Drivers told to 'consider alternatives' to one car after 'fundamental weakness' revealed

Safety chiefs have urged drivers to avoid buying one hybrid petrol and electric vehicle after discovering a “fundamental weakness” during crash tests. Euro NCAP has advised drivers to “consider alternatives" to the MG3 due to concerns about seatbelt safety.

Euro NCAP chiefs claimed time was also needed for bosses to consider if a “recall” notice should be issued in a potential blow to owners. Safety bosses handed the MG3 an overall four-star rating but noted a major concern during the 31mph frontal offset crash test. During the checks, safety experts claimed that the MG3 seat latch failed - leading to a seat twist on impact.

Aled Williams, Programme Director at Euro NCAP 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.”

EuroNCAP said the seat latch mechanism failure had likely led to an extra impact on the driver dummy’s right leg. The dummy’s head was said to ‘bottom out’ against the steering wheel instead of striking the airbag.

The move meant that bosses had no choice but to reduce the car's head protection rating to ‘adequate’ with leg protection rated ‘poor’.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express branded the findings as “worrying”.

Paul said: “It's worrying that a car has been on sale for over a year with such a critical safety fault, but it shows the value of the Euro NCAP test in picking up such a dramatic issue, and the unprecedented strong language from the organisation in recommending consumers consider other vehicles instead shows the strength of feeling it has about the gravity of the situation.

“To commend MG, it has moved quickly to modify new cars coming through from next month, but we'd urge the brand to do the right thing and put existing customers' mind at rest by correcting all the cars already on UK roads.”

Euro NCAP has claimed the fault discovered by safety chiefs in the MG3 “not been seen before”. However, MG reassured drivers that they would be set to investigate the issue thoroughly.

An MG spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Based upon a specific concern raised in the Euro NCAP test regarding a mechanism on the driver's seat, which did not affect the overall safety rating achieved by MG3 Hybrid+, MG is pro-actively investigating this and working closely with the relevant authorities.

“With a technical appraisal underway, we are presently not in a position to add any more at this stage. We wish to reassure all customers that Euro NCAP's feedback is valued and that MG is prioritising the matter and will naturally, be providing further updates.”