2007 MG TF — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 278 MOT tests, the 2007 MG TF recorded a 79.9% pass rate. That is 1.4 percentage points better than coupes & convertibles of a similar age, which fail at 21.6%. Failures cluster in suspension, lighting & signalling and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (9.3%) and lighting & signalling (8.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are track rod end, ball joint and headlamp — track rod end alone was recorded 18 times.
A 60-90k example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 30.2% versus 15.7%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 23.4% of tests without failing them.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 21.7% in 2021 to 13.3% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 9.3% | 26 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 8.6% | 24 |
| 3 | Brakes | 6.8% | 19 |
| 4 | Steering | 4.0% | 11 |
| 5 | Visibility | 2.9% | 8 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 2.2% | 6 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Track rod end | 18 |
| 2 | Ball joint | 13 |
| 3 | Headlamp | 10 |
| 4 | Individual direction indicators | 8 |
| 5 | Rbt (sp) | 7 |
| 6 | Service brake performance | 6 |
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 | 23.4% | 65 |
| 2 | Suspension | 21.2% | 59 |
| 3 | Tyres | 12.2% | 34 |
| 4 | Steering | 7.2% | 20 |
| 5 | Other defects | 7.2% | 20 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 6.8% | 19 |
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 | 83 | 15.7% |
| 30-60k | 150 | 19.3% |
| 60-90k | 43 | 30.2% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 69 | 21.7% |
| 2022 | 57 | 22.8% |
| 2023 | 57 | 22.8% |
| 2024 | 50 | 18.0% |
| 2025 | 45 | 13.3% |
What to check before buying a 2007 TF
On a 2007 TF, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 9.3% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (9.3% 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 (8.6% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Brakes (6.8% 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 2007 MG TFs pass their MOT?
79.9% of the 278 2007 MG TF MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 20.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2007 MG TF?
Suspension, recorded in 9.3% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (8.6%).
Does the 2007 TF get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 15.7% in the 0-30k band to 30.2% in the 60-90k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 278 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.