2011 MG TF — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 445 MOT tests, the 2011 MG TF recorded an 81.1% pass rate. That is 1.1 percentage points worse than coupes & convertibles of a similar age, which fail at 17.8%. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, brakes and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
One area stands out: lighting & signalling, recorded in 8.1% of tests against 4.7% for the next-worst category.
At component level the recurring items are track rod end, srs malfunction indicator lamp and headlamp aim — track rod end alone was recorded 21 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 12.7% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 26.5% once past 60-90k — 2.1× the risk.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 29.0% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 16.5% of tests failed in 2021 against 20.5% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 8.1% | 36 |
| 2 | Brakes | 4.7% | 21 |
| 3 | Visibility | 4.3% | 19 |
| 4 | Suspension | 4.0% | 18 |
| 5 | Steering | 3.8% | 17 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 2.9% | 13 |
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 | 21 |
| 2 | SRS malfunction indicator lamp | 13 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 13 |
| 4 | Washers | 12 |
| 5 | Wipers | 11 |
| 6 | Position lamp | 11 |
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 | 29.0% | 129 |
| 2 | Suspension | 18.4% | 82 |
| 3 | Tyres | 13.7% | 61 |
| 4 | Steering | 7.9% | 35 |
| 5 | Other defects | 7.4% | 33 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 6.1% | 27 |
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 | 212 | 12.7% |
| 30-60k | 179 | 22.4% |
| 60-90k | 34 | 26.5% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 97 | 16.5% |
| 2022 | 87 | 18.4% |
| 2023 | 94 | 22.3% |
| 2024 | 84 | 16.7% |
| 2025 | 83 | 20.5% |
What to check before buying a 2011 TF
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 8.1% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (8.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Brakes (4.7% 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 (4.3% 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 2011 MG TFs pass their MOT?
81.1% of the 445 2011 MG TF MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 18.9% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2011 MG TF?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 8.1% of tests, followed by brakes (4.7%).
Does the 2011 TF get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 12.7% in the 0-30k band to 26.5% in the 60-90k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 445 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.