MOT failure data · 2025
MG TF MOT problems
Across every MG TF that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements, on 6.34% of failure items. The broadest problem area was brakes at 24.89%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common MG TF MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 6.34% |
| 2 | Track rod end ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 3.63% |
| 3 | Component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 3.33% |
| 4 | Horn not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.11% |
| 5 | Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.87% |
| 6 | Ball joint ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.87% |
| 7 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 2.83% |
| 8 | Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.77% |
| 9 | Service brake performance excessively binding | Brakes | 2.57% |
| 10 | Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.2% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a MG TF, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used MG TF buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific MG TF?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other MG models
- MG ZS MOT problems
- MG HS MOT problems
- MG 5 Exclusive MOT problems
- MG MGF MOT problems
- MG 5 Excite MOT problems
- MG GS MOT problems
MG TF MOT FAQs
What does a MG TF most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on MG TF cars failing their 2025 MOT was "rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements", appearing on 6.34% of failure items.
Does this mean my MG TF will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every MG TF that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The MG TF passed 73.68% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific MG TF's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: MG TF MOT pass rate · used MG TF buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.