2006 MG ZS: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the MG ZS first registered in 2006: we looked at the 130 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 130 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2006 MG ZS MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2006 MG ZS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes35% 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.
- Suspension33% 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.
- Lights and electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres21% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints12% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Exhaust and emissions10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 MG ZS
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an MG ZS?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MG ZS compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 2,122 | Tyres 18% |
| 2022 | 19,653 | Brakes 21% |
| 2021 | 29,975 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 37,041 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 25,637 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 15,006 | Brakes 32% |
| 2017 | 1,046 | Brakes 34% |
| 2005 | 756 | Suspension 32% |
| 2004 | 1,078 | Brakes 37% |
| 2003 | 826 | Brakes 47% |
| 2002 | 631 | Brakes 44% |
| 2001 | 239 | Brakes 46% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MG ZS cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score