2023 MG 3: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the MG 3 first registered in 2023: we looked at the 307 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 307 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2023 MG 3 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2023 MG 3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres13% 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.
- Lights and electrics12% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes5% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2023 MG 3
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Early cars
Timing chain stretch (early cars)
On early cars the timing chain can stretch and jump a tooth, causing rough running and poor starting, and eventually engine failure. An upgraded chain is available.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle at start-up and check it starts and idles smoothly.
- All engines
Clutch pedal sticking down
On some cars the clutch pedal has gone to the floor and not come back.
At the viewing: Press the clutch several times and make sure it returns fully every time.
- Early cars
Leaky door seals (early cars)
Some early cars let water in past the door seals.
At the viewing: Feel the carpets and seats for damp.
- All engines
Sensor faults and fuel tank strap recall
Rear parking sensors and other sensors and displays can fail. A recall covered fuel tank strap bolts that weren't made to the right spec.
At the viewing: Test the parking sensors and run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 MG 3
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the upgraded timing chain been fitted?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an MG 3?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MG 3 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 4,568 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 3,838 | Tyres 29% |
| 2020 | 7,311 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 10,816 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 7,591 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 8,513 | Tyres 34% |
| 2016 | 9,172 | Tyres 34% |
| 2015 | 6,965 | Suspension 35% |
| 2014 | 4,667 | Suspension 37% |
| 2013 | 437 | Brakes 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MG 3 cars first registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score