At a Glance
The Mg Zt has 16 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the MG ZT (2001-2005) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 207K 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 Zt 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 Zt 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mg Zt owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mg Zt owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Mg Zt?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Mg Zt Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Mg Zt MOT Failures
Every reason Mg Zt 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 | Number plate lamp not working | 9.66% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.94% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 8.70% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.37% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 5.68% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.39% |
| 7 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.93% |
| 8 | Track rod end worn | 3.65% |
| 9 | Exhaust system fault | 3.61% |
| 10 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.40% |
| 11 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.37% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.19% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 3.16% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.71% |
| 15 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.29% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.06% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.77% |
| 18 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.48% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.43% |
| 20 | Front lamp not working | 1.31% |
| 21 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.26% |
| 22 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.19% |
| 23 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.13% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 0.93% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 0.89% |
| 26 | Seat belt condition | 0.78% |
| 27 | Rear lamp not working | 0.73% |
| 28 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.59% |
| 29 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.58% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.58% |
| 31 | Airbag warning light on | 0.56% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.51% |
| 33 | Driveshaft fault | 0.48% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.46% |
| 35 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.46% |
| 36 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.33% |
| 37 | Steering rack fault | 0.31% |
| 38 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.27% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.27% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.27% |
| 41 | Rear suspension fault | 0.27% |
| 42 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 43 | Brake lever fault | 0.15% |
| 44 | Brake pedal fault | 0.15% |
| 45 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.14% |
| 46 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.14% |
| 47 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.14% |
| 48 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.14% |
| 49 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.14% |
| 50 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 51 | Brake fluid leak | 0.14% |
| 52 | Chassis condition | 0.14% |
| 53 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.13% |
| 54 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.12% |
| 55 | Front suspension fault | 0.12% |
| 56 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.11% |
| 57 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.11% |
| 58 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.07% |
| 62 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 63 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.06% |
| 64 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 66 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.05% |
| 69 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 70 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 71 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 72 | Brake caliper fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Engine oil leak | 0.03% |
| 76 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 78 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 79 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 80 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 81 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 82 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 86 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 87 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 89 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 91 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 94 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 95 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 98 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 101 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 102 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 104 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 105 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 110 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 116 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 119 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 126 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 128 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 129 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 140 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 143 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 144 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 150 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 152 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 153 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 161 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mg Zt MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mg Zt, 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.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mg Zt problems?
Based on analysis of 207K Mg Zt MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 16 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Airbag warning light on". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mg Zt generation has the most problems?
The Mg Zt MG ZT (2001-2005) (2001–2008) has the highest number of identified common problems (22). 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 Zt?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mg Zt owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
