Lower Suspension Arm Bushings

[tsedge]

Just been in for third service and first MOT at 32,000 miles and it failed the MOT on worn lower-arm bushings (both at front, one failed and one part-worn). The video evidence looks convincing.

Anyone else had a problem with these?

£250 each at my MG dealer to fix, because they replace the whole lower arm, although I believe the bushing itself is about £15 (but would need pressing into the existing lower arm assembly).

Have booked in but will also find out what the cost would be at an independent garage and if they'll just change the bushings, not the arms. Will cancel if I find a cheaper option.

Be curious if this is a common problem due to the weight of EVs? Wouldn't have expected this at such a low mileage, yes at 80,000 miles perhaps.

Video here:

 

[Everest]

Anyone else had a problem with these?

Keep up at the back...

S

Thread 'First MOT, major fail, both front suspension bushes'

Sunday at 9:42 PM

Just FYI, I had a nasty surprise from my first MOT. Failed, both front suspension bushes ‘debonded’. The (non-dealership) tester seemed surprised that this should happen after 22k miles.

MG will replace under warranty at the same time as the 3rd service, but I’d suggest others might ask for this to be checked carefully at both second and third service.

Model: March 2023 Trophy

• Steve T
• front suspension mg4 mg4 trophy premature wear suspension bush vehicle servicing warranty repair
• Replies: 50
• Forum: MG4 EV (2022 to 2025) Forum

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[tsedge]

That sounds like a different issue. Mine is bushing wear, not "debonded" and isn't covered under warranty (as is a wear and tear item).

Edit: Just checked the warranty and shown it to the service guys - Bushes are covered up to 3 years and 45,000 miles, so it should be covered. I've asked that both be sorted under warranty. The service guy said they will be asked for photos, details and they will "try" - but the warranty seems unambiguous to me (attached below).

I get the feeling this isn't going to be straightforward. There was lots of trying to set the expectation it would be loads of work to make the claim with MG and they might deny it etc... Which isn't my problem!

 

[gary333]

If the car is under 3 years old then I don't think they have a leg to stand on if they refuse. It's very clear from the document, even the "Rubber Components" say 3 years.

ALL BALL JOINTS 36 months 45,000 miles
ALL BUSHES 36 months 45,000 miles
TRACK ROD ENDS 36 months 45,000 miles
DAMPERS, STRUTS 36 months 45,000 miles
RUBBER COMPONENTS 36 months 45,000 miles

 

[OriginalBigAl]

Agree, wear and tear items are ambiguous, I have looked but cannot find the 3 year limit documentation which might make things clearer. Ha, Ha Gary333 has just beat me to it , if there is a link to the official document ????? Cheers.

 

[siteguru]

if there is a link to the official document ????? Cheers.

Tom included it in his reply #3?

 

[tsedge]

By the way I have sent a detailed complaint to the service manager.

My complaints are:

• I was misleadingly told "all cars need bushes replaced, this is normal".
• They didn't check if it was covered by warranty, even though I queried it.
• When I showed them the warranty they complained how much work it would take them to make the claim.
• I was given no assurance they would get approval by the time I came in for the work to be done, leaving me in limbo as to whether I would be presented with a bill.

The main thing I have asked for is written confirmation they will replace both bushes under warranty when I come in.

I like the garage and I have recommended them in the past but this time I did not feel I received good customer service. I will give them a chance to put this right before saying any more.

 

[tsedge]

In case I need a backup plan... does anyone know if the typical independent garage (eg an ATS) will press bushings into an existing lower arm that is not corroded?

It is £30 for a pair of bushings online and over £500 for my MG dealer to replace both lower arms including new bushings (which is all MG will do - won't replace the bushings without new arms).

 

[Matt x power]

This is very worrying as some dealers change them without any complaints I just hope my dealer plays ball come mot time as I get a creak sometimes when reversing up my driveway from the front suspension

 

[tsedge]

This is very worrying as some dealers change them without any complaints I just hope my dealer plays ball come mot time as I get a creak sometimes when reversing up my driveway from the front suspension

Yes, they should just replace the bushings and fit sturdier ones if this a failing of the MG4.

I am beginning to wonder if I would be better off doing MOTs and basic maintenance at an independent garage and just coming back to MG for the service.

It is definitely time government changed the rules so dealers can't hide behind the manufacturer: the dealer should be liable for addressing warranty items regardless of whether the manufacturer plays ball - this separation of businesses should be invisible to the consumer.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

Tom included it in his reply #3?

Gary 333 has found info which is not included in the linked some what vague official document. I am sure I have seen something similar in the past , being more specific on individual items and their time / mileage limits , but cannot retrieve it.

 

[tsedge]

Gary 333 has found info which is not included in the linked some what vague official document. I am sure I have seen something similar in the past , being more specific on individual items and their time / mileage limits , but cannot retrieve it.

It is black and white on the document I provided above on page 3: Bushings, 36 months and 48,000 miles.

 

[tsedge]

Perhaps I shouldn't be so annoyed about all of this but I did feel I was being made a fool.

 

[Matt x power]

It's just sad that some dealers are lazy and down right ignorant

 

[tsedge]

It's just sad that some dealers are lazy and down right ignorant

I'm putting it down to the service representative for the moment. He is young and one of the generation that call customers "mate" which I find irritating (I don't expect Sir but how about "Mr Sedge, can I call you Tom?", would be better).

It is possible MG have tightened up on warranty claims and this is a symptom.

 

[MG Clive]

It's good to see this in a video, it clearly shows the problem.

 

[tsedge]

It's good to see this in a video, it clearly shows the problem.

Yes, I don't dispute the issue, although I think it is due to poor quality bushings or a fault in the suspension design.

 

[gary333]

I'd say what's more revealing is this quote:

• When I showed them the warranty they complained how much work it would take them to make the claim.

This shows it's intentional on both MG's part (making it hard to perform warranty claims) but also on the dealer for trying their luck.

I'd be more concerned about the dealers attitude though, they decided to take the MG franchise on, tough tit if they don't like the process, that's their problem not the customers.

 

[tsedge]

If this is generally true across dealers (as a policy change) then I may have to avoid ever having an MG again.

 

[gary333]

Gary 333 has found info which is not included in the linked some what vague official document. I am sure I have seen something similar in the past , being more specific on individual items and their time / mileage limits , but cannot retrieve it.

I didn't use the attachment (as that document is out of date). I referred to the up-to-date warranty document on their website.

https://www.mg.co.uk/sites/default/files/2025-11/MG_Online_Warranty_Statement_Nov_2025.pdf