The MG3 Hybrid+ has suffered an unusual and serious seat latch failure during a crash test by Euro NCAP – and it’s been given an overall rating of four stars. The driver’s seat twisted mid-impact after its latching mechanism failed, exposing the dummy to higher injury risks and raising concerns about the small hatchback’s safety credentials.
Euro NCAP confirmed that such a failure has never been seen before in its 28 years of testing cars. MG initially disputed the result, but has since promised to strengthen the seat latch and improve the airbag design later this year. Despite this, the MG3’s overall score remains at four stars, thanks to strong performance in other areas such as crash avoidance technology.
The issue comes at a time when MG is enjoying rapid growth in Europe as a value-focused brand. The 3 is pitched directly against rivals like the Renault Clio and Toyota Yaris, both of which are highly rated for their safety performance.
Compromised crash performance
Euro NCAP said the failure of the seat latch meant the driver dummy’s right leg sustained ‘poor’ levels of protection in the frontal offset test. The dummy’s head also struck the steering wheel after the airbag failed to provide full cushioning, reducing its rating to ‘adequate’.
Although the MG3’s passenger cell stayed structurally stable, Euro NCAP stressed that the seat failure compromised restraint performance in ways that magnified injury risk. The organisation has passed its findings to type-approval authorities, which may consider whether a recall is required.
MG has confirmed it will fit an upgraded seat latch and a new driver’s airbag. Cars already on the road will not be modified.
Euro NCAP reacts
Programme Director Dr Aled Williams said: ‘It is troubling to find a car on sale in 2025 with a fundamental weakness in its seat latching mechanism, an essential part of the car’s occupant restraint system. This fault has been reported to the relevant Type Approval authorities so consideration can be given as to whether a vehicle recall should be issued. For that reason, we would recommend that consumers consider alternatives to the MG3.’
Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, Dr Michiel van Ratingen, added: ‘China’s car industry has undergone a rapid rise, with many new cars now sold across European markets. That creates more choices for consumers, but on the other hand, they need to know that any car they are thinking of buying is safe.’
What this means for you
If you are considering the MG3, this result is a red flag. A four-star score looks decent on paper, but the underlying seat failure raises questions about how the car would really protect you in a serious accident.
MG has promised to fix the fault on cars built later this year, but existing owners will not benefit unless a recall is issued. If safety is high on your list, that could make the 3 a hard sell compared with established rivals.
The good news is that Euro NCAP’s protocols are under review, meaning that rare failures like this should be better reflected in future ratings. For now, the safest option is to shop around and compare.
Editor’s view: Kudos to Euro NCAP for calling this out
This is a worrying result for MG. The brand has been doing well by offering low prices, generous equipment and long warranties, but safety is non-negotiable for British buyers. A seat latch should never fail in a crash, and it’s right that Euro NCAP has raised the alarm.
I admire the way MG has shaken up the market with its value-first strategy, but any car that makes compromises on safety is one to think twice about, even though it won’t have been intentional. I want to see MG not just match, but beat the standards set by long-established brands.
On the plus side, Euro NCAP really deserves credit for shining a light here. This kind of transparency helps all of us make better decisions, and it pressures manufacturers to do the right thing. My advice is simple – if MG doesn’t effect a full recall of existing cars, that puts a dark cloud over the company’s approach to passenger safety, and makes older versions impossible to recommend as used cars.
Keith Adams – Editor, Parkers
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