2010 MG TF — MOT failures & pass rate
1,237 MOT tests on the 2010 MG TF are in this dataset, and 83.5% of them passed. Against coupes & convertibles of a similar age (19.2% fail rate), the 2010 TF comes out 2.7pp better. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, visibility and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (6.6%) and visibility (5.1%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are track rod end, washers and rigid brake pipes — track rod end alone was recorded 53 times.
A 60-90k example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 22.3% versus 10.8%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 26.8% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 6.6% | 81 |
| 2 | Visibility | 5.1% | 63 |
| 3 | Brakes | 4.4% | 54 |
| 4 | Suspension | 4.0% | 50 |
| 5 | Steering | 3.5% | 43 |
| 6 | Tyres | 2.3% | 28 |
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 | 53 |
| 2 | Washers | 45 |
| 3 | Rigid brake pipes | 33 |
| 4 | SRS malfunction indicator lamp | 26 |
| 5 | Wipers | 25 |
| 6 | Service brake performance | 23 |
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 | 26.8% | 332 |
| 2 | Suspension | 14.8% | 183 |
| 3 | Tyres | 11.0% | 136 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 5.3% | 65 |
| 5 | Steering | 4.9% | 60 |
| 6 | Other defects | 4.2% | 52 |
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 | 379 | 10.8% |
| 30-60k | 679 | 17.8% |
| 60-90k | 157 | 22.3% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 251 | 16.3% |
| 2022 | 259 | 15.8% |
| 2023 | 246 | 16.7% |
| 2024 | 244 | 17.6% |
| 2025 | 237 | 16.0% |
What to check before buying a 2010 TF
On a 2010 TF, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 6.6% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (6.6% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Visibility (5.1% 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.
- Brakes (4.4% 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 2010 MG TFs pass their MOT?
83.5% of the 1,237 2010 MG TF MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 16.5% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2010 MG TF?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 6.6% of tests, followed by visibility (5.1%).
Does the 2010 TF get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.8% in the 0-30k band to 22.3% in the 60-90k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,237 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.