2022 MG 4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2022 MG 4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2022 MG 4 than on all cars registered in 2022.

• Brake discs2.5× usual
  MG 4

  11.4% All 2022 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2022 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints7.5× usual
  MG 4

  4.5% All 2022 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2022 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Headlight aim2.5× usual
  MG 4

  3.8% All 2022 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.5% of all 2022 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.

Common 2022 MG 4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2022 MG 4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  24% 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
  12% 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
  6% 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
  6% 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
  6% 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
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2022 MG 4

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2022 MG 4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.5× as often on the 2022 MG 4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlight aim? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2022 MG 4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?