MG Zs MOT Failures
An analysis of 172,720 real DVSA MOT tests on the MG Zs — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: MK1 (2001–2009), MK2 (2017–2022).
Where the MG Zs fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the MG Zs is structural corrosion — this model is 34 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 172,720 MOT tests, 8.84% of all MG Zs tests recorded this as a failure.
Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.
Other notable weak points include abs fault (43x the fleet average), emissions failure (28x the fleet average), vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (22x the fleet average), and subframe bushes or mounts worn (44x the fleet average). These ratios compare the MG Zs's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 4 categories: Bodywork, Suspension, Exhaust & Emissions, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a MG Zs before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The MG Zs's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the MG Zs specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are subframe bushes or mounts worn (44x the average) and structural corrosion (34x). emissions failure (24x) and vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t... (22x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the MG Zs specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are structural corrosion (16x the average) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (16x). anti-roll bar links worn (15x) and abs fault (14x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the MG Zs specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are abs fault (43x the average) and suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated (31x). anti-roll bar links worn (16x) and body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point (10x) also appear frequently.
The shift from subframe bushes or mounts worn at lower mileages to abs fault at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that MG Zs specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Structural corrosion around suspension mounting points (MK1) Dangerous
The subframe and structural areas around suspension component mounting points suffer from severe corrosion on first-generation MG ZS models. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,500–£3,500.
General body corrosion (MK1) Major
First-generation MG ZS models suffer from widespread body corrosion that significantly reduces structural rigidity. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£3,000.
Handbrake efficiency failure Major
MG ZS models across both generations suffer from handbrake efficiency problems at over 13 times the national average rate. Affects MK1, MK2; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£250.
Emissions failure (MK2 1.0T) Major
The 1.0 litre turbocharged engine in second-generation MG ZS models fails emissions tests at up to 28 times the national average rate. Affects MK2; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£1,200.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full MG Zs common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a MG Zs
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a MG Zs:
Bodywork — check for structural corrosion, vehicle structure corroded to the extent that t.... Suspension — check for abs fault, subframe bushes or mounts worn, suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about structural corrosion around suspension mounting points and general body corrosion. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,500. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific MG Zs?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
MG Zs MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a MG Zs?
Based on 172,720 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is structural corrosion — at 34x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include abs fault and emissions failure.
Is the MG Zs reliable based on MOT data?
The MG Zs has 16 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag structural corrosion around suspension mounting points as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the MG Zs most commonly fails on abs fault and suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are subframe bushes or mounts worn and structural corrosion.
How do I check a MG Zs's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.