Vehicle Safety Concerns After Charging Incident with MG Electric Car
Our MG5 electric vehicle exhibited alarming behavior, and MG has refused to address the issue effectively.
The problem began when our car experienced a power system error shortly after using a charging station at a highway service area.
Despite our attempts, the car would not respond to any controls, including attempts to turn it off, prompting us to call for roadside assistance. The AA technician managed to restart the car and opted to take it for a test drive due to the rainy conditions, with my family inside for safety.
Unexpectedly, when the car was put into reverse, it lurched forward instead and continued moving even when the brakes were applied, crashing into the AA vehicle. The car’s tires spun and emitted smoke as it continued trying to accelerate.
Fortunately, we all managed to get out safely, and the AA technician eventually managed to shut down the car from the outside. It was then declared unsafe to drive.
The AA organized for the car to be transported to a dealership and covered the £2,500 repair costs. The patrol van also sustained damage.
Although the dealership conducted an inspection and charged us £500, they found no faults. MG has since closed the case, insisting that any further investigation would be at our expense.
It has been six weeks, and the car remains at the dealership. We are hesitant to drive it until we can be sure of its safety, but cannot afford continuous investigative costs.
AB, East Lothian
This isn’t an isolated case with MG vehicles. Another owner had to crash his car into a police van when his brakes failed.
The AA’s technician report confirms that the car surged forward unexpectedly when reversed. Given the car is still under warranty, it’s understandable why you would hesitate to spend more on diagnosing the issue.
Despite the potential dangers posed by such a malfunctioning electric vehicle (EV), MG Motor UK seems largely unconcerned. Although the dealership suggested that MG’s technical department should review the case, MG chose to close it without further action.
MG only offered an apology for the “inconvenience” when pressed and neglected to respond to inquiries about whether the dealership’s review request was considered before closing the case, or how many similar incidents they are aware of.
Nevertheless, MG quickly initiated a new, more thorough investigation into the vehicle, which included a 25-mile test drive after using several public chargers. You were not charged for this test, and MG confirmed you wouldn’t be billed for the earlier one either.
MG stated, “We prioritize all issues potentially involving a malfunction. No malfunctions with the in-vehicle equipment or the charging capabilities were detected during our tests.”
MG and the dealership are convinced the problem was not related to the vehicle itself and have offered ongoing support and advice.
This situation leaves you in a predicament. Although your car has technically passed all checks, your confidence in its reliability has been severely shaken, prompting you to consider selling the vehicle.
We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. Email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number. Submission and publication of all letters is subject to our terms and conditions.
Similar Posts:
- Hawaii’s EV Boom: Why Can’t Charger Availability Keep Up?
- Electric Vehicles: Key Insights on Purchasing Post-Federal Tax Incentives!
- Discover the Hidden Danger: My Citroen DS3’s Urgent ‘Stop Drive’ Recall Due to Airbag Flaw
- Pay-Per-Mile Tax: Will It Boost Reeves’ Funds or Deter Electric Vehicle Adoption?
- Revolutionary Electric Stove: A Major Win for Health and Climate, Plugs into Any Wall Outlet!
