1997 MG B MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for B models manufactured in 1997, based on 50 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1997 MG B MOT Analysis
The 1997 MG B has an MOT pass rate of 84.0% based on 50 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 37,084 miles on the odometer. With a 16.0% failure rate, the 1997 B is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 MG B is Visibility, responsible for 6.0% of failures. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs range from £10–300. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 2.0%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 2.0%.
Top failures specific to 1997 models only. The overall B page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visibility | 6.0% | 3 |
| 2 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 2.0% | 1 |
| 3 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 2.0% | 1 |
| 4 | Brakes | 2.0% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 37,084 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 1.62 | 6.0% | 3 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.54 | 2.0% | 1 |
| Body & Structure | 0.54 | 2.0% | 1 |
| Brakes | 0.54 | 2.0% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 MG B has an MOT pass rate of 84.0% based on 50 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 37,084 miles on the odometer. With a 16.0% failure rate, the 1997 B is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 MG B, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to visibility: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable. With relatively low average mileage of 37,084 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Visibility — 6.0% of failures
Visibility issues account for 6.0% of MOT failures on 1997 MG B models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 2.0% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 2.0% of MOT failures on 1997 MG B models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Body, chassis, structure — 2.0% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 2.0% of MOT failures on 1997 MG B models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.