Recalls: MG F
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: MG F
- In November 1998, a recall was issued for MG F vehicles because the seat belt webbing could snag in the slot in the guide escutcheon and not retract correctly. As a result, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of an accident (PRA 1998/3744).
- In December 2001, a recall was issued for MG F vehicles due to the seatbelt pretensioners units potentially activating unnecessarily when the ignition was turned on (PRA 2001/5119).
Problems and faults: MG F
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
MG F: head gasket failure
Early MG TF models were susceptible to head gasket failure due to coolant leaks and subsequent overheating. Coolant levels should be checked regularly.
Problems and faults: MG F
- The low coolant capacity of the engine means that coolant leaks can rapidly lead to overheating – look for leaking coolant pipes from the front radiator to the mid-mounted engine.
- Camshaft belts must be changed as per the maintenance schedule.
- The Hydragas suspension system was susceptible to problems – look for uneven tyre wear and check that the suspension heights are the same (i.e. the vehicle sits evenly on the road).
- A bent cable from the exhaust manifold lambda probe can lose its insulation, short-circuit and cause the vehicle to stop.
- Loud exhaust noises may be due to a flexible joint within the exhaust system that can fatigue and fracture.
- Wet carpet is almost certainly the result of a leaking soft-top.
- For the MG F 1.8i VVC models, the camshaft sprocket may come adrift as the wrong torque setting is given in a workshop manual for the camshaft retaining bolt.
