MOT History from tests of petrol MG MGBs year 1974

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

mot history

Pass percent:75.38%

(The average a petrol MG MGB year 1974 passes without issue)

Based on:4,846 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	174
Registration plate lamp issues	122
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	116
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	111
Rear brake binding	95
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	91
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	83
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	64
Rear brake application uneven	49
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	43
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	40
Registration plate issues	39
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	39
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	36
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	35
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	29
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	27
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	27
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	26
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	25
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	24
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	24
Brake pipe excessively corroded	23
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	23
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	22
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	21
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	21
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	20
Windscreen washer not working	19
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	18
Horn not working (7.7 (a))	18
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	18
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	17
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	17
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	17
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	16
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	15
Direction indicators flashing less than 60 times a minute \|1.4.A.2g\|	15
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	15
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	14
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	14
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	13
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	13
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	13
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	12
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	11
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	11
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	11
Nearside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering \|2.5.A.3a\|	11
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	10
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	10
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	10
rear brakes release unevenly \|3.7.B.4\|	10
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	10
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	10
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	10
Front brake application uneven	10
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	10
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	10
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	9
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	9
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	9
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	9
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	9
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	8
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	8
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	7
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	7
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	7
All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	7
Headlamp switch faulty \|1.7.1\|	7
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	7
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	7
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	7
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	6
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Nearside Front Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	6
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	6
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	6
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	6
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	6
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	6
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	6
Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	6
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	5
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	5
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
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\|	5
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak	5
Nearside Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	5
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Offside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering \|2.5.A.3a\|	5
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	5
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	5
Offside Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	5
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	5
Nearside Rear Leaf spring has a deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.B.2\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	5
front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	5
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	4
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	4
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	4
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Obligatory mirror insecure \|8.1.1\|	4
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	4
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	4
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	4
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	4
Offside Front Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	4
Offside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	4
Offside Rear Leaf spring has a deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.B.2\|	4
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	4
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	4
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	4
Offside Obligatory mirror missing \|8.1.1\|	4
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	4
Fuel tank leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Nearside Rear wheel cylinder leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	4
Nearside Rear Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))	4
Stop lamp\|s\| all not working \|4.3.1 \|a\| \|iii\|\|	4
Brake hose damaged	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	4
Nearside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	4
Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	4

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	174
Registration plate lamp issues	122
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	116
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	111
Rear brake binding	95
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	91
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	83
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	64
Rear brake application uneven	49
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	43
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	40
Registration plate issues	39
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	39
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	36
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	35
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	29
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	27
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	27
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	26
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	25
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	24
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	24
Brake pipe excessively corroded	23
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	23
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	22
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	21
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	21
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	20
Windscreen washer not working	19
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	18
Horn not working (7.7 (a))	18
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	18
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	17
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	17
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	17
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	16
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	15
Direction indicators flashing less than 60 times a minute \|1.4.A.2g\|	15
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	15
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	14
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	14
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	13
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	13
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	13
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	12
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	11
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	11
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	11
Nearside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering \|2.5.A.3a\|	11
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	10
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	10
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	10
rear brakes release unevenly \|3.7.B.4\|	10
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	10
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	10
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	10
Front brake application uneven	10
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	10
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	10
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	10
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	9
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	9
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	9
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	9
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	9
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	8
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	8
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	7
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	7
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	7
All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	7
Headlamp switch faulty \|1.7.1\|	7
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	7
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	7
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	7
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	6
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Nearside Front Wheel insecure \|4.2.A.1c\|	6
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	6
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	6
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	6
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	6
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	6
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	6
Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	6
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	5
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	5
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
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\|	5
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	5
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak	5
Nearside Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	5
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Offside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering \|2.5.A.3a\|	5
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	5
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	5
Offside Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	5
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	5
Nearside Rear Leaf spring has a deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.B.2\|	5
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Rear Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	5
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	5
front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	5
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	4
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	4
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	4
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	4
Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	4
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Offside Obligatory mirror insecure \|8.1.1\|	4
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	4
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	4
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	4
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	4
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	4
Offside Front Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	4
Offside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	4
Offside Rear Leaf spring has a deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.B.2\|	4
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	4
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	4
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	4
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	4
Offside Obligatory mirror missing \|8.1.1\|	4
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	4
Fuel tank leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Nearside Rear wheel cylinder leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	4
Nearside Rear Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))	4
Stop lamp\|s\| all not working \|4.3.1 \|a\| \|iii\|\|	4
Brake hose damaged	4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	4
Nearside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	4
Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	4

MOT History from tests of petrol MG MGBs year 1974

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