MOT History from tests of petrol MG Bs year 1972

Review the list of common MG B failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your MG then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:76.07%

(The average a petrol MG B year 1972 passes without issue)

Based on:7,483 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	266
Registration plate lamp issues	176
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	156
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	145
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	133
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	132
Rear brake binding	119
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	82
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	73
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	70
Rear brake application uneven	62
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	53
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	52
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	48
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	47
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	46
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	45
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	45
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	44
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	43
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	42
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	42
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	29
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	27
Registration plate issues	27
Windscreen washer not working	26
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	25
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	25
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	25
Brake pipe excessively corroded	24
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	23
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	23
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	23
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	22
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	22
Direction indicators flashing less than 60 times a minute \|1.4.A.2g\|	22
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	21
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	20
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	20
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	19
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	19
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	18
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	17
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	17
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	16
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	16
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	16
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	16
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	15
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	15
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	15
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	15
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	14
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	14
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	13
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	13
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	13
Offside Front Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	13
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	13
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	13
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	12
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	12
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	12
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	12
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	12
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	11
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	11
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	11
Nearside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering \|2.5.A.3a\|	11
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	11
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	11
Nearside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	11
Nearside Front Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	11
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	11
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	11
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	10
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	10
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	10
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	10
Front brake application uneven	10
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	10
Steering column movement between the shaft and steering wheel \|2.1.2b\|	10
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	10
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	9
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	9
rear brakes release unevenly \|3.7.B.4\|	9
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	9
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	9
Nearside Front Wheel nut\|s\| loose \|4.2.A.1e\|	8
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	8
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	8
Headlamp switch faulty \|1.7.1\|	8
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	8
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	8
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	8
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Offside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering \|2.5.A.3a\|	8
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	8
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	8
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	8
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	8
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer torn \|7.2.4c\|	8
Offside Rear Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	8
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	8
Direction indicators flashing more than 120 times a minute \|1.4.A.2g\|	7
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	7
Horn not working (7.7 (a))	7
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Speedometer cannot be illuminated. \|6.7.3\|	7
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	7
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	7
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	7
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Offside Front Wheel nut\|s\| loose \|4.2.A.1e\|	6
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	6
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	6
Main beam `tell-tale` not working \|1.7.4c\|	6
Nearside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	6
Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	6
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	6
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	6
Nearside Rear Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	6
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	6
Nearside Rear Leaf spring has excessive wear in a shackle pin and/or bush \|2.4.B.2\|	6
Nearside Steering rack gaiter insecure \|2.2.D.2d\|	6
Offside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	6

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	266
Registration plate lamp issues	176
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	156
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	145
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	133
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	132
Rear brake binding	119
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	82
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	73
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	70
Rear brake application uneven	62
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	53
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	52
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	48
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	47
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	46
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	45
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	45
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	44
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	43
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	42
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	42
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	29
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	27
Registration plate issues	27
Windscreen washer not working	26
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	25
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	25
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	25
Brake pipe excessively corroded	24
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	23
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	23
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	23
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	22
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	22
Direction indicators flashing less than 60 times a minute \|1.4.A.2g\|	22
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	21
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	20
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	20
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	19
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	19
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	18
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	17
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	17
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	16
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	16
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	16
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	16
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	15
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	15
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	15
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	15
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	14
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	14
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	13
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	13
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	13
Offside Front Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	13
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	13
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	13
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	12
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	12
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	12
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	12
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	12
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	11
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	11
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	11
Nearside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering \|2.5.A.3a\|	11
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	11
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	11
Nearside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	11
Nearside Front Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	11
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	11
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	11
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	10
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	10
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	10
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	10
Front brake application uneven	10
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	10
Steering column movement between the shaft and steering wheel \|2.1.2b\|	10
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	10
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	9
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	9
rear brakes release unevenly \|3.7.B.4\|	9
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	9
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	9
Nearside Front Wheel nut\|s\| loose \|4.2.A.1e\|	8
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	8
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	8
Headlamp switch faulty \|1.7.1\|	8
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	8
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	8
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	8
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Offside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering \|2.5.A.3a\|	8
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	8
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	8
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	8
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	8
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer torn \|7.2.4c\|	8
Offside Rear Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	8
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	8
Direction indicators flashing more than 120 times a minute \|1.4.A.2g\|	7
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	7
Horn not working (7.7 (a))	7
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Speedometer cannot be illuminated. \|6.7.3\|	7
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	7
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	7
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	7
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	7
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	6
Offside Front Wheel nut\|s\| loose \|4.2.A.1e\|	6
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	6
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	6
Main beam `tell-tale` not working \|1.7.4c\|	6
Nearside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	6
Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	6
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	6
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	6
Nearside Rear Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	6
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	6
Nearside Rear Leaf spring has excessive wear in a shackle pin and/or bush \|2.4.B.2\|	6
Nearside Steering rack gaiter insecure \|2.2.D.2d\|	6
Offside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	6

MOT History from tests of petrol MG Bs year 1972

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