2021 MG 5 Exclusive Electricity · DA07 MCE

The mechanical narrative of this MG 5 is dominated by a cluster of front-end wear concerns that have escalated from advisory to failure status within the space of a single annual test. On 12 March 2025 the vehicle passed with advisories for inner-face pitting on both front brake discs, edge wear on both front tyres, and surface corrosion on both rear discs. By 17 March 2026 the deterioration had advanced enough for the nearside front disc to be categorised as dangerous, requiring immediate replacement before the car could be presented again six days later. On the subsequent re-test on 23 March 2026 the brake issue had been resolved and a pass was issued, but the same three advisories from the previous year carried forward, indicating that while the most serious safety item was addressed, the underlying causes of accelerated wear in the braking and suspension systems remain unrectified. The pattern points to a front axle that is under unusual stress for the mileage recorded, with corrosion forming on both front coil springs, a dangerous level of disc material loss on the nearside, and consistent premature tyre wear on the leading pair of wheels. Against an average annual accumulation of roughly 7,400 miles, the usage profile of this vehicle is broadly in line with expectations for a five-year-old family EV, suggesting a mix of urban and light commuter duty rather than sustained high-speed motorway use or prolonged periods of standing. The relatively modest total mileage reduces the likelihood of major drivetrain fatigue on the electric motor and reduction gear, but the MOT record shows that brake and suspension components are wearing at a rate that does not match the modest mileage. This disconnect implies that the front axle is being subjected to repeated short-cycle braking and cornering loads, or that the original components were of marginal specification, which is a useful pointer for any prospective buyer when inspecting consumable condition on the day. Given the recurrence of front brake disc issues, a thorough physical inspection of the discs and pads is essential before purchase, even though the most recent test recorded a pass. The inner-face pitting noted in 2025 and the dangerous nearside disc failure in March 2026 suggest that both front discs will likely require replacement in the near term, along with a full set of pads to ensure bedding-in is correct. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal under firm application, as well as any vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, which would indicate remaining disc run-out or warp. The steering should be checked for any pull to one side under braking, which can indicate a sticking or binding caliper, particularly on the nearside where the dangerous defect was recorded. The advisories on both front coil springs warrant close attention, as corrosion on these components typically initiates at the lower coils where road salt and moisture collect, and progresses upwards through the spring structure. Visible flaking or pitting should be looked for from beneath the front wheel arches, ideally with the wheels turned to expose the spring faces. A test drive over uneven surfaces, speed humps, and broken tarmac will reveal any knocking, clonking, or excessive bouncing that could indicate weakened or fractured springs. Additionally, the consistent front tyre edge wear suggests a possible tracking or camber issue; a four-wheel alignment check should be requested, and the new tyres fitted should be monitored for wear pattern after a few hundred miles to confirm the geometry is within tolerance. The rear brake disc corrosion flagged in 2025 should also be inspected, as pitted rear discs can produce judder under light pedal pressure and may soon require machining or replacement to maintain a smooth pedal feel.