.3%
- first-time fail rate (all MGFs: 34.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 65,052
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,806
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- 2000 cars: 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 5.3% of tests fail here (133% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 54% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 MGF
Fail rate by area
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12%
- Brakes11.9%
- Suspension11.2%
- Lights and electrics11.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.6%
- Steering5.3%
- Tyres3.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 3.94%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.76%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Service brake efficiency below minimum 2.5%
The brakes are not stopping the car effectively enough, a serious safety risk that needs urgent repair before driving.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.18%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Carbon monoxide high, default limits 2.08%
High carbon monoxide at fast idle suggests engine or exhaust-emission faults, so diagnosis is recommended before buying.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (10.9%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.81%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.78%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (5.7%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.02%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (4.23%)
Is a 1999 MGF reliable?
1999 MGFs fail 33.3% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 5 MGF years (3,806 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 MGF MOT?
Most often carbon monoxide high after fast idle (3.94% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.76% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 MGF have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 MGF shows 65,052 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
Check a 1999 MGF free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.