2025 MG3 Crash Test Failure - Why Safety Ratings Matter for Car Shipping?

Why Safety Ratings Matter for Car Shipping in the U.S. & Hawaii?

A shocking new crash-test report has put the spotlight on vehicle safety, and not in a good way. During a recent Euro NCAP test, the 2025 MG3 hatchback suffered a rare and serious failure: the driver’s seat-latch mechanism broke on impact, allowing the driver’s head to hit the steering wheel when the airbag couldn’t protect it.

Even more surprising? Despite this fault, the MG3’s official safety rating climbed from three stars to four. The upgrade came after the manufacturer added driver-monitoring and other advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) features enough to lift the overall score even though the car’s physical crash protection faltered.

What Happened in the MG3 Crash Test?

During the 2025 Euro NCAP crash evaluation, the driver’s seat-adjuster mechanism in the MG3 hatchback failed under impact. The seat latch, which should lock the driver’s seat firmly to the floor rails, gave way during a standard urban-speed collision. Because the seat shifted, the driver’s head struck the steering wheel, even though the airbag deployed.


Euro NCAP called the incident unprecedented. Programme director Aled Williams warned, “It is troubling to find a car on sale in 2025 with a fundamental weakness in its seat latching mechanism, an essential part of the car’s occupant restraint system.”


Australia’s ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg echoed the concern, saying the seat-latch failure is “not something we expect to see, and is cause for caution.”


Safety officials noted that this is the first time since Euro NCAP began testing cars in 1997 that a seat-adjuster has broken during a crash test. The rare defect not only raises doubts about the MG3’s structural integrity, but also highlights how current rating systems can miss, or fail to penalize, such a critical hardware failure.



Why Safety Ratings Should Matter to Car Owners?

Crash-test programs such as Euro NCAP in Europe and ANCAP in Australia simulate real accidents to see how well a car protects its passengers. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) run similar tests. These agencies measure things like how well airbags deploy, how the seatbelts hold, and how the vehicle’s frame absorbs impact. The results are usually given as a star rating or a “Good/Acceptable/Marginal/Poor” score so buyers can quickly compare safety levels across different models.


A strong crash-test rating builds buyer confidence and helps keep resale value higher. Cars with poor ratings, or with unexpected failures like the 2025 MG3 seat-latch issue,  often lose value faster because shoppers see them as risky or unreliable. Insurance companies may also charge more to cover a car with a weaker safety record.


Whether you’re choosing from the safest car brands 2025 or considering a used vehicle purchase, checking official safety ratings is a simple step that protects both your investment and the people riding inside.



Safety Ratings and Vehicle Transport

When a car is shipped over long distances, whether it’s crossing the U.S. mainland or heading across the Pacific to Hawaii, every part of the vehicle is exposed to vibration and movement. If a component is already fragile, such as the MG3’s seat-latch mechanism that failed in crash testing, it could loosen or suffer additional stress during loading, tie-down, or transit. Even if the car never experiences a collision, weak structural parts can be more prone to small damages when the vehicle is strapped and secured for transport.


A car’s crash-test score might hint at its build quality, but professional auto transport services are designed to safeguard vehicles regardless of their rating. Whether you’re moving one of the safest car brands 2025 or a budget model with a controversial crash result, the right transporter provides the extra layer of protection so your vehicle reaches its Hawaiian or mainland destination secure and ready to drive.


Tips Before You Buy or Ship a Car

1. Check Crash-Test Results and Recalls

Before you hand over money for a vehicle new or used look up the latest crash-test scores from trusted sources. In the U.S., check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also review any active recalls on the manufacturer’s website or at safercar.gov. A quick check can reveal hidden issues like the 2025 MG3 seat-latch failure or other safety defects that might affect your decision.


2. Get a Shipping Car Quote from a Trusted Company

If you’re moving your vehicle across the country or shipping a car to or from Hawaii, always request a shipping car quote or use car transport estimate services before booking. Comparing quotes helps you see what’s included insurance coverage, transit times, and the type of carrier so you know you’re getting reliable service at a fair price.


3. Choose Affordable Auto Transport Solutions with Proven Safety Practices

Select a transporter with a track record for safety and reliability. Look for carriers that:

  • Provide full inspection reports before and after shipping.
  • Use soft or wheel straps to avoid pressure on the frame.
  • Offer enclosed transport if you want extra protection for luxury or classic cars.




FAQ's

  • Why do crash test ratings matter for car owners?

    Crash test ratings show how well a vehicle can protect passengers in an accident. Cars with low ratings, like the MG3, may have weaker designs, faulty seat latches, or higher risks of injury.

  • What happened in the 2025 MG3 crash test?

    The MG3 failed key safety tests, including structural integrity and driver protection during impact. The poor results raised concerns about the car’s overall build quality and safety features.

  • How does vehicle safety affect car shipping?

    During auto transport, carriers secure vehicles tightly with straps and tie-downs. If a car has weak parts (like seat adjusters or latches), shipping could cause extra stress or damage. Safety ratings give shippers a better idea of a vehicle’s durability.

  • Can a car still be shipped safely if it has a poor safety rating?

    Yes. Professional auto transporters use specialized equipment and inspections to secure vehicles safely, even if the model itself has weak points. Choosing a trusted transporter reduces risks during shipping.

  • What should I check before shipping my car?

    1. Review your car’s safety ratings and recall history.
    2. Remove personal belongings.
    3. Document existing damage with photos.
    4. Get a reliable shipping car quote from a trusted company.
  • Does choosing a safer car lower shipping risks?

    Yes. Cars with strong build quality are less likely to suffer from tie-down pressure, road vibrations, or minor transport stress. While carriers can ship any car, safer cars naturally handle the process better.

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May 25, 2023
If you’re looking to ship a car to Hawaii, then look no further! At Ship A Car Hawaii, we’re experts in vehicle shipping and offer the best in quality service, affordable prices, and more. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should choose us to ship your vehicle. Affordable Car and Truck Shipping Options – We offer competitive shipping rates for Door to Port Service, Port to Door Service, and Port to Port Service. No matter which option you require, we’ll do our very best to make it affordable. We offer military active duty, veteran, first responder, and student discounts, so be sure to inquire about those discounts when you begin the shipping process. Fast and Efficient Service – Though you’ll experience fast and efficient service, you’ll also receive the very BEST in quality customer service. Our job is to deliver an extraordinary experience for every customer, and that’s what we strive to do every time. Licensed and Insured – We are a licensed and insured carrier. Should an incident occur during shipment, you have peace of mind knowing we’ll handle the situation professionally and timely. Years of Industry Experience – With over 15 years of experience shipping cars to Hawaii, your vehicle is in the hands of knowledgeable and professional staff who’ll ensure your car shipping to Hawaii is a pleasant experience and that it arrives safe and secure. Members of FMCSA – Our membership with the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is proof of our high standards and dedication to the vehicle shipping industry – just another reason to put your trust in Ship A Car Hawaii. Veteran Owned and Operated – Another fun fact about Ship A Car Hawaii is that we’re a veteran-owned and operated company. If that’s particularly important to you, consider us for the job. We appreciate your support! Shipping your vehicle to Hawaii is smooth sailing with Ship A Car Hawaii, and we’ll prove it! Contact us today to get started. We look forward to serving you and making your car shipping experience as easy and stress-free as possible.
May 25, 2023
If you’re shipping a vehicle to Hawaii, it’s important to properly prepare it for the journey. There are several things you can do to make sure your car arrives in the condition you left it and without any damage. In this blog post, we’ll review some of the best tips for preparing your vehicle for a shipment to Hawaii. By following these tips, you can rest assured your car will arrive safe and sound!  GET YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR A SHIPMENT TO HAWAII First, you’ll want to remove all personal belongings. Give it a good decluttering! This also includes items like your GPS, custom stereo, aftermarket video and DVD players, phone chargers, and any other valuables. It’s also a good idea to remove any aftermarket accessories, such as spoilers or body kits. These items can sometimes come loose during shipping, causing damage to your vehicle. Exceptions are made for child seats, jumper cables, and in some cases automobile parts. Second, clean the interior and exterior surfaces and take pictures of any damages. A clean vehicle is the best way to evaluate its current state and will be more enjoyable for your travels around the Hawaiian Islands. Take pictures of any damages to your vehicle that occurred before shipping so they can be used to evaluate your vehicle’s condition when it arrives. Next, gather the appropriate documents. Your title or lien holder authorization letter (if your vehicle is financed or leased), current registration (if available), photo ID, copy of the booking, and your set of keys are the documents needed to transport your vehicle to Hawaii. It’s also important to verify your vehicle is working properly. To decrease the chances of your vehicle not making it to its Hawaiian destination as scheduled, it’s recommended you inspect your vehicle thoroughly. Tires for proper inflation, the battery, fluid levels, and the brakes including a working emergency brake are just a few examples. Address any sensors alerting that something may be wrong with your vehicle before you ship it. For electric vehicles only, the battery must be fully-charged with the charging cord left in the vehicle. Now you’ll need to reduce your gas tank – it can’t be more than a quarter of a tank full. Transporting a vehicle with a full tank is considered dangerous and a potential fire hazard to the ship, your vehicle, and the other vehicles in transport. Lastly, turn off the car alarm and other devices. At Ship A Car Hawaii, we’ve heard our fair share of car alarms going off because the owners didn’t deactivate them before shipping. Take the time to turn off any alarms and it’s also recommended to do the same for toll tags and parking passes. By following these vehicle shipment tips, you can adequately prepare your vehicle for a shipment to Hawaii. Planning ahead is KEY to your vehicle arriving safely and without any damage. Reference our shipping checklist page for a comprehensive list of to-do’s. Shipping a vehicle from Hawaii to the Mainland has its own set of rules, and we’ll be sure to cover those in a future blog post. Do you have any additional tips not mentioned in this article? We’d love to hear them. For any questions on preparing your vehicle for a shipment to Hawaii, contact us directly at 866-795-9493 or https://shipacarhawaii.com/ .
May 25, 2023
If you need to ship a car to Hawaii, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll answer all your questions about shipping cars to Hawaii, a practical way to navigate the Hawaiian Islands. We’ll cover every step of the process, so whether you’re relocating to Hawaii permanently, are active military assigned to a Hawaiian base, or taking an extended vacation, continue reading for all the information you need to know.  First, determine how you want to ship your vehicle – by sea or air. The process of shipping a vehicle to Hawaii isn’t as complicated as it may seem. You can choose to ship your car by sea or by air. Here at Ship A Car Hawaii , we offer shipping via large freights (by sea) which is the more affordable option than shipping by air. Second, contact a reputable vehicle shipping company such as Ship A Car Hawaii. Veteran-owned and operated with over 15 years of experience, our team are experts and will treat your vehicle with the respect and care it deserves, providing you the very best in customer service at every phase of the vehicle shipment process. We’ll help you determine which shipping options are right for you! For your convenience, you can book your shipment securely online anytime. If you would prefer to set your shipment up with a shipping coordinator, please call (866) 795-9493 . Next, you’ll be asked to make a payment. The cost of shipping a car to Hawaii depends on a couple of factors, including the size and weight of your car and the distance it needs to travel. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, electronic transfers, money orders, and company checks. Payment must be made in full prior to the date of your shipment. Don’t forget to inquire about active duty, veteran, first responder, and student discounts. Now it’s time to get your vehicle ready for shipment. Reference our blog article “Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for a Shipment to Hawaii” or the shipping checklist page for a comprehensive list of to-dos. Once you’ve booked, paid for, and prepared your vehicle shipment, you’ll need to get your vehicle to the port. If you arrange for a pickup, your vehicle will be put on a truck and transported to one of our West Coast ports. OR if you live near the port or are willing to make the trek, you can drive your vehicle to the port and we’ll handle the rest. Ship a Car Hawaii offers seven arrivals from the West Coast to Hawaii every 14 days, more than any other shipper. Visit our website for details. Track your vehicle. Online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real-time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online anytime. Transit times vary depending on the origin and destination of your shipment. You can visit our transit times page to view delivery times for your specific route. Receive your vehicle in Hawaii. We offer Port to Door service, meaning a professional, federally licensed and insured Carrier will meet your vehicle when it arrives at the port and deliver it directly to you. If you know you will not be at the drop-off location, you can designate someone to receive the vehicle on your behalf. If you’re having a driver deliver to your home all you need to do is let your representative know the name of the person receiving your vehicle on your behalf. On the other hand, if you are going to have someone pick the vehicle up at the port, you’ll need a letter authorizing them to do so. We have created a sample letter to make it easier for you, and the template is available on our website. Register your vehicle within 30 days of receiving it. The Hawaiian Department of Transportation requires all vehicles to be registered within 30 days of their arrival in the state. A safety check certificate is also needed before you can properly register the vehicle. More information on this can be found on the Hawaiian Department of Transportation’s website. More details on how to ship a vehicle to Hawaii are located in the FAQ section on our contact page . We have shipped thousands of vehicles to Hawaii and back with an overwhelmingly positive response from our satisfied customers. Find out exactly how easy it is to ship vehicles to and from Hawaii. Visit the Ship A Car Hawaii website and fill out the “Get an Instant Quote” section on the home page to get started. Contact us at any time at 866-795-9493 should you have any questions on the process of shipping a car to Hawaii. We look forward to working with you!