2002 MG TF — MOT failures & pass rate
11,821 MOT tests on the 2002 MG TF are in this dataset, and 76.9% of them passed. That is effectively the same as coupes & convertibles of a similar age (22.6% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in brakes, lighting & signalling and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — brakes (9.9%) and lighting & signalling (8.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are catalyst emissions, rbt (sp) and service brake performance — catalyst emissions alone was recorded 756 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 10.7% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 31.5% once past 120-150k — 3.0× the risk.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 30.2% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 9.9% | 1,175 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 8.7% | 1,030 |
| 3 | Suspension | 8.7% | 1,026 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 6.0% | 710 |
| 5 | Visibility | 5.1% | 597 |
| 6 | Tyres | 3.0% | 356 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catalyst emissions | 756 |
| 2 | Rbt (sp) | 661 |
| 3 | Service brake performance | 459 |
| 4 | Wipers | 396 |
| 5 | Washers | 332 |
| 6 | Suspension arm | 317 |
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 | 30.2% | 3,575 |
| 2 | Suspension | 29.1% | 3,444 |
| 3 | Tyres | 15.6% | 1,842 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 9.4% | 1,117 |
| 5 | Other defects | 8.6% | 1,014 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 7.4% | 877 |
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 | 939 | 10.7% |
| 30-60k | 4,267 | 19.3% |
| 60-90k | 4,968 | 26.5% |
| 90-120k | 1,395 | 29.5% |
| 120-150k | 219 | 31.5% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,821 | 23.9% |
| 2022 | 2,581 | 22.9% |
| 2023 | 2,309 | 22.0% |
| 2024 | 2,157 | 24.2% |
| 2025 | 1,953 | 22.4% |
What to check before buying a 2002 TF
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: brakes accounted for 9.9% of tests. Start there.
- Brakes (9.9% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (8.7% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (8.7% 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.
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 2002 MG TFs pass their MOT?
76.9% of the 11,821 2002 MG TF MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 23.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2002 MG TF?
Brakes, recorded in 9.9% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (8.7%).
Does the 2002 TF get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.7% in the 0-30k band to 31.5% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 11,821 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.