1971 MG Mgb Roadster MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Mgb Roadster models manufactured in 1971, based on 247 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Mgb Roadster cars tested in 1971. Want to see how cars built in 1971 hold up over time?
View 1971 MG Mgb Roadster vintage page → (74.2% current pass rate)1971 MG Mgb Roadster MOT Analysis
The 1971 MG Mgb Roadster has an MOT pass rate of 69.6% based on 247 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 43,648 miles on the odometer. With a 30.4% failure rate, the 1971 Mgb Roadster is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1971 MG Mgb Roadster is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 0.4% of failures. 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 range from £100–1,000+. Steering is the second most common issue at 0.4%.
Top failures specific to 1971 models only. The overall Mgb Roadster 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 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.4% | 1 |
| 2 | Steering | 0.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 43,648 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.09 | 0.4% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.09 | 0.4% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1971 MG Mgb Roadster has an MOT pass rate of 69.6% based on 247 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 43,648 miles on the odometer. With a 30.4% failure rate, the 1971 Mgb Roadster is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1971 MG Mgb Roadster, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: 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. With relatively low average mileage of 43,648 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.4% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1971 MG Mgb Roadster 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 — 0.4% of failures
Steering issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1971 MG Mgb Roadster 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.