Does the MGB fail the MOT on seat belts and airbags more than it should?
The MGB records 0.95 seat belts and airbags failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 3.32 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−2.37, 95% interval −2.56 to −2.18). It ranks 615 of 627 models on seat belts and airbags (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on seat belts and airbags · check a MGB by registration
What exactly fails on seat belts and airbags?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the MGB is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 165 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 165 | 0.48 |
| Seat belt not functioning as intended or of an incorrect type | 48 | 0.14 |
| Seat belt retractor not functioning as intended | 31 | 0.09 |
| Seat belt buckle missing, damaged or not functioning as intended | 30 | 0.09 |
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 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · MGB noise, emissions and leaks failures · MGB road wheels failures · MGB steering failures · MGB suspension failures · MGB tyres failures · MGB visibility failures