Does the MG 3 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The MG 3 records 4.94 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 4.12 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+0.82, 95% interval +0.67 to +0.97). It ranks 234 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a MG 3 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the MG 3 is “A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn”, recorded 2,268 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 2,268 | 2.57 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 850 | 0.96 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 358 | 0.41 |
| A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded | 206 | 0.23 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint likely to become detached | 171 | 0.19 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 88,117 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a MG 3 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
9.6% of MG 3 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 5,114 miles later (7,601 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 7,601 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
MG 3 2013 · MG 3 2014 · MG 3 2015 · MG 3 2016 · MG 3 2017 · MG 3 2018 · MG 3 2019 · MG 3 2020 · MG 3 by postcode area · MG 3 body, chassis and structure failures · MG 3 brakes failures · MG 3 vehicle identification failures · MG 3 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · MG 3 noise, emissions and leaks failures · MG 3 road wheels failures · MG 3 seat belts and airbags failures · MG 3 steering failures · MG 3 tyres failures · MG 3 visibility failures