MG responds to reports of lane-assist concerns from MG4 owners

In June, we reported serious issues we’d experienced with the MG4’s lane keep and lane departure warning systems.

As detailed in our news story, the technology twice pulled the MG4 onto the wrong side of the road when our lab tested the car. It also steered the MG4 towards an oncoming vehicle on a country lane.

Since then, we’ve had feedback from numerous concerned MG4 owners and those of other cars. We’re continuing to talk to MG and industry bodies about our findings and are pushing for a resolution.

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MG4 owners share their experiences

The vast majority of MG4 owners who contacted us highlighted the car’s lane assist technology being a significant issue. And although many commented they are otherwise very happy with the MG4, this issue has led to some owners handing their cars back.

One MG4 owner, Hayden Westfield-Bell, told us: ‘Driving along a rural road, the car issued an audio warning, locked the steering, and began pulling the vehicle towards the ditch on the left side of the road. 

‘Naturally, I lifted my foot off the accelerator until I could regain control of the vehicle, and no real damage was done (other than being pulled into the weeds/potholes).’

Another MG4 owner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘On delivery, the lane keep assist triggered on multiple occasions on a clear B-road and tried to place the vehicle in the opposite lane.

‘More seriously the emergency lane keep assist activated in lane 2 on a dual carriageway while passing traffic in lane 1 and violently attempted to steer into a vehicle in lane 1. The vehicle has been returned to MG, who are "conducting tests" to determine if there is an issue.’

Another MG4 owner, who also chose to remain anonymous, told us: ‘On one occasion on a roundabout with multiple crossover lanes it tried to wrench me into a car beside me. In the wet and in the dark it has tried to throw me into a ditch.’

How has MG reacted?

When we first contacted MG about the issue back in June, a spokesperson told us that it was aware of issues with the car’s lane departure warning system and that a software update would soon be announced. MG also stressed that it hadn’t received any safety-related reports of issues with the system from customers.

We put some of the concerns of MG4 owners to MG, asking why it had previously told us that it hadn't received any reports of safety-related issues despite the fact that several owners have told us they'd reported problems to MG. We also asked MG when and how the software update would be issued, and whether any updates to rectify the problem have been issued previously. MG declined to answer our questions. A spokesperson said:

'As previously communicated, MG Motor UK is finalising a software enhancement for customers which will be approved by the relevant authorities who we have been cooperating with closely. 

'As stated before this upgrade has not been classed as safety related and is designed to improve the driver experience. MG Motor UK will be making no further comment in the meantime.'

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Should the MG4 be recalled?

Several of the MG4 owners who contacted us said that they felt there should be an official recall of the MG4.

As part of our investigation, we contacted the DVSA, which told us: ‘DVSA investigations show this issue does not meet the criteria for a safety recall. Drivers who experience this are able to maintain control of the vehicle at all times, and they can switch off the system to allow the vehicle to be used.

‘However, we are aware that the manufacturer is improving the system free of charge.

‘This issue will be kept under review and owners are encouraged to report the matter to the manufacturer should they be concerned.’

Following numerous concerns from owners, and our own experiences with the car, we will continue to push MG on its plans to release a software update and precisely how and when this will be released.

What is the MG4?

MG has its roots in the UK from the 1930s, but today it’s a Chinese-owned brand that specialises in family cars, including full-electric vehicles such as the MG4.

Launched in 2022, the MG4 is a popular five-door medium-sized hatchback, not least because of its relatively low price compared with other electric cars. It was also the second-bestselling electric car in 2023, according to data from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Despite our concerns with the lane-assist system, the MG4 impressed in several areas during our lab tests.

Read our full MG4 (2022-) review to find out more.

Are other cars affected?

Our lab has experienced issues with the lane assistance technology of other cars in the past, but none were as severe as those seen in the MG4.

However, since revealing our findings on the MG4 we’ve had plenty of feedback from owners of other car models, and it appears that problems with lane keep and lane departure warning technology aren’t unique to the MG4.

If you’ve experienced lane-assist problems with the MG4 or any other car, or have strong feelings about lane and steering-assist systems more generally, we want to hear from you.

Send your comments to helpwanted@which.co.uk.

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