MG ZS common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used MG ZS, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 134,140 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
Pick the year
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
2026202520242023202220212020201920182017200620052004200320022001
What usually goes wrong with an MG ZS?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2017–2025 · All versions
Steering column joint
Some steering columns were replaced under warranty, and the universal joint came apart on at least one car.
At the viewing: Feel for play or clunks in the steering.
Source: Auto Express: used MG ZS (Mk1, 2017 on) buyer’s guide
- Cars registered 2017–2025 · Petrol
Clogged particulate filter
A clogged exhaust particulate filter can make the engine feel like it’s misfiring.
At the viewing: Drive it properly and feel for hesitation.
Source: Auto Express: used MG ZS (Mk1, 2017 on) buyer’s guide
- Cars registered 2017–2025 · All versions
Headlights on in daylight
The automatic headlights can switch on in daylight.
At the viewing: Watch the lights on auto.
Source: Auto Express: used MG ZS (Mk1, 2017 on) buyer’s guide
Common MG ZS MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Petrol
Braking performance
up to 7× usualStands out on cars registered in 2003, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Brake discs
up to 4.5× usualStands out on cars registered in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.
Rust around suspension or steering mountings
up to 2.7× usualStands out on cars registered in 2003 and 2004.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Brake pads
up to 2.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 2021 and 2022.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
Body structure rust or damage
up to 2.1× usualStands out on cars registered in 2003 and 2004.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.
Electric
Brake discs
up to 3.4× usualStands out on cars registered in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.
Headlights
up to 7.2× usualStands out on cars registered in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
Number plate lights
up to 14.8× usualStands out on cars registered in 2022 and 2023.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
Suspension arm bushes and joints
up to 2.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 2019 and 2020.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
MG ZS MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2005 MG ZS did best (63% passed first time, 6 points above all 2005 cars) and the 2017 did worst (71%, 9 points below all 2017 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 87% | 92% -5 | 2,122 |
| 2022 | 86% | 89% -3 | 19,653 |
| 2021 | 88% | 87% +1 | 29,975 |
| 2020 | 84% | 87% -3 | 37,041 |
| 2019 | 79% | 85% -6 | 25,637 |
| 2018 | 77% | 83% -6 | 15,006 |
| 2017 | 71% | 80% -9 | 1,046 |
| 2006 | 66% | 56% +10 | 130 (small sample) |
| 2005 | 63% | 57% +6 | 756 |
| 2004 | 61% | 57% +4 | 1,078 |
| 2003 | 57% | 57% +0 | 826 |
| 2002 | 61% | 58% +3 | 631 |
| 2001 | 59% | 60% -1 | 239 (small sample) |
Questions to ask the seller before buying an MG ZS
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the steering column been replaced?
- Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 6.7× as often on the MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an MG ZS?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score