Has the safety recall for the lock-in fault been applied to this VIN, and what is the campaign reference number on file at the dealership?

Request this answer in writing from the service advisor before authorizing repair work. The full playbook covers documentation procedures and post-service verification steps.

What software version is currently installed on the body computer and key control module, and what version will be installed today?

Request this answer in writing from the service advisor before authorizing repair work. The full playbook covers documentation procedures and post-service verification steps.

If a prior update attempt did not complete, is there a documented log of the failure and the steps now being taken?

Request this answer in writing from the service advisor before authorizing repair work. The full playbook covers documentation procedures and post-service verification steps.

Are any additional service-bulletin updates being applied in the same visit, including the infotainment update referenced in MG's late-2024 service notice?

Request this answer in writing from the service advisor before authorizing repair work. The full playbook covers documentation procedures and post-service verification steps.

If the recall remedy is incomplete on a vehicle picked up after delivery, can MG UK confirm in writing whether interim mitigation steps are recommended?

Request this answer in writing from the service advisor before authorizing repair work. The full playbook covers documentation procedures and post-service verification steps.

app / playbooks / MG MG4 EV — software update issue

high severity software update issue 2022—2024 dealer

MG MG4 EV software update issue (2022—2024)

MG MG4 EV · 2022—2024 · all trims

Diagnostic code reference

Reading codes off a MG MG4 EV service invoice? Look them up in our OBD-II DTC database →

Reported symptoms

Door locks fail to release when the key fob loses communication with the vehicle
Occupants temporarily unable to exit the vehicle without the key signal present
Key fob intermittently loses pairing or proximity recognition near the vehicle
Central locking behaves unpredictably when the vehicle is powered off
Repeated key-related warnings on the instrument cluster
Vehicle delivered without the manufacturer-required 'lock-in' software update applied

Questions to ask

Pose these to the service advisor at intake. Request answers in writing or via email.

Has the safety recall for the lock-in fault been applied to this VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and what is the campaign reference number on file at the dealership?
What software version is currently installed on the body computer and key control module, and what version will be installed today?
If a prior update attempt did not complete, is there a documented log of the failure and the steps now being taken?
Are any additional service-bulletin updates being applied in the same visit, including the infotainment update referenced in MG's late-2024 service notice?
If the recall remedy is incomplete on a vehicle picked up after delivery, can MG UK confirm in writing whether interim mitigation steps are recommended?
Will the repair order list the specific module software versions installed and the campaign reference, or only a generic description?

Documents to request

Each item should be received in writing before authorizing repair work.

Diagnostic report listing all stored, pending, and historical fault codes related to the body computer, key, and door control modules
Repair order with technician notes describing the software update procedure and any modules reflashed
Written confirmation of software versions installed before and after the visit
Recall campaign reference number cited during the update
If a prior update attempt failed, written documentation of the failure cause and the corrective procedure used

Pre-service evidence

Capture before drop-off. Once the vehicle leaves your possession, proving prior condition becomes significantly harder.

Photograph any key, lock, or central-locking warning lights on the cluster before drop-off
Record VIN, software version (where displayed), and odometer reading at drop-off
Document any prior lockout incidents — date, location, ambient conditions, how the situation was resolved
Note whether the key fob has been replaced or re-paired previously, and retain any documentation from that work
If the MG Recall Checker tool returns conflicting information against the .gov.uk recall lookup, take screenshots of both queries for the same VIN

Service advisor interaction

Operational notes specific to the conversation at the service desk.

Record the service advisor's name and the date and time of each conversation
Note whether the visit is classified as recall, warranty, or service bulletin — each has distinct documentation requirements
If the dealership cannot confirm a recall flag against the VIN, request that they check both the manufacturer system and the DVSA database and document both results
Document any reference to multiple update attempts being required, and any timeline given for resolution

Repair authorization

Cautions before signing.

Recall-coverage work is performed without owner cost. If diagnostic or labor charges are presented in connection with the recall remedy, request written clarification before authorizing
Repair authorization forms may include language permitting additional related work — read carefully and decline blanket scope additions
If the dealership recommends key fob replacement in addition to the software update, request written documentation of the diagnostic basis
If the dealership cannot complete the recall during the scheduled visit, request a written timeline for completion and a record of the visit

Post-service verification

Complete before leaving the service location. Issues that surface after departure are operationally harder to attribute to the visit.

Verify central locking operates correctly across all doors with the key fob in and out of proximity, before leaving the service location
Confirm no key or lock warning messages on the cluster after a full ignition cycle
Confirm the repair order references the correct recall campaign number
Verify that software versions on the repair order match the post-update versions displayed in vehicle settings, where the menu permits
Note odometer reading and any test-drive distance attributed by the dealership at pickup

Email templates

Documentation-focused templates for service correspondence. Tap copy to use. Subject and body are kept verbatim — paste them as-is into your email client.

recall clarification

to: dealer service

Recall inquiry — MG4 EV lock-in safety recall, request for written campaign confirmation

Service Department, I am scheduling my [YEAR] MG MG4 EV, VIN [VIN], for the DVSA-registered safety recall addressing the occupant lock-in risk when the key fob loses communication with the vehicle. Before the appointment, I am requesting written confirmation of the following: 1. The recall campaign reference number assigned to this remedy. 2. The expected work scope — which modules will be reflashed and the target software versions. 3. Whether any prior update attempts for this campaign are logged against this VIN, and if so, the outcome of those attempts. 4. Confirmation that all work is at no cost to me as part of the recall remedy. Please reply to this email so the visit is properly documented. Thank you, [NAME]

post-service follow-up

to: dealer service

Follow-up — written confirmation of recall work on [DATE]

Service Department, Following my appointment on [DATE] for VIN [VIN], I am requesting written confirmation of the following: 1. The recall campaign reference number applied. 2. Software versions installed before and after the visit (body computer, key control module, and any other modules reflashed). 3. Fault codes recorded during diagnosis. 4. Whether any prior update attempts for this VIN failed, and if so, what corrective procedure was used during this visit. Please reply to this email at your convenience. Thank you, [NAME]

Warranty notes

Recall remedies are performed at no cost to the owner. Diagnostic or labor fees presented in connection with a recall procedure should be confirmed in writing before authorization.
Owners who experienced lockout incidents prior to the recall update may have additional documentation needs if seeking goodwill consideration; records of the incident details are relevant to that conversation.
Repairs performed under goodwill do not extend the warranty period. Confirm in writing whether work is classified as recall, warranty, or goodwill.

Observational patterns

The MG4 EV lock-in recall is administered through MG dealer service centers; OTA (Over-the-Air software update) delivery has not been used for this remedy.

Multiple owner reports describe two service visits being required to complete the update, suggesting the software push has nontrivial failure modes during installation.

Some owners report that the MG Recall Checker tool returns a recall flag for their VIN while the .gov.uk recall lookup does not. Dealer confirmation, in those cases, has typically established that the recall does apply. Records of both queries provide useful documentation.

Reports indicate that additional service-bulletin updates (infotainment, body computer, charging unit) have been bundled with the lock-in recall in some service visits. Owners can request that each module's software version and update reference be itemized on the repair order.

This playbook covers

Related playbooks

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