Used car guide

2019 MG GS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2019 MG GSs, from 376 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 376 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

376MOT tests in 2025
72%pass first time (all 2019 cars: 84%)
7,000typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2019 MG GSs than on all cars registered in 2019.

  • Brake discs2× usual
    MG GS
    19.9% All 2019 cars
    9.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.5% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Headlight aim5.1× usual
    MG GS
    8.2% All 2019 cars
    1.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 1.6% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

By area

The share of 2019 MG GS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    35% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    29% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    19% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    9% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    4% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Looking at an MG GS?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018965Tyres 37%
2017948Tyres 33%
2016558Tyres 35%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2019 MG GSs registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score