2023 MG ZS: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2023 MG ZS?

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

• Number plate lights9.3× usual
  MG ZS

  5.6% All 2023 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, 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 discs2.8× usual
  MG ZS

  5.4% All 2023 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, 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.

• Shock absorbers2.9× usual
  MG ZS

  2.9% All 2023 cars

  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.

Common 2023 MG ZS MOT failures and advisories

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
  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.

• Brakes
  7% 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
  2% 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
  1% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2023 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 2023 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 number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 9.3× as often on the 2023 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2023 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2023 MG ZS as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?