by Serious Seat Mounting Failure in MG 3
During the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, the Chinese hatchback MG 3 encountered a serious problem—for the first time in the testing history since 1997, the locking mechanism of the driver’s seat mount failed. Despite this, the car received a four-star safety rating, which prompted the organization to review its assessment methodology.
Crash Consequences and Manufacturer’s Response
During the frontal collision, the seat shifted, leading to a deterioration in the driver’s leg protection, and the dummy’s head penetrated the airbag and hit the steering wheel. This highlights that even small defects can significantly increase the risk of injury, especially in compact cars.
The MG manufacturer initially claimed that the mount was incorrectly secured, but Euro NCAP confirmed the test was prepared properly. The brand promises to update the lock design from August 2025 and adjust the airbag from October.
Ratings and Future Changes in Assessment
The car scored 74% for adult protection, 74% for children, 81% for vulnerable road users, and 69% for safety systems. These indicators place the MG 3 among the leaders in its class, but the incident has prompted Euro NCAP to change the penalty system for failures of critical components.
Dr. Aled Williams, Euro NCAP Programme Director, noted: “It is very concerning to find a 2025 car with such a fundamental flaw. We recommend consumers consider alternatives via our website.”
Context and Competitors
The second generation MG 3 was introduced in 2024 with a 192 hp hybrid powertrain. In Europe, its main competitors are the Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, and other compact models.
This situation could affect consumer trust in Chinese brands, which are actively expanding their presence in the European market. The reliability of every component becomes a key factor, especially for small cars where safety space is limited. Updating testing protocols will help prevent similar cases in the future.
