MG TF Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 659 MOT tests from 33 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every MG TF has the same fault.

MG TF's have a average reliability rating of 465/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MG TF that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the MG TF.

MG TF (example)

Check an MG Tf before you buy

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Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	469/999Average	78,107 miles	1,049 vehicles
N/A	N/A	460/999Average	83,298 miles	3,565 vehicles

How reliable is the MG TF?

Based on 659 MOT tests from 33 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

MOT tests

659

Pass rate

75.9%

Median mileage

51,707 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MG TF has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 583 out of 999.

Common MG TF MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 64 advisory comments and 9 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 52 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: REAR SUB-FRAME CORRODED BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (5.3.3 (B) (I))

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 21 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE: EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (3.7.B.7)

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 17 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (3.5.1I)

Track rod wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 7 advisory comments and 10 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record play or damage at a track rod or track rod end.

What to inspect

Check for play when the steering wheel is rocked and listen for a knock while turning.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TRACK ROD END BALL JOINT HAS SLIGHT PLAY (2.2.B.1F)

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 9 advisory comments and 4 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: WINDSCREEN HAS DAMAGE TO AN AREA LESS THAN A 40MM CIRCLE OUTSIDE ZONE 'A' (8.3.1D)

Ball joint wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a worn or damaged ball joint. Track rod ends are counted with steering, not here.

What to inspect

Ask for the joint to be checked for play with the suspension loaded and unloaded.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR UPPER SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINT HAS SLIGHT PLAY (5.3.4 (A) (I))

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 8 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

MG TF MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2004	9	161	74.5%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
2003	10	212	75.5%	Tyre wear, Corrosion

What to check when buying a used MG TF

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Track rod wear. Check for play when the steering wheel is rocked and listen for a knock while turning.
Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.
Ball joint wear. Ask for the joint to be checked for play with the suspension loaded and unloaded.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Buying a MG TF?

Common problems tell you what can affect MG TFs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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