Car shoppers are advised to avoid a well-liked small car from MG, a Chinese-owned automaker, due to a serious safety issue uncovered in recent tests. Euro NCAP, a crash safety organization, has flagged a significant flaw in the MG 3, prompting them to suggest exploring other vehicle options. Which?, a consumer group, has also issued a warning against purchasing this model.
The MG 3 hatchback, available in petrol and full hybrid versions starting at £17,245, was introduced in February 2024. By the end of March 2025, over 9,000 cars of this model had been registered in the UK.
During safety evaluations, Euro NCAP identified a critical safety failure in the MG 3, specifically during a frontal offset test, one of the most rigorous assessments in their program. The test involved crashing the car at a 62mph offset angle into an obstacle, leading to the right-hand seat adjuster of the driver’s seat failing and causing the seat to twist during impact.
Euro NCAP noted that this particular failure was unprecedented in their history of testing vehicles since 1997. Despite this issue, the MG 3 still received a four-star rating out of five, as the scoring system does not currently allow for deductions in the case of component failures.
Dr. Aled Williams, Euro NCAP’s program director, expressed concern over the fundamental weakness in the MG 3’s seat latching mechanism, emphasizing the importance of occupant restraint systems in vehicles. The DVSA in the UK is actively monitoring the situation.
Euro NCAP reported that MG plans to make changes to the driver’s seat latching mechanism and driver’s airbag starting in August and October, respectively. However, these modifications will not apply to vehicles already owned by customers.
Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s secretary general, highlighted the rapid growth of China’s car industry and emphasized the need for rigorous safety standards in all vehicles entering the market. MG, previously a British brand and now owned by SAIC Motor Corporation, has seen a significant increase in sales in the UK.
MG responded to the concerns raised by Euro NCAP, stating that they are actively investigating the issue with the driver’s seat mechanism and collaborating with authorities to address the matter. They assured customers of their commitment to resolving the safety concerns identified.