Euro NCAP says you shouldn’t buy the MG3
Thu, 11 Sept 2025
Safety organisation Euro NCAP has issued a rare warning about the safety of the MG3 hatchback after what it calls a ‘critical safety failure’ during testing, and has recommended would-be customers consider other cars instead.
The latest MG3 scored four out of five stars in a recent Euro NCAP test, but during one of its crash tests the driver’s seat latching mechanism failed. Euro NCAP says this type of failure has never been seen before in its testing, which has covered hundreds of cars since 1997.
The failure caused the driver’s seat to twist partway through the impact, leading to reduced protection on the test dummy’s right leg – Euro NCAP assessed the protection as poor, and said the failure also meant that MG couldn’t show how well the car would protect the knees and upper legs of different sized occupants, or those seated in varying positions.
According to Euro NCAP, when it shared its findings with MG, the carmaker argued that the failure was due to improper latching of the seat before the test, although Euro NCAP says it was checked.
"MG has subsequently committed to improving the design of the seat latch mechanism to ensure it remains robust in the event of an impact," Euro NCAP says.
Aled Williams, Euro NCAP’s programme director, actively recommends that customers choose other cars over the MG3.
"It is troubling to find a car on sale in 2025 with a fundamental weakness in its seat latching mechanism, an essential part of the car’s occupant restraint system. This fault has been reported to the relevant Type-Approval authorities so consideration can be given as to whether a vehicle recall should be issued," he says.
"For that reason, we would recommend that consumers consider alternatives to the MG3." Rivals include the Toyota Yaris, the Renault Clio and the Suzuki Swift.
Despite the issue, the MG3’s four-star score stands, as the current Euro NCAP scoring doesn’t allow points to be taken off for this kind of component failure.
"This is an almost unheard-of occurrence, but one that Euro NCAP will address through changes to our protocols and scoring so we can reflect any failure – even if the car’s overall performance is good – in our ratings. Our role is to help make roads safer for all, and we will continue to strive for the improvement of vehicle safety to help achieve this goal," says Williams
In a statement, MG said: "Based upon a specific concern raised in the Euro NCAP test regarding a mechanism on the driver's seat, which did not affect the overall safety rating achieved by MG3 Hybrid+, MG is pro-actively investigating this and working closely with the relevant authorities.
"With a technical appraisal underway, we are presently not in a position to add any more at this stage. We wish to reassure all customers that Euro NCAP's feedback is valued and that MG is prioritising the matter and will naturally, be providing further updates."
