2022 MG 5 Excite Electric · OV22 EWF

A clean DVSA record with no advisories or defect entries can be reassuring, but the test pattern for this 2022 MG 5 reveals a recurring mechanical interruption that warrants attention. The vehicle passed an MOT on 20 March 2026 with no defects recorded, yet just eight days earlier it failed under the same testing regime without any defects being logged. An identical sequence occurred in September 2025, where a fail and a pass were recorded on the same date. While the absence of advisory or failure items suggests no specific component deterioration was identified at the time, repeat short-interval retests typically indicate a transient issue that was rectified between the two visits, most commonly an illuminated warning lamp, an emissions borderline reading, or a brake performance fluctuation. The overall trend is therefore one of clean roadworthiness on paper, but the duplicated test events suggest the car has had intermittent flagged conditions that resolved quickly each time. At roughly 90,757 miles over four years, this MG 5 has accumulated mileage at approximately 22,689 miles per year, which is notably high for a vehicle of its age and class. Such sustained annual usage places above-average mechanical demand on the typical wear items, including front brake pads and discs, suspension bushes and coil springs, steering rack components, and the electric drivetrain ancillary hardware. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing timeline to suggest prolonged periods off the road, which means wear has been continuous rather than intermittent. Buyers should weigh this mileage profile carefully, as components that are not formally inspected during an MOT, such as the high-voltage battery state of health, drive motor bearings, and reduction gearbox oil condition, will have experienced considerable duty cycles. Because the MOT history contains no specific advisories or component-level failure entries, a prospective buyer cannot rely on the test record to identify known weak points and must instead carry out a targeted physical inspection. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocks or clonks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, which are common wear items on high-mileage family EVs. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, which would suggest warped front discs, and check for pulling to either side that could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Also note the responsiveness of the regenerative braking system, as any warning lights relating to the ABS or electronic stability control systems should be queried, given the repeat short-interval retests seen in the record. A physical inspection should also focus on the items most likely to have been at the centre of those quick-fix retests. Inspect the tyre tread depths and sidewalls for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues, and verify that all exterior lamps, including the rear fog and number plate illumination, function correctly. Under the bonnet, check for any signs of oil misting around the electric drive ancillaries and coolant reservoirs, and confirm that the 12V auxiliary battery is securely mounted, as a weak cell can cause random warning lamp illumination that would explain a same-day fail-to-pass pattern. Finally, request evidence of any recent diagnostic scans or warranty work, and consider an independent battery health check, since the high annual mileage combined with the repeated MOT retests makes a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by an EV-aware specialist strongly advisable.