MG issues safety recall for MG3 hatch in New Zealand

Damien O’Carroll

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  • MG Motor New Zealand has issued a safety recall for the MG3 small hatch.
  • Crash testing showed that the driver's seat could move forward during frontal impacts, potentially increasing the risk of leg injury.
  • The company will be contacting owners of affected cars and is offering a free fix for the issue.

MG Motor New Zealand has announced a safety recall for the MG3 hatch following a defect being identified during Euro NCAP crash testing earlier this year. The MG3 actually improved its rating from 3 to 4 stars in the local ANCAP ratings following this testing due to the fitment of a new centre airbag, a driver monitoring system and other improvements.

However, the company says that during Euro NCAP’s testing the MG3's driver side seat (with 6-way manual adjustment) could slide forward by 111.5mm on the side closest to the centre console upon collision, potentially increasing the risk of leg injuries in the event of a frontal impact.

The issue with the MG3's seat was discovered during Euro NCAP crash testing earlier this year.

As a result, MG Motor is conducting a recall of all MG3s manufactured between 06 March 2024 and 30 July 2025. According to the company this represents 1,207 vehicles in New Zealand.

MG Motor New Zealand has notified the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and the Motor Industry Association (MIA), and will be contacting affected MG3 owners directly.

MG says a fix for the issue will take between 30 minutes and an hour, and will be free of charge.

As at the date of this recall, MG Motor is not aware of any incidents relating to the defect, but encourages owners to contact their local MG Motor service centre as soon as possible to arrange a visit where an additional component will be fitted to the driver’s seat rail of their MG3.

MG Motor New Zealand says this fitment will be conducted at no charge, is estimated to take between 30 to 60 minutes, and will "ensure optimal performance and safety".