2008 MG TF — MOT failures & pass rate
683 MOT tests on the 2008 MG TF are in this dataset, and 79.4% of them passed. That is effectively the same as coupes & convertibles of a similar age (21.1% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in suspension, brakes and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (7.5%) and brakes (6.0%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are washers, track rod end and ball joint — washers alone was recorded 31 times.
A 90-120k example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 36.8% versus 12.4%.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 28.0% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 20.0% of tests failed in 2021 against 22.2% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 7.5% | 51 |
| 2 | Brakes | 6.0% | 41 |
| 3 | Visibility | 5.7% | 39 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 5.7% | 39 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 4.0% | 27 |
| 6 | Steering | 3.2% | 22 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washers | 31 |
| 2 | Track rod end | 25 |
| 3 | Ball joint | 21 |
| 4 | Rigid brake pipes | 21 |
| 5 | Suspension arm | 16 |
| 6 | Rbt (sp) | 15 |
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 | 28.0% | 191 |
| 2 | Suspension | 19.5% | 133 |
| 3 | Tyres | 13.6% | 93 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 6.3% | 43 |
| 5 | Steering | 4.4% | 30 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 4.1% | 28 |
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 | 153 | 12.4% |
| 30-60k | 362 | 19.6% |
| 60-90k | 130 | 28.5% |
| 90-120k | 38 | 36.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 145 | 20.0% |
| 2022 | 142 | 20.4% |
| 2023 | 131 | 19.9% |
| 2024 | 130 | 20.8% |
| 2025 | 135 | 22.2% |
What to check before buying a 2008 TF
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: suspension accounted for 7.5% of tests. Start there.
- Suspension (7.5% 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 (6.0% 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.
- Visibility (5.7% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£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 2008 MG TFs pass their MOT?
79.4% of the 683 2008 MG TF MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 20.6% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2008 MG TF?
Suspension, recorded in 7.5% of tests, followed by brakes (6.0%).
Does the 2008 TF get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 12.4% in the 0-30k band to 36.8% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 683 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.