2020 MG ZS: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 MG ZS?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 MG ZS than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Brake discs2.1× usual
  MG ZS

  19.1% All 2020 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2020 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.

• Headlights5.5× usual
  MG ZS

  3.3% All 2020 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.5% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Braking performance3.6× usual
  MG ZS

  3.2% All 2020 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Coil springs6.5× usual
  MG ZS

  2.6% All 2020 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.4% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Common 2020 MG ZS MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 MG ZS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  25% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  9% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  8% 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
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2020 MG ZS

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Steering column joint

  All versions

  Some steering columns were replaced under warranty, and the universal joint came apart on at least one car.

  At the viewing: Feel for play or clunks in the steering.

  Source: Auto Express: used MG ZS (Mk1, 2017 on) buyer’s guide

• Clogged particulate filter

  Petrol

  A clogged exhaust particulate filter can make the engine feel like it’s misfiring.

  At the viewing: Drive it properly and feel for hesitation.

  Source: Auto Express: used MG ZS (Mk1, 2017 on) buyer’s guide

• Headlights on in daylight

  All versions

  The automatic headlights can switch on in daylight.

  At the viewing: Watch the lights on auto.

  Source: Auto Express: used MG ZS (Mk1, 2017 on) buyer’s guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 MG ZS

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the steering column been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2020 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 2020 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2020 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?