2004 MG TF — MOT failures & pass rate
16,769 MOT tests on the 2004 MG TF are in this dataset, and 77.6% of them passed. That is effectively the same as coupes & convertibles of a similar age (22.4% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in suspension, brakes and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (9.0%) and brakes (8.3%) 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 1,022 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 11.6% in the 0-30k band and 28.8% in the 120-150k band, a 17.2-point spread — more than double.
Suspension is the most common advisory, noted on 28.8% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 9.0% | 1,502 |
| 2 | Brakes | 8.3% | 1,391 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 8.0% | 1,344 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 6.5% | 1,089 |
| 5 | Visibility | 5.5% | 931 |
| 6 | Steering | 3.0% | 505 |
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 | 1,022 |
| 2 | Rbt (sp) | 695 |
| 3 | Service brake performance | 613 |
| 4 | Washers | 604 |
| 5 | Wipers | 548 |
| 6 | Track rod end | 527 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 28.8% | 4,834 |
| 2 | Brakes | 26.6% | 4,466 |
| 3 | Tyres | 16.1% | 2,702 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 7.3% | 1,221 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 7.0% | 1,165 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 6.5% | 1,091 |
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 | 1,794 | 11.6% |
| 30-60k | 7,297 | 20.3% |
| 60-90k | 6,176 | 26.4% |
| 90-120k | 1,348 | 28.6% |
| 120-150k | 139 | 28.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,836 | 22.8% |
| 2022 | 3,678 | 22.7% |
| 2023 | 3,381 | 22.1% |
| 2024 | 3,075 | 22.1% |
| 2025 | 2,799 | 22.0% |
What to check before buying a 2004 TF
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: suspension accounted for 9.0% of tests. Start there.
- Suspension (9.0% 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 (8.3% 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 (8.0% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
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 2004 MG TFs pass their MOT?
77.6% of the 16,769 2004 MG TF MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 22.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2004 MG TF?
Suspension, recorded in 9.0% of tests, followed by brakes (8.3%).
Does the 2004 TF get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 11.6% in the 0-30k band to 28.8% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 16,769 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.