Does the MGB fail the MOT on steering more than it should?
The MGB records 6.90 steering failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 7.69 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−0.79, 95% interval −1.09 to −0.50). It ranks 336 of 640 models on steering (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on steering · check a MGB by registration
What exactly fails on steering?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the MGB is “Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc”, recorded 1,126 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 1,126 | 3.30 |
| Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated | 995 | 2.91 |
| A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play | 56 | 0.16 |
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 seat belts and airbags failures · MGB suspension failures · MGB tyres failures · MGB visibility failures