Does the MGB fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?
The MGB records 7.35 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 10.68 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−3.33, 95% interval −3.68 to −2.98). It ranks 631 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a MGB by registration
What exactly fails on visibility?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the MGB is “Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen”, recorded 1,249 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 1,249 | 3.66 |
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 483 | 1.41 |
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 276 | 0.81 |
| Wiper blade defective | 253 | 0.74 |
| Wiper not operating or missing | 149 | 0.44 |
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 steering failures · MGB suspension failures · MGB tyres failures