2012 MG MG6 — MOT failures & pass rate
3,367 MOT tests on the 2012 MG MG6 are in this dataset, and 72.7% of them passed. Against all cars of a similar age (21.3% fail rate), the 2012 MG6 comes out 6.0pp worse. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (15.5%) and suspension (12.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are rigid brake pipes, ball joint and headlamp aim — rigid brake pipes alone was recorded 447 times.
A 120-150k example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 32.5% versus 24.7%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 39.4% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 24.9% of tests failed in 2021 against 27.3% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 15.5% | 521 |
| 2 | Suspension | 12.7% | 426 |
| 3 | Brakes | 12.4% | 419 |
| 4 | Tyres | 8.0% | 268 |
| 5 | Visibility | 4.3% | 146 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 2.5% | 85 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rigid brake pipes | 447 |
| 2 | Ball joint | 233 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 194 |
| 4 | Headlamp | 176 |
| 5 | Position lamp | 155 |
| 6 | Tread depth | 131 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 39.4% | 1,325 |
| 2 | Suspension | 31.7% | 1,068 |
| 3 | Tyres | 27.3% | 918 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 15.5% | 521 |
| 5 | Other defects | 8.1% | 272 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.1% | 171 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 77 | 24.7% |
| 30-60k | 994 | 23.6% |
| 60-90k | 1,606 | 28.7% |
| 90-120k | 551 | 29.0% |
| 120-150k | 114 | 32.5% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 3,264 | 27.0% |
| Diesel | 103 | 35.9% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 837 | 24.9% |
| 2022 | 786 | 27.5% |
| 2023 | 706 | 29.3% |
| 2024 | 584 | 27.9% |
| 2025 | 454 | 27.3% |
What to check before buying a 2012 MG6
On a 2012 MG6, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 15.5% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (15.5% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (12.7% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (12.4% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2012 MG MG6s pass their MOT?
72.7% of the 3,367 2012 MG MG6 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 27.3% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2012 MG MG6?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 15.5% of tests, followed by suspension (12.7%).
Does the 2012 MG6 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 24.7% in the 0-30k band to 32.5% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 3,367 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.