2003 MG TF MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 66.4% of MG TFs first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. Across 8,064 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 2003 (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 2003 MG TF MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, TFs first used in 2003 against all cars first used in 2003 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the TF figure was 7.7 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2003 TF | All cars first used 2003 | TF first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 64.5% | 54.0% | 3,401 |
| 2022 | 65.0% | 55.7% | 3,199 |
| 2023 | 68.5% | 56.7% | 2,924 |
| 2024 | 67.2% | 57.2% | 2,669 |
| 2025 | 66.4% | 58.7% | 2,471 |
Common 2003 MG TF MOT failures
Share of the 2,627 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 18.8% | 493 |
| Horn: not working | 10.4% | 273 |
| Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened | 8.3% | 217 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 8.0% | 210 |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 7.9% | 207 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a TF in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension arm replacement | £150 | £120–£180 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2003 MG TF 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.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- 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 2003 MG TF MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2003 TFs, as a share of all 8,064 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 14.6% | 1,176 |
| Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened | 9.5% | 763 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 9.1% | 736 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.7% | 704 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 7.7% | 624 |
Questions about the 2003 MG TF MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2003 MG TF?
In 2025, 66.4% of TFs first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2003 TF most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 38.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (34.8%) and suspension (30.4%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (18.8%).
How often does a 2003 MG TF fail its MOT?
In 2025, 33.6% of first tests on TFs first used in 2003 did not pass first time: 28.7% failed, and a further 5.0% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,627 of 8,064 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2003 MG TF MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 14.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened” (9.5%), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (9.1%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.7%) and “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (7.7%).
Is a 2003 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 64.5% in 2021 to 66.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2003
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2003 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2003 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2003 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2003 TF?
The numbers above cover every TF first used in 2003 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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