Car shoppers are being advised to avoid a popular subcompact vehicle made by Chinese-owned MG due to a significant safety flaw uncovered during tests. Euro NCAP, a crash safety organization, has pointed out a critical issue with the MG 3, leading to a recommendation to explore other options. This warning has been reinforced by the consumer group Which?, which has labeled the model as a “don’t buy.”
The MG 3 hatchback, available from £17,245 in both petrol and full hybrid versions, was introduced in February 2024 and has seen over 9,000 registrations in the UK by the end of March 2025. Euro NCAP disclosed that the MG 3 experienced a crucial safety failure during testing, specifically in a frontal offset test, considered one of the most rigorous in their program.
During this test, where the car is crashed at a 62mph speed and an offset angle into an obstacle, the right-hand seat adjuster of the driver’s seat in the MG 3 failed, causing the seat to partially twist during impact. According to Euro NCAP, this failure is unprecedented in their extensive history of testing vehicles since 1997.
Despite this serious issue affecting driver protection, Euro NCAP awarded the MG 3 four out of five stars due to its performance in other areas of the crash test. However, the organization noted that their scoring system currently does not accommodate deductions for component failures like this one.
Dr. Aled Williams, from Euro NCAP, expressed concern over the fundamental weakness in the MG 3’s seat latching mechanism, prompting consideration for a potential vehicle recall. Consumers are advised to explore safer alternatives using Euro NCAP’s search tool. The DVSA in the UK is reportedly actively monitoring the situation.
MG has committed to implementing changes to the driver’s seat latching mechanism starting in August and the driver’s airbag from October. However, these modifications will not apply to vehicles already in customers’ possession. Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s secretary general, emphasized the importance of maintaining rigorous safety standards in the rapidly expanding Chinese car industry.
Once a British brand, MG is now fully owned by SAIC Motor Corporation, a leading Chinese car manufacturer. Despite the popularity of MG cars in the UK, recent figures show a higher number of purchases compared to other well-known brands. In response to Euro NCAP’s feedback, MG is actively investigating the seat mechanism issue and collaborating with authorities to address it.
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