MG MG3 Common Problems

The MG3 is a cheap Chinese-built light hatch. Most used ones are the second generation, sold here until 2024 and updated around 2018 with an 8-inch touchscreen. It uses a 1.5-litre non-turbo petrol four (around 82 kW) with an old 4-speed automatic. The third generation arrived in mid 2024 as the MG3 Hybrid+, pairing a 1.5-litre engine, an electric motor and a 3-speed hybrid gearbox, with a plain 1.5-litre petrol automatic added to the range in 2025. The older car's reputation is simple but basic: few major engine failures are reported, but owners complain about build quality, brakes, electrics and dealer support.

Gearbox hunting and weak hill performance (1.5L 4-speed auto, 2018 to 2024)

The old 4-speed automatic has wide gaps between its ratios. Some owners report it hunting between gears on hills, refusing to hold a lower gear, and the engine sounding strained when loaded up with people or climbing. Much of this is how the car was designed rather than a fault. A box that slips, flares between gears, shifts late and hard, or bangs into drive is a different matter and needs a dealer check while the car is under warranty. Ask whether the transmission fluid has been changed on a higher-kilometre car. Out of warranty, a replacement automatic could cost several thousand dollars, which is a big share of what an older MG3 is worth.

Brake disc warping and fast pad wear (second generation, 2018 to 2024)

Several owners report warped front discs, a vibration through the pedal or steering wheel under braking, and pads and rotors that wear out sooner than expected. Others describe the brakes as overly sharp or inconsistent. Hard city use, such as rental or rideshare work, wears brakes faster. On a test drive, brake firmly from about 80 km/h and feel for shudder, and look at the disc faces for scoring or a deep lip. Replacing front pads and discs on a small car like this should cost a few hundred dollars at an independent workshop.

Wind noise, rattles and poor seals (second generation, 2018 to 2024)

Build quality is a frequent owner complaint. Reports include whistling from the windows at speed, creaking trim, loose or poorly fitted bumpers, and some door seal and water leak problems. A motoring Q&A on a 2022 MG3 Core with a window whistle pointed to door seals or doors that were not aligned at the factory, rather than anything an owner could fix with add-ons. Check the carpets and boot floor for damp, listen for wind noise at 80 to 100 km/h, and press on the dash and console for creaks. Seal and door adjustments are a dealer job and should be claimed under warranty where cover remains.

Electrical and infotainment glitches (second generation, 2018 to 2024)

Some owners report Apple CarPlay dropouts, music cutting out, a slow or dim screen, cruise control faults and the odd no-start. One reported fault on a 2019 car was the doors unlocking themselves repeatedly, which was put down to the body control module, the computer that runs the central locking and other functions. A body control module replacement is a dealer job and should be a warranty claim on a car still covered. Test the locking, windows, screen, reversing camera and phone connection, and ask the seller whether any electrical faults have been fixed.

Sharp power loss when the hybrid battery runs low (MG3 Hybrid+, 2024 to 2025)

Testing by CarExpert in 2024 and 2025 found that when the MG3 Hybrid+ is driven hard for a while, such as up a long steep climb, its small 1.83 kWh battery runs down and power can fall to a fraction of normal, with the engine revving hard. In one test the car could not hold 60 km/h on a steep mountain road. The same issue on the ZS Hybrid+ got a software fix from December 2024, but as of April 2025 MG said it had no fix planned for the MG3 Hybrid+. Ask an MG dealer whether an update has since been released for the car you are looking at, and test it on a long hill if you live in hilly country.

Recalls and safety

MG3s from the 2020 and 2021 model years were recalled in 2021 because faulty fuel tank strap bolts could let the tank move or detach. New-generation MG3s built from March 2024 to July 2025 were recalled because the driver's seat rail could unlock in a crash. Dealers fit an extra part to the seat rail. The older MG3 was never crash tested by ANCAP and lacks autonomous emergency braking. The new car was rated three stars in 2024, then four stars for cars built from 30 April 2025, which gained a front centre airbag and driver monitoring. Have an MG dealer check the VIN for open recalls and see our recalls page.

Buying a used MG3? What to check

• Recall work: Confirm the fuel tank bolt recall on 2020 to 2021 cars and the seat rail recall on 2024 to 2025 cars have been done.
• Service history: Ask for the logbook, because MG's long warranty depends on on-time servicing.
• Gearbox on a hill: Drive up a steep hill and walk away from a box that slips, flares or bangs into gear.
• Brakes: Brake hard from 80 km/h and feel for shudder, and look for scored or lipped discs.
• Seals and leaks: Check for damp carpet or boot floor and listen for window whistle at highway speed.
• Electrics: Test central locking, windows, the screen, CarPlay or Android Auto and the reversing camera.
• Rental or rideshare history: Look for worn seats, kerbed wheels and heavy brake wear, and price it accordingly.
• Hybrid+ power: On a Hybrid+, test a long climb and ask a dealer about any power software update.

Run a PPSR check for finance owing or a write-off, and take our MG3 buying checklist to the inspection.

The verdict

The second-generation MG3 is cheap transport, not a polished small car, and lacks modern crash protection. If you buy one, pick a later example with service history and warranty time left, and check the brakes, seals and electrics closely. Avoid hard-worked rideshare cars with no records. The new-generation MG3 is a better-equipped car, but look for one built from 30 April 2025 for the four-star safety upgrade, and test a Hybrid+ on a long hill before you commit.