Reports of lane-assist concerns from MG4 owners

A Which? magazine update says "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."

See the earlier NEWS item
Deactivating lane assist

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Photo credit: from Which? website


 
Have any V8 Register members had any experience with issues with lane-assist technology on an MG4 or any other make of car? If you have please let us know. Email Which? magazine reports MG4 owners have shared their experiences
Which? reports " 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.
Emergency lane keep assist activated . . and violently attempted to steer into a vehicle in lane 1. 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.’

Which? magazine's report on how MG has reacted?

Which? reports "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.'"

Which? magazine reports ask should the MG4 be recalled?

Which? reports "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 (Which?) will continue to push MG on its plans to release a software update and precisely how and when this will be released."