At a Glance
The Mg Zs has 13 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the MG ZS Rover (2001-2005) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 287K 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 Zs 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 Zs 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 Zs Generations
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Most Common Mg Zs MOT Failures
Every reason Mg Zs 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 | 9.97% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.72% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 7.65% |
| 4 | Driveshaft fault | 7.31% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 6.90% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 5.70% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.69% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.48% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.59% |
| 10 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.57% |
| 11 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.17% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.87% |
| 13 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.77% |
| 14 | Front lamp not working | 2.63% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.05% |
| 16 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.57% |
| 17 | Fog lamp not working | 1.44% |
| 18 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.31% |
| 19 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.29% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.23% |
| 21 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.20% |
| 22 | Rear lamp not working | 1.07% |
| 23 | Horn not working | 0.99% |
| 24 | Airbag warning light on | 0.96% |
| 25 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.91% |
| 26 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.68% |
| 27 | Parking brake condition | 0.65% |
| 28 | Position lamp not working | 0.64% |
| 29 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.58% |
| 30 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.58% |
| 31 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.58% |
| 32 | Rear suspension fault | 0.47% |
| 33 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.47% |
| 34 | Indicator fault | 0.44% |
| 35 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.41% |
| 36 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.39% |
| 37 | Brake pedal fault | 0.39% |
| 38 | Chassis condition | 0.38% |
| 39 | ABS fault | 0.38% |
| 40 | Seat belt condition | 0.36% |
| 41 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.34% |
| 42 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.31% |
| 43 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.31% |
| 44 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 45 | Front suspension fault | 0.24% |
| 46 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.22% |
| 47 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.20% |
| 48 | Steering rack fault | 0.20% |
| 49 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.19% |
| 50 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.19% |
| 51 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.17% |
| 52 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.16% |
| 53 | Brake lever fault | 0.16% |
| 54 | Electrical switch fault | 0.13% |
| 55 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 56 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.11% |
| 57 | Brake fluid leak | 0.11% |
| 58 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.11% |
| 59 | Brake caliper fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.09% |
| 62 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 64 | Steering lock fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 67 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.07% |
| 69 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 70 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 71 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 72 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 73 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Universal joint worn | 0.05% |
| 75 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 78 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 79 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 84 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 85 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 87 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 88 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 89 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 93 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 96 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 97 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 98 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 99 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 100 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 102 | Additional braking device fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 104 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 109 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 114 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 115 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 116 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 119 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 121 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 128 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 130 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 131 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 145 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 152 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 156 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 157 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 160 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 162 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mg Zs MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mg Zs, 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 Zs problems?
Based on analysis of 287K Mg Zs MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 13 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mg Zs generation has the most problems?
The Mg Zs MG ZS Rover (2001-2005) (2001–2005) has the highest number of identified common problems (18). 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 Zs?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mg Zs owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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