2020-21 MG 3 hatch recalled in Australia because the petrol tank could detach
Almost 4000 examples of Australia’s top-selling city car are being recalled because a bad batch of bolts could cause the fuel tank to detach from the vehicle.
The 2020-21 MG 3 hatchback – Australia’s top-selling city car – is being recalled because the petrol tank could detach from the vehicle due to a batch of incorrect retaining bolts.
The recall – issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) – covers almost 4000 examples of MG 3 hatchbacks sold locally that were built across the 2020 and 2021 model years.
Vehicles in transit and in dealer stock will be fixed before being delivered to customers, however MG is seeking to locate 4000 of the most recently sold examples of the MG 3 city car, and has started the process of contacting customers directly.
The ACCC recall notice says: “The fuel-tank strap retaining bolts may be faulty and could fail, which could result in movement of the vehicle's fuel tank, including it detaching from the vehicle.”
The safety bulletin continued: “If the fuel tank detaches from the vehicle, this may cause fuel to leak from the tank. This could result in a fire or an accident, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”
The ACCC says the recall affects 3944 examples of the MG 3 built across the 2020 and 2021 model years. A full list of all affected vehicle identification numbers can be found here.
CarAdvice understands no fuel tanks have detached from vehicles locally and the recall stemmed from a batch of incorrect bolts being fitted to MG 3 hatchbacks destined for certain markets, including Australia.
A statement from MG Australia said the company is “aware of a small number of potentially faulty bolts used in the fitment of the MG 3 fuel tank retention straps and is working closely with the ACCC to undertake a safety campaign relating to select vehicles.”
MG's statement continued: “While the components identified represent a small proportion of all those fitted to MG 3 models here in Australia, customer safety is and has always been a leading priority for MG.”
The ACCC advises MG 3 owners to “contact their nearest MG dealer to arrange an inspection of the vehicle and replacement of the fuel-tank retaining bolts, free of charge.”
To check if your MG 3 is affected call 1800 642 277 or email auswarranty@smil.com
Former British brand MG was sold to China’s Nanjing Automobile Group in 2006 which, in turn, was acquired by Chinese car giant SAIC in 2007. Production of MGs commenced in China that year.
Under the SAIC umbrella, MG set about creating a range of hatchbacks and SUVs wearing the familiar badge.
MG returned to Australia in 2017 under the new ownership, and sales have almost doubled each year since.
MORE: The MG 3 recall notice issued by the ACCC
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