Does the MGB fail the MOT on lamps, reflectors and electrics more than it should?
The MGB records 18.49 lamps, reflectors and electrics failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 29.67 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−11.18, 95% interval −11.76 to −10.60). It ranks 623 of 729 models on lamps, reflectors and electrics (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on lamps, reflectors and electrics · check a MGB by registration
What exactly fails on lamps, reflectors and electrics?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the MGB is “The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements”, recorded 900 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 900 | 2.63 |
| A headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED | 868 | 2.54 |
| A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 761 | 2.23 |
| Audible warning inoperative | 518 | 1.52 |
| A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 517 | 1.51 |
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
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 noise, emissions and leaks failures · MGB road wheels failures · MGB seat belts and airbags failures · MGB steering failures · MGB suspension failures · MGB tyres failures · MGB visibility failures