MG 5 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The MG 5 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 105 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 226 of 442, and 13.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is tread depth (2.7% of tests).
Ranked 226 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 3,652 MG 5s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 13.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the MG 5 is 5% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 13.4% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
13.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
13.4%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
12,000
Typical age at test: 3 years
MG 5 MOT failure rate by age
Most common MG 5 MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too low2.4% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.8% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7% of tests
What the MG 5 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.2% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 5.8% | ▲ 1.7× as often |
| Visibility | 1.4% | ▼ 58% less often |
| Suspension | 0.9% | About average |
| Brakes | 0.3% | ▼ 88% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | ▼ 43% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 63% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 38% less often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 58% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.0% | ▼ 100% less often |
How much is road tax on a MG 5?
Any MG 5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carBuying a used MG 5?
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Other MG models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the MG 5 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the MG 5 is 5% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 105 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the MG 5?
The most common MOT fault is “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”, found in 2.7% of tests. It fails on lights and electrics more often than similar cars.
›How much is road tax on a MG 5?
Any MG 5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many MG 5s fail their MOT?
13.3% of MG 5s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 13.4% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the MG 5 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0). How we calculate the league.