MG
Midget
1,279 MOT tests analysed. sits above the UK fleet average — here's where Midgets pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.
That's 5.1 points above the UK fleet average across our 1,984 tracked models — a confident result.
Pass
82.6%
Pass-after-fix
2.6%
Fail
13.5%
Avg miles
38,975
Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%
Could not determine Euro standard — check the V5C or use the government's online ULEZ checker.
The picture
Midget: above-average pass rates, with caveats
Across 935 MOT tests, the Midget returns 80.8% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is brakes imbalance across an axle such. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and a lamp out round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 41,708, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
ABI Insurance Group
Group 12–28
Below the fleet average — generally reasonable to insure. Lower groups cost less to insure; UK fleet average is around Group 22.
Source: ABI Group Rating Panel · administered by Thatcham Research · groups cover standard variants; performance trims may sit higher. Browse all insurance groups →
12–28
out of 50
Top ten reasons for rejection.
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- 01
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
34 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 02
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
24 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 03
A wheel bearing with excessive play
23 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 04
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
20 occurrences · 1.6% of tests
- 05
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
18 occurrences · 1.4% of tests
- 06
Brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle.
17 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 07
Audible warning inoperative
17 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
- 08
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
14 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 09
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
13 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 10
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
13 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
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Buying or keeping a Midget?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Midget and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.