The gremlins that thwart MG Rover

Owners of some of the last MG Rover’s built in the UK have suffered from a raft of mechanical niggles and gremlins according to a new study from independent automotive warranty provider, Warranty Direct.

Research conducted by Warranty Direct reveals an estimated 1 in 5 cars produced during the last three years of the now-defunct British marque, have been plagued by manufacturing faults.

The most problematic area centres on the electrics, which constitutes a whopping 29 per cent of all failures. Annoying more than expensive, owners have regularly complained of illuminating warning lights, malfunctioning fans and window motors and even one case where the horn and wipers were activated on pressing the electric window switch!

Transmission failure accounts for 25 per cent of reported breakdowns. Although the average cost of repair stands at £279, some owners have been forced to pay up to £3,872 to get their new car back on the road.

Comparative research by Warranty Direct highlights newer Rovers have suffered from six times as many slip-ups in their fuel systems than MG Rovers aged 4-6 years old, potentially a costly repair.

The MG Rover business collapsed in April leaving an estimated 150,000 owners without manufacturer and dealer backed warranty protection.