Car shoppers are being advised to avoid a popular compact car from MG, a Chinese-owned automaker, due to a significant safety flaw uncovered during recent tests.
Euro NCAP, a crash safety organization, identified a critical issue with the MG 3, labeling it as a major weakness and suggesting consumers explore other options. Which?, a consumer advocacy group, has also issued a “don’t buy” warning for this model.
The MG 3 hatchback, priced starting at £17,245 and available in both petrol and full hybrid versions, was introduced in February 2024. By the end of March 2025, over 9,000 vehicles of this model had been registered in the UK.
During testing, Euro NCAP discovered a critical safety failure with the MG 3, specifically during a demanding frontal offset test. This test involves crashing the vehicle at a 62mph speed into an obstacle at an offset angle. The failure occurred when the right-hand seat adjuster of the driver’s seat twisted partially upon impact.
Although Euro NCAP awarded the MG 3 a four-star safety rating out of five due to its performance in other test areas, it raised concerns about the ability of the car to protect the driver in case of a collision. The organization noted that their scoring system does not currently allow for deductions in the event of such component failures.
Dr. Aled Williams, Euro NCAP’s program director, expressed worry over the fundamental weakness in the car’s seat latching mechanism and recommended consumers consider safer alternatives using Euro NCAP’s search tool.
The UK’s DVSA is actively monitoring the situation, while MG has pledged to make changes to the driver’s seat latching mechanism starting in August and the driver’s airbag in October. However, these modifications will not be retrofitted to vehicles already in customers’ possession.
Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s secretary general, emphasized the importance of car makers maintaining rigorous safety standards to provide consumers with safe choices amid the growing presence of Chinese car brands in the European market.
MG, now fully owned by SAIC Motor Corporation, a major Chinese car manufacturer, assured customers that it is investigating the seat mechanism issue highlighted by Euro NCAP and is collaborating with authorities to address it promptly.
In response to the safety concerns raised, MG stated that it values Euro NCAP’s feedback and is actively investigating the matter to provide further updates as the technical assessment progresses.