The 2021 Morgan Plus Four uses BMW's B48 2.0L turbo four mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic—proven powertrains in a hand-built lightweight chassis. Most issues stem from the traditional Morgan build quirks (electrical gremlins, hand-fitted trim) rather than drivetrain failures, though the transmission can be fussy about heat management in spirited driving.
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks and Overheating
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 15,000-35,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission temperature warning on instrument cluster during aggressive driving or track use, Slight transmission fluid weeping from cooler lines at front of engine bay, Harsh or delayed shifts when transmission is hot
Fix: ZF 8HP cooler lines can chafe against the Morgan's tight engine bay components or develop seeps at crimp fittings. Replacement involves dropping undertray, replacing cooler and lines. 3-4 hours labor plus fluid service.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Mount Fatigue
Common · low severityTypical onset: 20,000-45,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive driveline vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or torn rubber on transmission crossmember mount
Fix: The lightweight chassis and spirited driving accelerate wear on the rubber transmission mounts. Replacement requires lifting transmission slightly. 2-2.5 hours labor, OEM BMW/ZF mount recommended.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Headlight Assembly Moisture Intrusion
Common · low severitySymptoms: Condensation or water pooling inside headlight lens after rain or car wash, Intermittent headlight bulb failures, Corrosion visible on reflector or wiring connector
Fix: Morgan's hand-fitted headlight assemblies sometimes lack proper sealing; the body-to-light interface is not always watertight. Requires removing light, resealing or replacing gasket, sometimes full assembly replacement. 1.5-2 hours per side.
Estimated cost: $300-900 per side
Engine Bay Fuse Box Corrosion
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Intermittent no-start or crank-no-start conditions, Random electrical faults (fuel pump relay, cooling fan inoperative), White or green corrosion visible on fuse terminals or box connections
Fix: Water intrusion from gaps in bonnet sealing or cowl drains can reach the fuse box. Clean and treat terminals with dielectric grease; worst cases need fuse box replacement. 1-3 hours depending on damage severity.
Estimated cost: $150-800
Check Engine Light: Fuel System Pressure / Clogged Fuel Filter
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 25,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: P0087 or P0088 fuel pressure codes, Hesitation or stumble under wide-open throttle, Hard starting after sitting overnight
Fix: The B48 engine's high-pressure fuel system is sensitive to contaminants. Morgan's fuel tank and lines can shed debris during break-in. Replace in-tank filter/strainer and inline filter, clear codes. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Cylinder Head Gasket Seepage (Early Production)
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 10,000-30,000 mi
Symptoms: Slight oil weeping at head-to-block mating surface, rear of engine, Coolant smell from engine bay after hard driving, Slow coolant loss with no visible external leak
Fix: A small batch of early 2021 Plus Fours had improper head bolt torque or gasket installation at the factory. Requires cylinder head removal, resurface if warped, new gasket and bolts. 8-12 hours labor, significant parts cost.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Buy one if you want driving purity and accept quirks of hand-built quality—mechanically sound underneath, but expect electrical oddities and more frequent minor fixes than a mass-market sports car.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.