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MG MG3 I problems (2013–2024)

The only engine of the MG MG3 I that we have documented, the 1.5 VTi-TECH / T-GDI, has no high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. Our verdict for the version it is fitted to: «Buy».[1]

Outside the engine: Beyond the engine, the problems cited by the British press and by owners of the first-generation MG3 (2013-2024) are the clutch (vibration, early failure, pedal stuck down), minor electrical faults, thin paintwork and a few cases of water ingress.[2][3][4][5]

02468108.0out of 10

MG MG3 I rating: good reliability

Calculated using only 4 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. Limited evidence: it is based on few sources or few documented faults, so it is not included in the rankings. Having few documented faults does not mean it is reliable: it may simply be little studied. One of this car's engines has no documented faults in the versions it uses, but there aren't enough sources to call it reliable either, so it doesn't count towards the engine score. How it is calculated

  • EngineNot analysed
  • Gearbox8.61 fault
  • Suspension10.0No documented faults
  • Brakes10.0No documented faults
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering10.0No documented faults
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights10.0No documented faults
  • Electronics and infotainment9.31 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior9.12 faults
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

The weak points of the MG MG3 I

  1. 1Medium severity: Clutch that vibrates, fails early or leaves the pedal downGearbox and clutch
  2. 2Low severity: Parking sensors, dashboard warnings and other minor electrical faultsElectronics and infotainment
  3. 3Low severity: Thin paintwork that chips and interior plastics that scratchBodywork and interior
  4. 4Low severity: Water ingress through the door seals and the driver's windowBodywork and interior

Documented engine

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

Outside the engine

8 sourcesHow we work

1.5 VTi-TECH / T-GDI

MG / SAIC 1.5 VTi-TECH atmosférico and 1.5 T-GDI turbo (familia SGE) · Petrol

In the MG3 I
2013–2024[6][7][8]
Name
1.5 VTi-TECH 106
Faults that affect it
0
Risk index on this car
0
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • We have not found documented engine faults, but there is also no independent reliability data for this version: fiches-auto.fr records no owner reports for the MG3 1.5 VTi-Tech with 106 hp (the MG3 reports it shows are only for the 2024 hybrid version). It is a naturally aspirated engine with no turbo, and the caution comes from the lack of data.[1]

Faults that affect the MG3 I

None of the documented faults of the 1.5 VTi-TECH / T-GDI affects the versions and years that the MG3 I used.

MG3 I 1.5 VTi-TECH / T-GDI pageAll versions and faults of the 1.5 VTi-TECH / T-GDI

Faults of the MG MG3 I outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

Wear parts for the MG MG3 I

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

Buying a MG MG3 I?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Own a MG MG3 I? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MG MG3 I reliable?

The only engine of the MG MG3 I that we have documented, the 1.5 VTi-TECH / T-GDI, has no high or critical severity faults in the versions it is fitted to. Our verdict for the version it is fitted to: «Buy». Beyond the engine, the problems cited by the British press and by owners of the first-generation MG3 (2013-2024) are the clutch (vibration, early failure, pedal stuck down), minor electrical faults, thin paintwork and a few cases of water ingress.

What problems does the MG MG3 I have apart from the engine?

Beyond the engine, the problems cited by the British press and by owners of the first-generation MG3 (2013-2024) are the clutch (vibration, early failure, pedal stuck down), minor electrical faults, thin paintwork and a few cases of water ingress. The most important documented faults are: clutch that vibrates, fails early or leaves the pedal down (gearbox and clutch, medium severity), parking sensors, dashboard warnings and other minor electrical faults (electronics and infotainment, low severity), thin paintwork that chips and interior plastics that scratch (bodywork and interior, low severity) and water ingress through the door seals and the driver's window (bodywork and interior, low severity).[2][3][4][5]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Témoignages de fiabilité MG (MG3 1.5 VTi-Tech 106 ch sin testimonios; solo los del híbrido de 2024)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  2. Used MG3 review (2013-onward): buyer's guideAuto Express · Motoring press · published 13 April 2020 · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Used MG 3 2013-2024 reliability reviewWhat Car? · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Used MG 3 2013-present review: buying adviceWhat Car? · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. MG 3 hatchback review (2013-2024): owner reviewsCarbuyer · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026
  6. MG 3Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  7. MG 3Wikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  8. MG ZS (crossover)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026