2020 MG HS MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 87.8% of MG HS cars first used in 2020 passed their MOT first time, against 86.0% for all cars first used in 2020. Across 9,242 HS first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were brakes, tyres and lamps and electrical equipment.
This page analyses first MOT tests for MG HS cars first used in 2020 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2020 MG HS MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, HS cars first used in 2020 against all cars first used in 2020 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the HS figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2020 HS | All cars first used 2020 | HS first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | fewer than 500 tests | 84.7% | — |
| 2022 | fewer than 500 tests | 90.2% | 79 |
| 2023 | 89.4% | 87.7% | 3,086 |
| 2024 | 90.0% | 86.9% | 3,070 |
| 2025 | 87.8% | 86.0% | 3,086 |
Common 2020 MG HS MOT failures
Share of the 1,012 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 18.7% | 189 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 11.6% | 117 |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative | 9.4% | 95 |
| Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn | 8.5% | 86 |
| Washers: not working | 8.1% | 82 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2020 MG HS before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
Common 2020 MG HS MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2020 HS cars, as a share of all 9,242 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 16.8% | 1,553 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.9% | 727 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 7.5% | 696 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 5.6% | 517 |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | 3.1% | 286 |
Questions about the 2020 MG HS MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2020 MG HS?
In 2025, 87.8% of HS cars first used in 2020 passed their MOT first time, against 86.0% for all cars first used in 2020. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2020 HS most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 32.5% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), tyres (29.5%) and lamps and electrical equipment (19.1%). The single most common item was “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick” (18.7%).
How often does a 2020 MG HS fail its MOT?
In 2025, 12.2% of first tests on HS cars first used in 2020 did not pass first time: 10.0% failed, and a further 2.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,012 of 9,242 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2020 MG HS MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 16.8% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.9%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (7.5%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (5.6%) and “Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt” (3.1%).
Is a 2020 MG HS reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 89.4% in 2023 to 87.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2020
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2020 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2020 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2020 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2020 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2020 MINI Hatch MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2020 HS?
The numbers above cover every HS first used in 2020 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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