At a Glance
The Mg Zr has 41 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the MG ZR (2001-2005) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 475K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mg Zr common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mg Zr generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Mg Zr Generations
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Most Common Mg Zr MOT Failures
Every reason Mg Zr vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 16.08% |
| 2 | Driveshaft fault | 5.43% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.41% |
| 4 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.31% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.99% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 4.75% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.01% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.81% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.64% |
| 10 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.48% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.46% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 3.42% |
| 13 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.38% |
| 14 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.91% |
| 15 | Front lamp not working | 2.25% |
| 16 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.12% |
| 17 | Front suspension fault | 1.84% |
| 18 | Rear lamp not working | 1.60% |
| 19 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.55% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.36% |
| 21 | Parking brake condition | 1.12% |
| 22 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.08% |
| 23 | Fog lamp not working | 0.99% |
| 24 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.89% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 0.83% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 0.81% |
| 27 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.79% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.74% |
| 29 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.73% |
| 30 | Headlamp fault | 0.68% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.67% |
| 32 | Airbag warning light on | 0.58% |
| 33 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.56% |
| 34 | Horn not working | 0.52% |
| 35 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.50% |
| 36 | ABS fault | 0.44% |
| 37 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.38% |
| 38 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.38% |
| 39 | Seat belt condition | 0.37% |
| 40 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.34% |
| 41 | Chassis condition | 0.29% |
| 42 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.29% |
| 43 | Steering rack fault | 0.29% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.27% |
| 45 | Brake pedal fault | 0.27% |
| 46 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.23% |
| 47 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.22% |
| 48 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.18% |
| 49 | Brake caliper fault | 0.18% |
| 50 | Electrical switch fault | 0.15% |
| 51 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.15% |
| 52 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.15% |
| 53 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.15% |
| 54 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.14% |
| 55 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.13% |
| 56 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.12% |
| 57 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.12% |
| 58 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.11% |
| 60 | Brake fluid leak | 0.11% |
| 61 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.10% |
| 62 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 64 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 65 | Power steering ram fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.07% |
| 67 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 68 | Steering lock fault | 0.06% |
| 69 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 70 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.06% |
| 72 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Power steering pump fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 78 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 79 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 80 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 84 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 87 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 89 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 90 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 92 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 93 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 94 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 96 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 99 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 100 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 101 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 104 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 105 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 106 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 108 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 110 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 119 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 120 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 123 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 134 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 142 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 155 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 156 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 161 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 163 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 165 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 166 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 170 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
Showing all 170 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mg Zr MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mg Zr, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mg Zr problems?
Based on analysis of 475K Mg Zr MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 41 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Wiper blades deteriorated". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mg Zr generation has the most problems?
The Mg Zr MG ZR (2001-2005) (2001–2006) has the highest number of identified common problems (53). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mg Zr?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mg Zr owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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