MG ZR Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 261 MOT tests from 15 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every MG ZR has the same fault.

MG ZR's have a average reliability rating of 495/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MG ZR that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the MG ZR.

MG ZR (example)

Check an MG Zr before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Service history
Dealer & service records
MOT records
Past & current MOT data
Write-off check
Check for insurance write-offs
Finance check
Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	504/999Above average	91,469 miles	5,084 vehicles
N/A	N/A	485/999Average	98,168 miles	4,862 vehicles

How reliable is the MG ZR?

Based on 261 MOT tests from 15 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

MOT tests

261

Pass rate

72%

Median mileage

78,964 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MG ZR has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 544 out of 999.

Common MG ZR MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 62 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE HOSE HAS SLIGHT CORROSION TO FERRULES (3.6.B.4E)

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 35 advisory comments and 6 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 advisory comments and 10 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: REAR EXHAUST HAS PART OF THE SYSTEM SLIGHTLY DETERIORATED (7.1.1A)

Power steering issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 15 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a power steering leak, noise, or component defect.

What to inspect

Turn the wheel at idle and look for fluid leaks around the pump and rack.

Example MOT wording: POWER STEERING COMPONENT(S) HAS SLIGHT SEEPAGE FROM A SEAL (2.3.3B)

Suspension arm issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 13 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a worn, corroded, or damaged suspension arm or its pin.

What to inspect

Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM SYNTHETIC BUSH DETERIORATED BUT NOT RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT (2.4.G.2)

Headlamp faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 7 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a headlamp that was not working, insecure, or aimed incorrectly.

What to inspect

Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE HEADLAMP AIM BEAM IMAGE OBVIOUSLY INCORRECT (1.8.A.1B)

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 6 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE WINDSCREEN WIPER DOES NOT CLEAR THE WINDSCREEN EFFECTIVELY (8.2.2)

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 5 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (3.5.1G)

MG ZR MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Not enough VehicleScore data for year-by-year conclusions.

What to check when buying a used MG ZR

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.
Power steering issues. Turn the wheel at idle and look for fluid leaks around the pump and rack.
Suspension arm issues. Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.
Headlamp faults. Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.
Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Buying a MG ZR?

Common problems tell you what can affect MG ZRs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

Browse Other MG Models

← Back to Reliability Check