New Owner - Passenger Doors Not Opening From Inside on MG5 Facelift – Normal or Fault?

[Frazer]

Hi all,

New to the forum. I picked up my MG5 Facelift Trophy yesterday from BIG Motoring World, 25k miles, ex‑lease car. Really happy with it overall, but I’ve run into one niggle I’m hoping someone can shed some light on.

I've spotted that the front passenger and rear passenger doors don’t always open from the inside. I first noticed it on the test drive when the salesperson asked me to swap seats and I couldn’t open the door to do this. I was advised you sometimes need to pull the handle twice quickly, he seemed to make it look easy at the time, but that didn’t seem to work for me quite as smoothly and I've been scratching my head. What did work on the front passenger door today was pulling the handle out, holding it, and letting it spring back on its own, but oddly, that trick didn't work on the rear passenger doors, they were still locked unless opened from the outside.

I’m not sure if this is, a security feature, a software quirk or perhaps (based on an old thread I found) a known issue that requires MG to replace the lock actuators under warranty. It just seems strange if it’s the latter, as you’d think the first lease owner would have had it sorted as it's 3 years old from July, well unless they never hadny passengers and didn’t notice it.

Would really appreciate any advice. My wife and daughter have both struggled to open the doors a couple of times unless I released them from the driver’s side, so I’m not sure if I’m missing something obvious.

 

[kevin ellard]

You do have to pull the handle twice on the passenger side if the door is locked. the first pull unlocks and the second one opens the door.
I don't know about the rear doors. Are they childlocked?

 

[Frazer]

You do have to pull the handle twice on the passenger side if the door is locked. the first pull unlocks and the second one opens the door.
I don't know about the rear doors. Are they childlocked?

Thanks yes that was the case on my other car, but this is a bit different. I can pull the handle 50 times in row and it wouldn't open, in the way you'd think any normal person would pull a handle, 1 or 2 times. But with this, you have to pull it and let it snap back on it's own, then it thuds against the door, it seemed to work this way, but doesn't feel normal. I might take it to a dealers as it seems like other older threads indicate a common fault that's a warranty job, not 100% sure though.

or perhaps it's just me, maybe I need to switch the car off completely or I'm not doing something in the correct order.

 

[Lovemyev]

There was a number of ZS EV’s that suffered from a similar problem and the fix was to replace the latching mechanisms.
A close family member had the same problem on the passenger door of his new ZS EV.
The dealer replaced the door lock / latching mechanism and all was good.
Then only a couple of weeks later, he found both rear doors were the same !.
Again - Both latch locking mechanisms were replaced ( under warranty of course ) and all was fine !.
So, three out of the four mechanisms were replaced !.

 

[Frazer]

There was a number of ZS EV’s that suffered from a similar problem and the fix was to replace the latching mechanisms.
A close family member had the same problem on the passenger door of his new ZS EV.
The dealer replaced the door lock / latching mechanism and all was good.
Then only a couple of weeks later, he found both rear doors were the same !.
Again - Both latch locking mechanisms were replaced ( under warranty of course ) and all was fine !.
So, three out of the four mechanisms were replaced !.

I'll see how it goes and perhaps call into MG at the weekend as I need to check it's service history anyway. I am a little worried it is this, I've not had the car long (2 days), but the way it's doing this, feels more like an issue.

 

[Dino]

Rear doors sounds like you have the child locks on.
Front passenger door seems to work if you have the knack, don’t rush it- pull once to unlock and pull twice to open. You can also press the unlock button on the driver door panel.
There have been reports of faulty door locks but I think they wouldn’t open at all from the inside.

 

[MGGareth]

Doesn't sound right to me. I've a MG5 trophy too and all doors open without issue. As a test, ensure the doors are unlocked using the lock/unlock button on drivers side. If unlocked pulling any door handle should open the door.

If ok try again but with the doors locked. Listen to see if you can hear the first pull unlocking the door.

Not being able to get out is a safety issue so make sure you're happy with whatever solution the garage gives you.

 

[kevin ellard]

Thanks yes that was the case on my other car, but this is a bit different. I can pull the handle 50 times in row and it wouldn't open, in the way you'd think any normal person would pull a handle, 1 or 2 times. But with this, you have to pull it and let it snap back on it's own, then it thuds against the door, it seemed to work this way, but doesn't feel normal. I might take it to a dealers as it seems like other older threads indicate a common fault that's a warranty job, not 100% sure though.

or perhaps it's just me, maybe I need to switch the car off completely or I'm not doing something in the correct order.

I don't think it is you. It sounds like an actual problem. I can't imagine it will help but it might be worth doing a hard reset of the car (disconnect the 12v battery for a couple of minutes). Good luck with MG.

 

[reg10]

on mine if you have driven and the auto door locks then the passanger and rear doors need to be either unlocked on the drivers door or they pull the handle twice gently works

ps thats assuming the child locks are off

 

[Frazer]

So I've left the auto lock is on, as I think it's a useful safety before. I then went around the car today to investigate and, found the right rear passenger child lock was engaged while the left wasn’t, so I switched that off.

Here’s the situation now: the driver’s door opens without any issues. But for the front passenger door and both rear passenger doors, I have to do this strange “pull the handle, let it snap back, then pull again” routine. Basically, you pull the lever out, let it spring back on it's own and let it hit the door card with a thud, and only then on the second pull does it open with the usual clunk. Surely that can’t be how it’s supposed to work, but wanging the handle each time you want to get out? Mine is the 2023 facelift trophy.

Can anyone confirm if this is normal or have not figured the proper way of doing it?

Just to add to the above this is what Chat GPT thinks . I'll take it to the dealers tomorrow, as I need to check my service record and ensure it's all good, so hopefully they might look to fix on warranty.

---

What’s actually happening inside the door
When you pull an interior door handle, it should:

Pull a cable

Release the latch

Open the door on the first pull

On your MG5, the cable or latch mechanism on the passenger and rear doors is:

Not returning fully to its resting position,

Not tensioned correctly, or

Slightly sticking inside the mechanism

So when you pull the handle the first time, the latch doesn’t fully release.
Letting the handle “snap back” forces the mechanism to reset, and the second pull finally opens the door.

That’s why the “wang it and pull again” routine works — you’re manually resetting a sticky latch.

---

Is this normal?
No — it’s a fault.
The MG5 doors should open cleanly on the first pull, just like the driver’s door does.

Several MG5 owners (especially facelift models) have reported:

Sticky interior handles

Latches not releasing on first pull

Needing to “snap” the handle back

Rear doors being worse than the front

So you’re not imagining it — and you’re not the only one.

---

What usually fixes it
Dealers have been resolving this with:

✔ The interior handle cable can be slightly out of tolerance. A small adjustment fixes the “first pull does nothing” issue.
✔ Sometimes the latch is dry or slightly sticky from the factory.

✔ If the mechanism is faulty, MG will replace it under warranty.

​

 

[kevin ellard]

The more I see from AI the more I think it is just like some people. Confidently and eloquently completely wrong.

So I've left the auto lock is on, as I think it's a useful safety before. I then went around the car today to investigate and, found the right rear passenger child lock was engaged while the left wasn’t, so I switched that off.

Here’s the situation now: the driver’s door opens without any issues. But for the front passenger door and both rear passenger doors, I have to do this strange “pull the handle, let it snap back, then pull again” routine. Basically, you pull the lever out, let it spring back on it's own and let it hit the door card with a thud, and only then on the second pull does it open with the usual clunk. Surely that can’t be how it’s supposed to work, but wanging the handle each time you want to get out? Mine is the 2023 facelift trophy.

Can anyone confirm if this is normal or have not figured the proper way of doing it?

Definitely not normal. On mine, my wife gives the handle a pull to unlock then second pull to open. She never takes her hand away from holding the handle.

 

[PeterHR2]

For the avoidance of doubt, on the MG5, p. 126 of the manual lists the procedure for opening the doors:

Interior Door Handles
Use the interior door handle to open the door:
1 Pull the interior door handle once to unlock the door.
2 Pull the interior door handle again to open the door.

 

[Frazer]

The more I see from AI the more I think it is just like some people. Confidently and eloquently completely wrong.

I tend to agree although on this occasion it was right. I've just come back from Luscombe MG and they've confirmed the door latches need replacing. The issue is they have no service history as the car was serviced by Tusker being a lease vehicle, before I bought the car, so there's nothing on MGs service system, apparently Tusker don't use MG as they have contracts with other garage networks for servicing. They've told me I need to obtain the service history to validate the warranty, so they can do the repair. I'll have to ring them on Monday. Just praying there is a service history.

For the avoidance of doubt, on the MG5, p. 126 of the manual lists the procedure for opening the doors:

Interior Door Handles
Use the interior door handle to open the door:
1 Pull the interior door handle once to unlock the door.
2 Pull the interior door handle again to open the door.

As mentioned earlier in the thread tried that and doesn't work, can do it till the cows come home, the dealers confirmed latch mechanisms faulty passenger front and both rear doors.

 

[kevin ellard]

I tend to agree although on this occasion it was right. I've just come back from Luscombe MG and they've confirmed the door latches need replacing. The issue is they have no service history as the car was serviced by Tusker being a lease vehicle, before I bought the car, so there's nothing on MGs service system, apparently Tusker don't use MG as they have contracts with other garage networks for servicing. They've told me I need to obtain the service history to validate the warranty, so they can do the repair. I'll have to ring them on Monday. Just praying there is a service history.

It was this sentence that I was thinking of: "The MG5 doors should open cleanly on the first pull, just like the driver’s door does."

 

[Frazer]

It was this sentence that I was thinking of: "The MG5 doors should open cleanly on the first pull, just like the driver’s door does."

Yes, thats exactly MG said, they didn't seem surprised by the issue, knew straight away. I'm a little nervous not having the service history (as should have till 2029 for the full warranty) but hopefully I can get that from Tusker, bring to MG and they should validate the warranty repair if all is well. They sounded pretty stringent about the servicing timings needing to be up to date or the warranty would be voided, sounded like there's no much leeway if a service has been missed.

 

[Lovemyev]

No - Manufacturers offer warranties under the conditions that their service schedules are adhered to by the owners.
MG’s are not equipped with an onboard system to alert owners when the services are due ( unlike VAG & BMW etc ).
Instead they have a “next service” due screen in the head unit of the car.
But it the main, it’s down to the owner to ensure it gets done on time.
The problem with having gaps in the service history, is that you are asking to have a warranty claim rejected unfortunately.
The dealer is not claiming costs from MG the funds go straight into the till at the dealers.
Therefore retaining any receipts / paperwork for service work is absolutely vital.
Especially if you are using different MG dealers in different locations.
Back tracing paperwork then, can be a nightmare.
When we traded in our ZS EV - I photo copied all of the service history receipts ( with our address / payment details etc blanked out ) and I handed the pack to the dealer, ready for the new owner.
This was important, because two of receipts were from a MG dealer who has now closed down.
Lease companies tend use local garages that is close to the location of the driver.
Not main agents, in order to save money.
A family member has a loverly SUV Merc on a lease, all of the service work has been carried out by a close by local garage.
The main Merc dealership is actually closer than the local garage he has been instructed to use by the lease company.
This is cost related of course !.
The last service he had was done while he waited.
Time taken 20 minutes.

 

[Frazer]

No - Manufacturers offer warranties under the conditions that their service schedules are adhered to by the owners.
MG’s are not equipped with an onboard system to alert owners when the services are due ( unlike VAG & BMW etc ).
Instead they have a “next service” due screen in the head unit of the car.
But it the main, it’s down to the owner to ensure it gets done on time.
The problem with having gaps in the service history, is that you are asking to have a warranty claim rejected unfortunately.
The dealer is not claiming costs from MG the funds go straight into the till at the dealers.
Therefore retaining any receipts / paperwork for service work is absolutely vital.
Especially if you are using different MG dealers in different locations.
Back tracing paperwork then, can be a nightmare.
When we traded in our ZS EV - I photo copied all of the service history receipts ( with our address / payment details etc blanked out ) and I handed the pack to the dealer, ready for the new owner.
This was important, because two of receipts were from a MG dealer who has now closed down.
Lease companies tend use local garages that is close to the location of the driver.
Not main agents, in order to save money.
A family member has a loverly SUV Merc on a lease, all of the service work has been carried out by a close by local garage.
The main Merc dealership is actually closer than the local garage he has been instructed to use by the lease company.
This is cost related of course !.
The last service he had was done while he waited.
Time taken 20 minutes.

Thanks, I see what you’re saying. When I part-exchanged mine on Wednesday, I passed all the paperwork and full history over to the branch. I think I’m just a bit behind the times, when they told me there was no physical logbook because it was tracked digitally by the dealer, I just assumed I'd walk into MG and everything would be on their system.

I have a friend with a Tusker lease whose service history is tracked entirely on their internal systems, and he is able to get a full printout, they itemise all the internvals and I'm fairly sure it’s a lease requirement for the driver to keep on top of the servicing, as it’s included within the monthly fee.

My plan now is to call Tusker on Monday, explain the situation, and see if I can get a PDF printout of the cars history. If I can take that back to MG, they’ve said they’ll honor the warranty repair on the latches and I'll sleep better knowing my warrant isn't voided. I’m just not sure what 'Plan B' is if Tusker can't provide it.

 

[Lovemyev]

Thanks, I see what you’re saying. When I part-exchanged mine on Wednesday, I passed all the paperwork and full history over to the branch. I think I’m just a bit behind the times, when they told me there was no physical logbook because it was tracked digitally by the dealer, I just assumed I'd walk into MG and everything would be on their system.

I have a friend with a Tusker lease whose service history is tracked entirely on their internal systems, and he is able to get a full printout, they itemise all the internvals and I'm fairly sure it’s a lease requirement for the driver to keep on top of the servicing, as it’s included within the monthly fee.

My plan now is to call Tusker on Monday, explain the situation, and see if I can get a PDF printout of the cars history. If I can take that back to MG, they’ve said they’ll honor the warranty repair on the latches and I'll sleep better knowing my warrant isn't voided. I’m just not sure what 'Plan B' is if Tusker can't provide it.

I found with my VW Golf PHEV, that after being contacted by VW CS the car needed to go to appointed VW dealership, of their choose, to have a HV battery service bulletin completed,
None of the local dealers were authorised to carry out the job.
We had to travel about 50 miles to get the car checked.
While it was there, they decided to carry out a free health check.
Then called me to say that the service and brake fluid replacement was over due.
I told them to check the handbook on the seat, it contained the receipt for the work that had been done only two weeks ago !.
When I collected the car, they told me that some dealers keep there service records “ in house” and not loaded on a country wide data base.
Warranty work yes, it’s held on the VW data base.
If Tuskers supplied the car from new and did the service work, they should have it logged under the reg or chassis number.
It gets difficult to track down, if it had been to other dealerships of course.
Regarding leasing companies, yes they have the services done, in line with the manufacturer’s schedule, but they tend to use local garages because they are cheaper.
Warranty work, has to be carried out by a main agent of course.
Hard copies of service books are a thing of the past unfortunately on new cars.
The dealer who is now dealing with the problem of the locks now, will be asking for payment without the service records.

 

[Frazer]

I found with my VW Golf PHEV, that after being contacted by VW CS the car needed to go to appointed VW dealership, of their choose, to have a HV battery service bulletin completed,
None of the local dealers were authorised to carry out the job.
We had to travel about 50 miles to get the car checked.
While it was there, they decided to carry out a free health check.
Then called me to say that the service and brake fluid replacement was over due.
I told them to check the handbook on the seat, it contained the receipt for the work that had been done only two weeks ago.
When I collected the car, they told me that some dealers keep there service records “ in house” and not loaded on a country wide data base.
Warranty work yes, it’s held on the VW data base.
If Tuskers supplied the car from new and did the service work, they should have it logged under the reg or chassis number.
It gets difficult to track down, if it had been to other dealerships of course.
Regarding leasing companies, yes they have the services done, in line with the manufacturer’s schedule, but they tend to use local garages because they are cheaper.
Warranty work, has to be carried out by a main agent of course.
Hard copies of service books are a thing of the past unfortunately on new cars.
The dealer who is now dealing with the problem of the locks now, will be asking for payment without the service records.

Thanks that all makes sense, and I'm just going to have to see what I can get hold off from tusker, I've a number from their service and maintenance team and I've read that it's a regular thing for them to provide the service and maintenance details, once they've sold the lease car on. It looks like they log absolutely everything too, so hopefully a thorough service history might be obtainable. Yes MG said they would ask for payment, if warranty is not validated, but to me the lock is somewhat of a minor issue, I wanted the peace of mind of having the full warranty in case anything worse happens, like if the battery or electrics play up, as much as I know it's a solid and reliable car. The next service is in 11500 according to the dash computer so that's a promising indication that service has been maintained.

 

[Lovemyev]

The next service is in 11500 according to the dash computer so that's a promising indication that service has been maintained.

Just be mindful that the service intervals are based on time or distance, which ever arrives first !.
So if you are a low milage user case, then the time factor is more important here.
So you will be submitting the car for its annual service before you hit the distance.
It’s vice versa if you are a high milage user.
There should be a due date as well.