Used car guide

2023 MG ZS: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 MG ZSs, from 1,644 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,644MOT tests in 2025
86%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
7,400typical miles a year
9×the usual rate for number plate lights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2023 MG ZSs than on all cars registered in 2023.

  • Number plate lights9× usual
    MG ZS
    6.3% All 2023 cars
    0.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.3% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Brake discs2.9× usual
    MG ZS
    6.9% All 2023 cars
    2.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.1% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At 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.

  • Tyre pressure monitoring system7.3× usual
    MG ZS
    2.2% All 2023 cars
    0.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.3% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

  • Shock absorbers2.4× usual
    MG ZS
    2.6% All 2023 cars
    1.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2023 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

By area

The share of 2023 MG ZS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    18% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    10% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    9% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    4% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a MG ZS?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
202217,647Brakes 23%
202114,989Tyres 26%
202012,499Tyres 34%
20198,696Tyres 35%
20185,092Tyres 32%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 MG ZSs registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score