Ask the Expert: Our MG eats batteries. What can we do?

Shorter journeys can cause batteries in your MG to die, but not to this extent – Jonathan Fleetwood 2016

Dear Alex,

We bought our MG3 in 2019 and we have had persistent problems with the 12v auxiliary battery. The dealer changed it within the first year but this did not last long, and when the issue next occurred we had to pay for another new battery as the first was over a year old.

We have been advised it is either caused by short trips, that there is a software issue, or that it may be a software problem that can’t be identified. A solar panel trickle charger helped to keep the battery topped up, but when we went on holiday for a week and left the car on trickle charge we found it dead on return and had to pay the AA for another new battery. What do you suggest we do?

– GP

Dear GP,

It sounds as though your car is suffering from a battery drain and rather than bother with the hassle of trying to sort it out your dealer has chosen the easier option of fobbing you off with excuses.

It’s true that shorter journeys can cause batteries to die, but not to this extent. You shouldn’t really have to be using a trickle charger on a purely petrol car that’s this new.

Indeed, the fact that you used a trickle charger while you were away and the battery still went dead suggests the drain is not insignificant. That being the case, frankly I’m astonished the dealer didn’t pick it up.

The first thing you need to do is write down a timeline of events, including the three (if I’ve counted correctly?) new 12v batteries this car has had fitted in the past five years.

Send a copy of this to the dealer by recorded delivery, accompanied by a covering letter explaining your complaint, and stating that you a) expect them to take the car in and keep hold of it until the problem is traced and fixed and b) require the use of a courtesy vehicle in the meantime. Ask them to contact you on receipt of the letter to arrange to book in the car.

If they don’t respond, visit the dealership a week or so later and ask to see the service manager. Repeat your complaint in person, politely and calmly, and ask to book in the car.

If all else fails, escalate your complaint to MG UK and take your car to a different dealer for a second opinion. It sounds as though the customer service at the one you’re using leaves much to be desired anyway.

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