MG4 Trophy, 2023. Last software update August 2023
Hi there all! Now I know that using the MG Forum to say I hate my MG4 is perhaps a little controversial, and I certainly don’t intend to upset anyone, but please hear me out…
Firstly, I know that ‘hate’ is a strong word. And if I’m honest, I don’t always hate my car. When all’s going well, and it hasn’t done anything to annoy me in the previous 30 minutes, I do actually very much enjoy driving it. It’s my first electric car, and I really like the smooth, rapid acceleration and lack of gear changes. But - and it’s a very big ‘but’ - there are just too many problems with it. Some major and some minor.
I’ve compiled a list below of the faults and grievances that spring to mind. There may be others that I’ve forgotten but I’ll try to edit this post as and when anything else pops up from the recesses of my brain.
I’d be really interested to hear from you all in the community to get your thoughts and to read about your experiences.
Some background… I received my MG new in July 2023. I very quickly noticed problems, which is why I joined this excellent Forum in the first place. I thought ‘surely it’s not just me that’s noticing these things?’, and I was so pleased to find many like minded souls. I emailed MG UK with my initial concerns, and they replied very quickly, but all they could recommend was a software update (for a new car that I’d only just received. Thanks MG…). I diligently booked the car in under warranty and got the update. But alas, as far as I could tell, nothing had changed. So forlornly I pretty much gave up. I resigned myself to the fact that I’d have to put up with this hugely frustrating car for the next three years, the length of my lease. And so now, after 16 months of ownership (as of Nov 24) this list shows what really, REALLY grinds my gears(!). I know from reading certain forum posts that some of these problems have supposedly been sorted, but again, I’d be really interested to hear which ones and how successful the fix has been.
Important note: I have asked for a software update on my car (currently on R33) but my local dealership (Southampton) believes none of the issues below mean they can do it under warranty, and I have no intention of paying the quoted £120 to get it done, especially when as far as I know it only involves plugging a USB in for a few minutes. And, obviously, it should be done absolutely free of charge.
LKA is overly aggressive and frankly dangerous, as all owners are very aware of. Should never have been allowed on the car in that state. I always have to turn it off before driving for safety's sake. (Edit: After the software update in early ‘25 from the recall I’m pleased to say it’s much improved).
Infotainment sometimes doesn't register touches, despite beeping to register a selection.
DAB Radio sometimes doesn't find radio stations on start, and won't update the available list all journey, meaning no (or very limited) radio. When listening to the radio the sound often jumps/skips, like a damaged LP or CD. Utterly bizarre and very annoying.
No sound from the speakers after pressing ‘play’ button on radio after getting in the car. I have to cycle to another input then back to radio, and it suddenly bursts into life.
2 x emergency stops for no reason. Both in 30mph zones but very scary. The first on a straight, clear road, though with one car approaching on the other side. I was indicating right while slowing to turn behind the approaching car (I’m in the UK) but remained fully in my lane. The second over a year later, again in a 30mph zone and on a completely clear road, though a lady had just walked behind her car which was parked on the side of the street and was absolutely no threat. Happily both were at slow speed and no one behind me.
Air Conditioning occasionally doesn't work at all. Magically resets itself when the car's been off and locked for a time. Making for some sweaty summer journeys. Miserable before arriving at work.
In colder, wet weather, the car sometimes steams up very easily, requiring full blower all journey (probably same fault as above i.e. no conditioned air).
Loses 3 or 4 mph around shallow bends when using ACC.
Ridiculously aggressive braking to maintain gap in front when using ACC. Dangerous with cars behind on a motorway. I rarely use ACC because of this.
Speed limit recognition often shows incorrect limit, rendering it pointless. Flashes constantly if just 1mph over. I always turn it off.
No interior light in rear cabin. I often have to get my phone torch out when it's dark to help my children buckle up, which of course is bonkers. My kids hate the car because of this.
Rear seat belt plugs 'disappear' into seat when trying to plug the seat belt in. Again, my kids absolutely hate this.
Auto dipping headlights have a mind of their own (and not in a positive way!). I always have to go manual to avoid dangerously blinding other drivers/cyclists/pedestrians. The system absolutely is not good enough. A safety concern.
Regularly have to 're-pair' mobile phone Bluetooth connection.
MG App often won't show any information from the car (i.e. battery percentage) despite good WiFi connection on both car and phone.
Rear under tray warped and had to get replaced.
The infotainment screen brightness is always set as dim as possible. One night my wife mentioned how bright it still was, and I agreed with her, saying it’s as dim as it will go. From the passenger seat she went into Settings to see if I was telling the truth, and sure enough the slider was at the fully dim position. But then to my amazement, she moved it a little to the right and then back fully left, and it did get noticeably more dim! For some reason it seems to reset itself to a fixed brightness every time I get in the car, so to get it actually dim, I have to give the slider a little wiggle every single time. Just bonkers! (Edit: it is always set to ‘dark mode’ as otherwise the brightness is insane).
There must be others you've experienced that I’ve missed/forgotten about. Please do let me know! I firmly believe MG (SAIC) should never have released the car like this. I suspect it was probably rushed out to meet some board room deadline. And you’d think they’d now be desperate to correct the issues customers are experiencing asap, before word spreads to too many potential buyers. I for one now have no intention of buying from MG again. It’s been a miserable experience at times, and sadly, so far, it appears they don’t really seem to care!
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