MG TF MOT pass rate and common problems
74.3% of 13,382 MG TF MOT tests pass.
The TF passes 74.3% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all MG models (84.6%).
At 74.3%, the MG TF passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this MG TF?
This is the average across every MG TF in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your MG’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate eases gradually with age, from 80.7% at 10–15 years to 73.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | too few tests (2) | 2 | no reading |
| 10–15 years | 80.7% | 705 | 39,678 miles |
| 15+ years | 73.9% | 12,675 | 58,994 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the MG TF
The most common reason the MG TF fails its MOT is brakes — present in 53.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Efficiency below requirements".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 53.5% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Suspension | 42.6% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 37.2% | Not working |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 30.6% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Visibility | 21.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 12.9% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.6% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 10.4% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 7.2% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.2% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used MG TF: what to check
These checks follow the MG TF’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the MG TF comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 80.7% to 73.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 78.0% down to 67.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 53.5% of failed MG TF MOTs.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 42.6% of failed MG TF MOTs. 13.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 6.5% at 10–15 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 37.2% of failed MG TF MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
4. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 30.6% of failed MG TF MOTs. 9.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks, against 2.8% at 10–15 years.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 21.6% of failed MG TF MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check MG service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related MG models
- MG ZS — 86.8% pass rate
- MG 3 — 81.4% pass rate
- MG HS — 93.9% pass rate
- MG MGF — 70.1% pass rate
- MG ZS Exclusive Vti-Tech — 91.7% pass rate
- MG 5 — 92.7% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the MG TF?
- 74.3% of MG TF MOT tests pass, based on 13,382 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the MG TF?
- The most common reason the MG TF fails its MOT is brakes — present in 53.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Efficiency below requirements".
- What are the common problems with the MG TF?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the MG TF are brakes; suspension; lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used MG TF?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; suspension; lights and electrics; exhaust, emissions and leaks; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the MG TF's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the MG service history guide for how to check and keep one.