MG TF years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

7,617 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2002–2005 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

All 4 MG TF years have MOT pass rates above the average for vehicles first used in the same year.

Below the average for their first-use yearNone
Above the average for their first-use year2002–2005
Can't be told apart from averageNone

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

68.8%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 67.8% to 69.9%.

MG TF, all years68.8%
Same-age average, all vehicles58.4%

In 2025, 68.8% of the 7,617 initial MOT tests on MG TF cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 58.4%. That is 10.4 points above the same-age average.

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Its own MOT history, free.

MG TF MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2005age 20	1,16051,500	72.2%±2.7	+14.6 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 21	2,35957,000	69.2%±1.9	+11.4 ptsall: 57.8%
2003age 22	2,47160,300	66.4%±1.9	+7.7 ptsall: 58.7%
2002age 23	1,62762,300	69.6%±2.3	+10.1 ptsall: 59.5%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Does mileage matter?

MG TF first-time pass rates by the mileage at the initial test, all years together, against all vehicles of the same age and mileage.

71.7% of MG TF tests at 30,000 to 59,999 miles passed first time, against 62.8% at 60,000 to 89,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 67.4% and 60.3%.

Miles at the test	Tests	Passed first time	Against all vehicles, same age and mileage
30,000–59,999	3,110	71.7%±1.7	+4.4 ptsall: 67.4%
60,000–89,999	2,810	62.8%±1.9	+2.5 ptsall: 60.3%

Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, TF tests were above average in every band shown.

Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all MG TF tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.

Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: under 30,000, 90,000–119,999 and 120,000 or more. 8 tests (0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count

Common TF problems at the MOT

Share of the 2,374 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

Brakes34.8%
Lights and electrics33.9%
Suspension29.7%
Noise, emissions, leaks25.4%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors20.2%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

Most common MOT failures on the MG TF

The defects recorded most often at the 2,374 failed initial tests on MG TF cars, all years together, in the DVSA's own words. Each share is of failed tests, and a failed test can have more than one defect.

Defect	Share of failed tests	All vehicles, same age
Parking brake efficiency below requirementsBrakes	16.8%398 tests	6.7%
Horn not workingLights and electrics	9.1%217 tests	1.7%
Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limitsNoise, emissions, leaks	7.5%177 tests	3.8%
Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors	7.4%175 tests	7.8%
Track rod end ball joint has excessive playSteering	7.3%173 tests	4.5%
Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors	7.3%173 tests	5.1%
Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strengthSuspension	6.7%158 tests	7.2%
Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakenedSuspension	6.3%149 tests	0.7%
Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks	6.2%147 tests	6.3%
Catalyst emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limitsNoise, emissions, leaks	6.0%143 tests	1.8%

These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the TF's failed tests in each year. How we count

What to check when viewing a TF

Based on the areas where MG TF MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Brakes
In 34.8% of failed TF tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Lights and electrics
In 33.9% of failed TF tests
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
In 29.7% of failed TF tests
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Noise, emissions, leaks
In 25.4% of failed TF tests
- Ask to see the car start from cold. Heavy smoke from the exhaust is worth asking about.
- Listen for blowing or rattling from the exhaust with the engine running.
- Look under the car for drips of oil, coolant or other fluids.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a TF's MOT history

MG TF questions

Which MG TF years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2002–2005. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the MG TF reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 68.8% of initial MOT tests on MG TF cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 58.4%. That is 10.4 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common MG TF problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are brakes (in 34.8% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 33.9% of failed tests) and suspension (in 29.7% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 20-year-old MG TF?

At their 2025 MOT tests, MG TF cars first used in 2005, about 20 years old, had a median of 51,500 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific TF's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any MG TF

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other MG models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all MG TF cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count