2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 MG TF MOT pass rate and common faults

1,762 MOT tests in 2024. 66.5% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

115Well above average
Passed first time66.5%
Failed or needed repairs33.5%
Typical mileage at test63,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,762 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.3%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.0%
  3. Horn: not working2.6%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.6%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.3%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.2%
  7. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened2.2%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.2%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes21.9%
  2. Suspension14.5%
  3. Lights & electrics13.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  6. Body & chassis4.1%
  7. Steering4.0%
  8. Tyres3.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.3%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.1%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All TF years2003 TF →

Questions

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

In 2024, 66.5% of 2002 MG TF cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,762 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 MG TF?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; horn: not working. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2002 MG TF reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 115, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).