Small SUV · 2001–2021 cars

MG ZS reliability

The MG ZS fails 18.3% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 72,543 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Well below averageReliability score 27/100#33 of 40 small suvs

Checking a MG ZS before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 18.3%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 25% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 72,543; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 7,500; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

MOT fail rate by age

How the MG ZS ages

Each point is the share of MG ZSs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

MG ZSAll cars

MG ZS first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	MG ZS	All cars
3	13.8%	12.3%
4	18%	14.1%
5	22.3%	16.4%
6	24.9%	19.1%
17	39.4%	43.4%
18	37.1%	43.5%
19	40.3%	43.4%
20	41.2%	42.8%
21	41.4%	41.4%
22	37.4%	40.6%

By year

The best and worst MG ZS years

2004 cars come out best and 2018 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

MG ZS MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 ZS	5,922	11.8%	3% more fails	24,469
2020 ZS	21,865	14%	17% more fails	26,089
2019 ZS	22,234	17.9%	42% more fails	28,025
2018 ZS	16,512	20.1%	44% more fails	32,150
2017 ZS	1,170	22.9%	43% more fails	38,550
2005	961	38.1%	9% fewer fails	88,532
2004 ZS	1,440	37.1%	11% fewer fails	86,448
2003 ZS	1,058	42%	3% more fails	83,555
2002	889	42.7%	5% more fails	90,703
2001	287	41.5%	1% more fails	98,968

Common problems

What fails most on a MG ZS

Its weak spot is brakes: 111% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Brakes5.9%111% above avg
Lights and electrics5.9%48% above avg
Tyres5%11% above avg
Suspension2.2%11% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.2%37% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.9%74% above avg
Body, chassis and structure1.2%29% above avg
Seat belts and airbags0.6%29% above avg
Steering0.4%8% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.07% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.37% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.37% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.08% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
5
Main beam headlamp not working 1.05% of tests
A failed main beam reduces night-time visibility on unlit roads, so the headlamp should be repaired promptly.
6
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.95% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
7
Brake discs significantly worn 0.9% of tests
Heavily worn discs reduce braking performance and wear pads faster, so a replacement will soon be needed.
8
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 0.84% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a MG ZS's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit12.87%
Brake disc pitted or scored12.46%
Brake pads wearing thin5.25%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking4.4%
Child seat limits belt inspection2.6%
Nail in tyre, monitor2.2%

Before you buy

What to check on a used MG ZS

1
Dipped beam headlamp not working
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
4
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical MG ZS covers about 7,500 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Petrol79.8%
Electric19.7%
Diesel0.4%
LPG0%

Most common colours

Blue, White, Red, Black, Silver

Average engine size: 1.4 litres.

Compare

How the MG ZS compares with its rivals

MG ZS against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Mazda CX-3	13.2%	17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Hyundai Kona	11.7%	10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Suzuki Jimny	30.9%	4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Citroën C3 Aircross	14%	8% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Jeep Renegade	22.2%	12% more MOT fails than the average car its age
MG ZS	18.3%	25% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Citroën C4 Cactus	24.9%	54% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all MG models.

Questions

MG ZS questions, answered

Is the MG ZS reliable?

On MOT results, the MG ZS is well below average: it fails 18.3% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 33 of 40 small suv models in our index.

What fails most on a MG ZS MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the MG ZS are dipped beam headlamp not working (2.07% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.37% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.37% of tests). By area, brakes fails 5.9% of its tests.

Which MG ZS year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2004 cars do best (11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2018 cars do worst (44% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a MG ZS do a year?

A typical MG ZS covers about 7,500 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a MG ZS before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

Found a MG ZS? Check it free.

MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.