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MG MGF Technical - MGTF Recall

Hi all Fers
Got a letter in the post today from MG stating that there is a safety Recall on some mgtfs due to a concern with the suspension fitted. States that the bolt can become fractured and that to get my TF booked into the dealer ASAP.
Anyone else had a letter from MG
I have a TF 160 MY02
s lammie

That's interesting - thanks :o)

For the records, can you fax me a copy of that recall for the recalls page - http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/MGF_recalls.htm

Fax: 0709 230 5527

Cheers! :o)
Rob Bell

recieved same recall letter today.Regards.
roy bridge

Yes, I had a letter too. Claims the recall is for a "small number" of cars. Bought my TF160 last April.
John

Rob i unfortumately do not have a fax machine however if you give me your e-mail i will scan the letter and sent it to you.

regards stu
s lammie

No probs Stu, you have mail :o)
Rob Bell

I also received the letter this morning, my TF 135 bought in September.

Cheers

Keith
Keith Coop

For the record I got the letter this morning for a TF115 52 reg bought new 3 months ago.
AdamC

Yep, I've got one as well. Cars a TF160 purchased end of July 02, just booked into dealer on the 21st February

Des
Des

My VIN No is SARRDLBPC2D604399, delivered April 2002.

Hmm cars bought at least between April 2002 and three months ago - sounds a bit more than "a small number of vehicles" as stated in the letter.

Mike
Michael

I agree Mike - sounds like all of them!
Rob Bell

Mine will be at home then !!!!
TF135 purchased dec 2002
tony

Got my recall too.

May 02 TF135

Ah well!

Russky
R Goodman

I wonder about details :)
Have still some none published suspension pics on the HD.

Anyone getting the chance to see what will be involved.
RHD only ? Question is cause the LHD *fraction* is still silent as usual.
Dieter K.

You can see the area concerned on the pix in http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/chassis_and_handling/TF_suspension.htm

Got the bolt identified, I think, and will upload that image (with arrow, LOL) hopefully this pm.
Rob Bell

Yup..me too today.

TF 160...bought September (GN52)

SARRDLBPC3D609450

So, as Michael & Rob say, hardly a "small number". Covers all models 115/135 & 160....
SimonKE

Count me in...SARRDLBPC2D600850 - July 2002,TF 160
Blue Max

Count me in also TF160 registered May '02
SARRDLBPC2D602802

John
J S Bogdaniec

I got mine too...

TF160 - March 2002 - SARRDLBPC2D603582


As already stated hardly sounds like a "small number" of cars. Though I suppose it depends on how you read the letter as to what they actually mean. Also possible that it's a serious enough problem to warrant playing it safe and checking every TF. In which case perhaps we're being a little hard on MGR for being thorough.
Paul Lathwell

My Daughter had her notice today. She has had the car about 9 months. Its booked in on Friday, only the dealer hasn't got a clue what its about. Does any one else know what the action is. Surley it can only take ten minutes to tighten a couple of bolts on the top of the dampers.
Paul Hollingworth

Who said the build quality of MGs was not consistant
s lammie

<<Surley it can only take ten minutes to tighten a couple of bolts on the top of the dampers.>>

Perhaps if they took a bit longer at build time there wouldn't need to be a recall now :-)

At least its being fixed before causing too many accidents.
JohnP

Mine too Apr '02 TF 160
Ian Walker

I also got my TF Recall...


TF160 March 02

It says on the letter that the Recall only affects a small number of TF's..."Don't think so"

Richard
Richard

Recall now uploaded to http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com

Looks as though they are recalling all MGTFs so far manufactured. They could be right in that this problem may only 'affect' a limited number of these cars though... ;o)
Rob Bell

Add mine to the recall list...

TF160 - March 2002 - SARRDLBPC2D603577

Sue.
Sue

Recall letter was waiting for me when I got home yesterday. Car booked in for tomorrow, Dealer reckons it's only a 30 minute job.
Oh and congratulations to Royal Mail who seemed to be able to get all the letters delivered on the same day.

Nigel
Nigel

Just booked mine in and apparently I've got a total of 4 checks that need to be made - not just the "bolt"! The necessary paperwork hasn't yet arrived at the dealer so he was unable to clarify but that's what I was told. A total of 2 hours for the checks is needed.

As a question there are a few contributors to this site that, on some of their posts, give the indication that they are closer to MGR than the rest of us mortals. I haven't seen any posts from the (my words) "insiders" warning of this recall - perhaps I missed it.

I took delivery of my 160 at the end of March 02.
David

Me too got it this morning

TF160 May 02 ..

Has anyone else been given anymore info into how long it might take to check and if need replace/fix ?

I've only had mine back a week after a repair and now it's off again!
Darran

my recall letter on the mat last night.

TF160 May 2002.

What I'm a tad fed up about is that the car was booked into the dealers over Monday and tuesday and they didn't do the check. Mine booked in for the 28th now.
David Mills

David,London Darren,Essex
When I booked my TF160 in I was also told 4 checks and 2 hours by my dealer,Hence they rae having the car for the day on the 21st February.
Des
Des

Four checks? Anyone know more details?
Rob Bell

Four checks ?, makes me wonder about MGR dealers at times as mine told me only one check, half an hour's work maximum.

Des do you know what all the checks are for ?

Thanks

Nigel
Nigel

Me too.

April 02 TF160

SARRDLBPC2D600750
Dolfo

Just been up to my dealer to find out a little more - they seem to think it is only the issue mentioned in the letter and will take 30 mins. I will not be booking it in until after we get back from holiday on 12th March so would be very interested in what other dealers have checked.

Mike
Michael

Is the Royal Mail operating overseas ;) cause as far as I am concerned I have not received anything yet. My TF160 was delivered in Q2,02.
Stephane

Stephane

<<< Is the Royal Mail operating overseas ;) cause as far as I am concerned I have not received anything yet. My TF160 was delivered in Q2,02. >>>

My letter from MGR stated that they are contacting all owners of affected vehicles (VIN No. range) who are registered at the UK DVLC (Driver & Vehicle Licencing Centre). I would imagine that you are not registered there. It looks as though MGR do not maintain their own database of owners.

Suggest you contact MGR directly.
Norman

>who are registered at the UK DVLC (Driver & Vehicle Licencing Centre).
I think this is the official recall procedure (helps track cars brought for instance in france and imported) and that it will vary from country to country. Agree that contacting your local dealer is the way forward though.

Will
Will Munns

Mine too - TF 135 purchased end of June 02 SARRDWBKC2D606332

Steve.
Steve

Dealer checked my car this morning - all ok. Took about half an hour in all
John

As I understand it, the time for the "check" is about half an hour, and if rectification is neeeded, the my dealer reckons on a couple of hours work. Happily they (Baments,Northampton) were well informed and up to speed with recall info
Blue Max

Wonder if that's why my 135 dart's about so much in the wet,and Turn-in doesn't seem as sharp.Hmmmm.
RoyB

Nigel,N London
no they did not say what they were, when I asked how long they would need it for (i was expecting 15 minutes) they told me there were 4 points to check and that they would need the car for 2 hours. I then told them they would have to have the car for the day and I
would need a car for the day, they agreed and told me the 21st of February. Incidentally my daughter has a TF135 first registered November 02 and so far she has not had notification.
Des
Des

Just read all the last comments,looks like my dealer is allowing for rectification as well as the checks.
Des
Des

My dealer knew about this on 21st feb and while it was at the workshop did this action. Also there is another (non urgent?)action - AD 181 relating to an earth connection/battery. Don't know anymore sorry.
at work

Got mine too. TF160 bought in May 02 SARRDLBPC2D604685. Dealer says allow an hour - booked in for Feb 14th.
Steve Bowley

As I'd had trouble with the rear suspension I looked carefully at the letter to see whether it was Front or Rear. It doesn't say. Also the picture Rob Bell has posted is of a rear suspension assembly (as it is Mike Satur's car, a 160, the easiest spot is a non vented disc although the rest of the assembly is clearly a rear - I've (had to) become an expert - ROFL).

Torque relaxation is vague non alarmist gobbledegook for the bolt holding the bottom eye of the damper is loosening. I guess to the point where lateral movement can occur and shear loads would bend or shear the bolt. Result being an unconnected damper; not a good situation...at least youd know about it!!!

Anyway the manual states the (front and rear) bolt should be tightened to 100Nm. I guess this could be changed up or down though if they have problems and/or locking compound used although I doubt the latter. I don't know the proceedure to carry out recall A 180 but my guess would be if it is tight to torque leave it, if it is loose replace ASAP.

I guess for the more technically minded among you it's possible to give it a visual before driving to a dealer.
Ian Walker

I got my recall letter on Tuesday - TF 160 April 2002.

It goes in Saturday morning to be checked (lets hope all is ok).

Angela
Angela Hartnup

Got mine back from the dealers today, noting wrong found.
Nigel

Ian, Rob photographed a 135, my discs don't get chance to rust over;-)
Mike.
mike

:-) I was surprised you'd let the discs get like that! I just thought you might think brakes are for wimps!!!

Ian Walker

checked the german owners 'silent' over VIN registration list.

EC MGR is silent. I think this will result here in a silent recall and they will check the bolt(s) at the next service.
Same action was with the cam wheel bolt and as well with some earlier 'recalls'.

Recall and recall aren't the same in every country... obviously.

HTH
Dieter
Dieter K.

TF was looked at today & no problem found. They also carried out a check on some "wiring and fuses" which apparently will be the next safety recall.
Dolfo

"check on some "wiring and fuses" which apparently will be the next safety recall"

That's AD181 which is something to do with the under bonnet fuse box wiring. It is a service action (next time car is in) not a recall as such.

Dialogue (for sport) with one dealer went like this!!!

What do you do for A 180, can I see the proceedure?
No, its confidential
I want to know what you're doing to my car...
You do, we do A 180 and write we've done it in the handbook
So you won't tell me what you're actually doing to my car?
No, its confidential
Why? It's my car...
I'll ask the service manager if you can see the action.

Needless to say nothing heard since. Another dealer off the Christmas Card list.

Interesting attitude. What a bunch of arrogant knobs. Is helpful not in the vocabulary? Who owns the car, agrees what's done to it etc? Has anyone got their hands on an annual service check list? I wonder whether they'd let you see that, and thus I guess check they've actually done it...
Ian Walker

Ian

I hope that wasn't Browns.

Mike
Michael

Took the TF in on Friday, apparently nothing needed doing. No record, as far as I could see in service record that check had taken place. Next time I'm passing I might just go in and ask for a note to be inserted.
Steve Bowley

Mike, nope it wasn't!
Steve, if you look in the handbook, in the service history section at the back is a section for recall's to be recorded. Mine's been filled in, signed and stamped by dealer.
Ian Walker

Mine went in this morning. Dutton Forshaw explained what was being checked, and showed me under the car when it was up on the ramp. Everything was fine, my log book was stamped.

Angela
Angela Hartnup

Ian Walker, you're spot on, it was the AD181 for the fuse wiring. Dealer (Premier Woodford) said if I get a recall letter for this then don't worry as it's been done.This does suggest a separate recall notice but who knows?
The AD180 (suspension recall) was recorded along with the AD181 in the service book under the safety recall section.
Dolfo

Barretts told me that it was something to do with the bolts themselves...and if they were the wrong "type", they would be replaced????? They quoted me an hour "max"...they could do it while I waited!!!??? GULP. Do you suggest I ask if I can watch....??
SimonKE

Whoops! I obviously didn't flick through enough pages.....

Both A180 Suspension Bolts and A181 Fuse box are recorded.

Steve Bowley

Rob,

Have you seen this website?

http://www.mgfcar.de/oil/temp_failure.htm

Is this related to an official MGF recall?

Mick
M F Anderson

No, it isn't.
That relates to the instrument reading only.

HTH
Dieter
Dieter K.

Had my recall carried out - nothing required and the service book was not stamped. ON querying this it seems it only needs to be filled out if any work is carried out.
Paul Lathwell

Paul, I believe recording is important. Where is your evidence a safety related service action has actually been carried out? Might delay a sale in the future. The service action is to Inspect AND fix either should be recorded.
Ian Walker

Recording these recalls seems to be a bit hit and miss. My local north London dealer recorded recall A180 in the service book but didn't stamp it and seemed totally unware of recall A181.
Nigel

A181 is not a recall (safety related or serious in nature) needing immeadiate action. It is a service action to be done when car is at dealers. Thus it is done concurrent with say a service (first task is check outstanding service and recall actions) or when in for warranty etc.

Anyway an official dealer should be aware and workshop/service desk proceedures should file and comply appropriately. Good engineering practice. I know one local dealer that religiously files them away. I've seen the binder; all neatly indexed and in plastic pockets. If they don't know you have to ask why! Have they not received the doc - unlikely or is it lost in their 'system'. If that's the case what else is amis?!

Incidentally, I know of at least two other older suspension related checks. Compliance bush and another bush clearances. I don't have the numbers to hand.
Ian Walker

Found it:-

rear compliance bushes are subject to inspections

and

Lower bush at the rear of the trailing arm was also a 'special exercise bulletin' SE 062. The SE062 applies to a small number of TF’s, that had the bush at the rear trailing arm misaligned. There should be a 2mm gap between the trailing arm lower mounting to the hub, the steel insert in the bush should protrude from the trailing arm face to give the 2mm clearance between the two components.
Ian Walker

Ian,

Something I did question my dealer about. But he was quite clear on the point - the service book only has to be filled out if any rectification work is required. That section of the service book is also worded as such, although IMO it would be better if it was done differently. For a start IMO the service book should be changed so any recalls etc. have to be recorded regardless of if anything is done, and then a second section to say if any work was required, what was done.
Paul Lathwell

No work was required on mine, but the service book has been stamped. (A180 only).

Seems a bit daft to me not to stamp it otherwise you could ask for the work to be carried out again....?

Steve
Steve

Recording you've done something is good engineering practice whether or not any rectification has taken place. But there again I wouldn't be looking to MGR to be shining example of that!
Ian at work

I bought my TF160 In August and live in Germany as a member of the forces. After reading this page about the recall I went to my dealer and mentioned it. He was totally unaware of any recall, but after checking quickly got back to me confirming that there was a recall, and that it affected about 17 cars in my neck of the woods. Local dealer is now waiting for spares before booking cars in. So I'm grateful for the information on this site, wouldn't do to be bombing down the autobahn with a dodgy suspension!
Sean Bradfield

Has anyone in Australia heard of MG Rover Australia issuing any recalls? I've not heard a word from them so far.
Mark Porich

@Sean,
dunno where your car is registered. If it has a DE number plate then you will soon get a recall letter from the German KBA Flensburg office. This is under construction currently.
The swiss located got their letters already. If you are desperate I can forward a copy (no need to panic)

German authorities work slow... sometimes ;)
Keep in mind, VIN 611045 is the last involved for the recall.

Regards
Dieter
Dieter K.

Hmm, why foreward. This is no secret.
http://www.mgfcar.de/data/rueckruf.jpg
4the german language owners 'made in switzerland'.
Dieter K.

This thread was discussed between 11/02/2003 and 05/03/2003

MG MGF Technical index

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