MG MGF common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with an MG MGF?

We haven’t found widely reported faults for the MG MGF in the UK buying guides we use yet. That doesn’t mean it has none, so check the car carefully and look at the MOT weak spots below.

Common MG MGF MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2025.

• Sub-frame

  up to 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

MG MGF MOT pass rate by year

Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying an MG MGF

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

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the MG MGF as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the MG MGF as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?