1981 MG Bgt MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Bgt models manufactured in 1981, based on 700 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Bgt cars tested in 1981. Want to see how cars built in 1981 hold up over time?
View 1981 MG Bgt vintage page → (67.7% current pass rate)1981 MG Bgt MOT Analysis
The 1981 MG Bgt has an MOT pass rate of 66.9% based on 700 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 51,459 miles on the odometer. With a 33.1% failure rate, the 1981 Bgt is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1981 MG Bgt is Brakes, responsible for 0.3% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 0.1%. Steering follows at 0.1%.
Top failures specific to 1981 models only. The overall Bgt 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 | Brakes | 0.3% | 2 |
| 2 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.1% | 1 |
| 3 | Steering | 0.1% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 0.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 51,459 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.06 | 0.3% | 2 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.03 | 0.1% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.03 | 0.1% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.03 | 0.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1981 MG Bgt has an MOT pass rate of 66.9% based on 700 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 51,459 miles on the odometer. With a 33.1% failure rate, the 1981 Bgt is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1981 MG Bgt, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 51,459 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 0.3% of failures
Brakes issues account for 0.3% of MOT failures on 1981 MG Bgt models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.1% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1981 MG Bgt 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.
Steering — 0.1% of failures
Steering issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1981 MG Bgt models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.