Car shoppers are being advised to avoid a popular compact car from Chinese-owned MG following safety examinations that uncovered a significant flaw. Euro NCAP, a crash safety organization, highlighted a critical issue with the MG 3, prompting a recommendation to explore other options. Which?, a consumer group, has labeled the model with a “don’t buy” warning in response.
Priced starting at £17,245, the MG 3 hatchback is offered in both petrol and full hybrid versions and was launched in February 2024. Over 9,000 cars of this model had been registered in the UK by the end of March 2025.
During testing, Euro NCAP identified a critical safety failure with the MG 3, particularly during a demanding frontal offset test. This test involves crashing the car into an obstacle at an offset angle and 62mph speed, where the right-hand seat adjuster of the driver’s seat failed, causing the seat to twist partially upon impact.
Euro NCAP highlighted that this was the first occurrence of such a failure in its history of testing vehicles since 1997. Despite the issue, the MG 3 received a four-star rating out of five due to its performance in other aspects of the crash test.
Dr. Aled Williams, Euro NCAP’s program director, expressed concern over the fundamental flaw in the seat latching mechanism of the MG 3, emphasizing the importance of occupant protection. Euro NCAP recommended consumers to explore safer alternatives using their website’s search tool.
The UK’s DVSA is actively monitoring the situation, while MG has announced plans to implement 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 in customers’ possession.
Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s secretary general, underscored the rapid expansion of China’s car industry and the need for stringent safety standards in newly introduced models. MG, now a fully Chinese-owned brand under SAIC Motor Corporation, has witnessed a surge in sales, nearing the figures of other well-established car manufacturers in the UK.
As the automotive market expands with new entrants, Euro NCAP urged all car manufacturers to uphold rigorous safety standards to align with European regulations and ensure consumer safety.