2005 MG TF — MOT failures & pass rate
The 2005 MG TF passed 78.5% of its 7,919 recorded MOT tests. Coupes & convertibles of a similar age fail at 22.2%, so the 2005 TF sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in suspension, lighting & signalling and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (9.2%) and lighting & signalling (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, washers and service brake performance — catalyst emissions alone was recorded 465 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 10.1% in the 0-30k band and 29.1% in the 120-150k band, a 19.0-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 28.8% of tests without failing them.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 23.3% in 2021 to 21.1% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 9.2% | 731 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 8.3% | 659 |
| 3 | Brakes | 7.2% | 574 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 6.0% | 476 |
| 5 | Visibility | 5.5% | 435 |
| 6 | Tyres | 2.6% | 210 |
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 | 465 |
| 2 | Washers | 278 |
| 3 | Service brake performance | 265 |
| 4 | Rbt (sp) | 250 |
| 5 | Wipers | 250 |
| 6 | Ball joint | 240 |
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% | 2,284 |
| 2 | Brakes | 23.8% | 1,883 |
| 3 | Tyres | 14.8% | 1,175 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 6.6% | 522 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 6.4% | 510 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 6.0% | 474 |
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 | 1,337 | 10.1% |
| 30-60k | 3,505 | 19.9% |
| 60-90k | 2,467 | 27.6% |
| 90-120k | 543 | 31.1% |
| 120-150k | 55 | 29.1% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,856 | 23.3% |
| 2022 | 1,678 | 20.9% |
| 2023 | 1,587 | 21.2% |
| 2024 | 1,437 | 20.6% |
| 2025 | 1,361 | 21.1% |
What to check before buying a 2005 TF
On a 2005 TF, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 9.2% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (9.2% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (8.3% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Brakes (7.2% 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 2005 MG TFs pass their MOT?
78.5% of the 7,919 2005 MG TF MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 21.5% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2005 MG TF?
Suspension, recorded in 9.2% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (8.3%).
Does the 2005 TF get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.1% in the 0-30k band to 29.1% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 7,919 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.