1981 MG Mgb MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Mgb models manufactured in 1981, based on 581 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Mgb cars tested in 1981. Want to see how cars built in 1981 hold up over time?
View 1981 MG Mgb vintage page → (61.3% current pass rate)1981 MG Mgb MOT Analysis
The 1981 MG Mgb has an MOT pass rate of 70.6% based on 581 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 48,822 miles on the odometer. With a 29.4% failure rate, the 1981 Mgb is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1981 MG Mgb is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 0.2% 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+. Road Wheels is the second most common issue at 0.2%.
Top failures specific to 1981 models only. The overall Mgb 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 | 0.2% | 1 |
| 2 | Road Wheels | 0.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 48,822 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 | 0.04 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Wheels | 0.04 | 0.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1981 MG Mgb has an MOT pass rate of 70.6% based on 581 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 48,822 miles on the odometer. With a 29.4% failure rate, the 1981 Mgb is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1981 MG Mgb, 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 48,822 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.2% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1981 MG Mgb 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.
Road Wheels — 0.2% of failures
Road Wheels issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1981 MG Mgb models. Wheel failures include cracked or severely corroded alloy wheels, missing or loose wheel nuts, and wheels that are insecurely attached. These are safety-critical and relatively rare compared to tyre failures. Typical repair costs: £100–400 per wheel. Pre-MOT check: Visually inspect wheels for cracks, especially around the spokes and rim. Check that all wheel nuts are present and tightened. Look for signs of impact damage on alloy wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.