Does the MGB fail the MOT on noise, emissions and leaks more than it should?
The MGB records 4.30 noise, emissions and leaks failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 7.36 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−3.06, 95% interval −3.35 to −2.77). It ranks 608 of 678 models on noise, emissions and leaks (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on noise, emissions and leaks · check a MGB by registration
What exactly fails on noise, emissions and leaks?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the MGB is “Emissions levels exceed default limits”, recorded 1,227 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions levels exceed default limits | 1,227 | 3.59 |
| Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users | 89 | 0.26 |
| Emissions test unable to be completed | 61 | 0.18 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 34,158 (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 MGB gets a noise, emissions and leaks advisory, how often does it fail next time?
5.1% of MGB MOTs with a noise, emissions and leaks advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.2 months and 316 miles later (2,361 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,361 (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
MGB in the Netherlands · MGB by postcode area · MGB body, chassis and structure failures · MGB brakes failures · MGB vehicle identification failures · MGB lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · MGB road wheels failures · MGB seat belts and airbags failures · MGB steering failures · MGB suspension failures · MGB tyres failures · MGB visibility failures