2002 MG TF MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check

In 2025, 69.6% of MG TFs first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. Across 5,338 TF first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were brakes, lamps and electrical equipment and suspension.

This page analyses first MOT tests for MG TFs first used in 2002 (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

Passed first time, 2025
69.6%
of 1,627 first tests; all cars first used in 2002: 59.5%. Fixed-at-the-test counts as a fail
Tests analysed
5,338
first tests, 2023–2025; 1,627 in 2025
Clean pass, 2025
37.6%
of 1,627 first tests in 2025, passed with no advisory and no minor defect recorded
Typical mileage, tested in 2025
62,500
middle half: 46,000–78,000 miles; all cars first used in 2002: 102,000

How the 2002 MG TF MOT pass rate has changed

Share of first tests passed in each year, TFs first used in 2002 against all cars first used in 2002 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the TF figure was 10.1 points higher.

2002 TFAll cars first used in 2002
50%60%70%20212022202320242025Test year (first tests)All cars first used in 2002, test year 2021: 54.4%All cars first used in 2002, test year 2022: 56.2%All cars first used in 2002, test year 2023: 57.5%All cars first used in 2002, test year 2024: 58%All cars first used in 2002, test year 2025: 59.5%2002 TF, test year 2021: 66.5%2002 TF, test year 2022: 67.9%2002 TF, test year 2023: 69.8%2002 TF, test year 2024: 66.6%2002 TF, test year 2025: 69.6%69.6%59.5%
View this chart as a table
Test year2002 TFAll cars first used 2002TF first tests
202166.5%54.4%2,299
202267.9%56.2%2,114
202369.8%57.5%1,917
202466.6%58.0%1,794
202569.6%59.5%1,627

Common 2002 MG TF MOT failures

Share of the 1,673 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%.

Brakes38.1%
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment31.8%
Suspension30.7%
Noise, emissions and leaks24.1%
Visibility19.3%
Body, chassis, structure11.5%
Tyres10.6%
Steering9.3%

Most common failure items

DVSA failure itemShare of failed first testsTests
Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements19.8%331
Horn: not working9.0%151
Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits8.5%143
Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively7.8%131
Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play7.7%128

Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.

What to check on a 2002 MG TF before buying

The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.

  1. 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.
  2. Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
  3. Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.

Common 2002 MG TF MOT advisories

Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2002 TFs, as a share of all 5,338 first tests, 2023–2025.

DVSA advisory itemShare of first testsTests
Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened13.9%741
Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material11.7%625
Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened8.9%473
Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive8.7%464
Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing7.8%414

Questions about the 2002 MG TF MOT

What is the MOT pass rate of a 2002 MG TF?

In 2025, 69.6% of TFs first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.

What does a 2002 TF most often fail its MOT on?

Brakes (in 38.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (31.8%) and suspension (30.7%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (19.8%).

How often does a 2002 MG TF fail its MOT?

In 2025, 30.4% of first tests on TFs first used in 2002 did not pass first time: 26.7% failed, and a further 3.7% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,673 of 5,338 first tests did not pass first time.

What are the most common 2002 MG TF MOT advisories?

“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 13.9% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (11.7%), “Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened” (8.9%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (8.7%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (7.8%).

Is a 2002 MG TF 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 66.5% in 2021 to 69.6% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.

Other cars first used in 2002

The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.

2002 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2002 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2002 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2002 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2002 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics

How the 2002 MG TF MOT data is calculated

Every number on this page is calculated by SortedCars from DVSA’s anonymised MOT test data for Great Britain, 2021–2025. “2002 TF” means an MG TF whose date of first use falls in 2002 (51, 02 and 52 plates), all trims grouped. Class 4 vehicles, first tests only — retests are not counted. Pass rate = passed ÷ all first tests; a car with a fault fixed during the test (PRS) counts as a fail. Our national first-test pass rate matches DVSA’s published figure (table DVSA/MOT/01) to within 0.04 points in every year. Clean pass = passed with no advisory and no minor defect recorded. Mileage is the reading recorded at the test. Comparisons are with all cars first used in 2002, any make or fuel, and are not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use. Failure and advisory item names are DVSA’s own wording. No figure is shown for fewer than 500 tests; an item is shown only if it appears on at least 50 tests and 1% of the base. Pass rates describe a group of cars, not one car: a well-kept example can pass and a neglected one can fail. This page is general information, not advice about any particular vehicle; always have a used car inspected before you buy. SortedCars is not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. You can check any car’s MOT history free on the official service: gov.uk/check-mot-history. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.