IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic)

The final steel-chassis era upgraded the Roadster to a 280bhp 3.7-litre Ford Cyclone V6 (2012) and the Plus 4 to a 154bhp 2.0-litre Ford GDI engine with a Mazda MX-5 gearbox (2014), culminating in the 2020 70th Anniversary finale.

What changed for 2012

  • •Roadster 3.7 launched in 2012 with the Mustang-derived 280bhp Ford Cyclone V6 and 6-speed manual gearbox
  • •Plus 4 updated in 2014 with the 154bhp 2.0-litre Ford GDI direct-injection engine and slick Mazda MX-5 5-speed transmission
  • •Brief aero-chassis 4.8L BMW V8 Plus 8 sold alongside (2012–2018), while the steel-chassis Plus 4 ended with the 2020 70th Anniversary Edition
  • •Optional electric power steering (PAS) and five-link coil-sprung rear suspension fitted to special editions such as the AR Plus 4

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Loose or broken wire wheel spokes and worn centre-lock splines causing wheel play at MOT inspection
  • !Rear leaf spring shackle bush wear and rear axle tramp on high-torque 3.7L Roadster models without Panhard rods
  • !Windscreen wiper park switch failures and poor washer jet aim on the shallow traditional windscreen
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Ash Frame Rot

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The body panels are tacked to an ash wood frame. Moisture trapped behind the panels or under the wings can rot the wood.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£5,000 (depending on extent)
Warning Signs:

Soft spots in the wood, Loose body panels, Doors dropping

What to Inspect:
  • Check the bottom of the "A" pillars and the rear wheel arches.
  • Look for "black" wood through access holes.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

King Pin & Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The traditional sliding pillar suspension relies on manual greasing. If missed, the pins and bushes wear, leading to poor handling and MOT failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£800
Warning Signs:

Heavy steering, Steering "shimmy" or vibration, Uneven tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Jack up the front and check for vertical play in the hubs.
  • Verify the greasing history.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Galvanic Corrosion

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Aluminum body panels reacting with the steel chassis or fasteners can cause "bubbling" in the paint.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Bubbling paint on the wings or bonnet, White powdery residue at panel edges

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect panel edges and where the wings meet the chassis.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2012 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic)

  • Check whether a Panhard rod or anti-tramp brake reaction bars have been fitted to tame the 3.7L Roadster's live rear axle
  • Tap every spoke on wire-wheeled cars to listen for dull thuds indicating loose spokes or worn hub splines
  • Look out for post-2014 GDI Plus 4 models, which offer the best combination of Mazda gearshift quality and low running costs
2005–20112013–2019
Check a 2012 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic) by Registration