MG ZT Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 296 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 ZT has the same fault.

MG ZT's have a average reliability rating of 455/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MG ZT 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 ZT.

MG ZT (example)

Check an MG Zt before you buy

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Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	491/999Average	79,295 miles	1,629 vehicles
N/A	N/A	473/999Average	72,288 miles	1,353 vehicles
N/A	N/A	402/999Average	84,122 miles	567 vehicles

How reliable is the MG ZT?

Based on 296 MOT tests from 15 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

MOT tests

296

Pass rate

75.7%

Median mileage

81,135 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MG ZT has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 583 out of 999.

Common MG ZT 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 27 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 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: OFFSIDE FRONT BRAKE PIPE CORRODED, COVERED IN GREASE OR OTHER MATERIAL (1.1.11 (C))

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 29 advisory comments and 2 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: OFFSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 23 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT COIL SPRING CORRODED (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Lamp and bulb faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 14 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 lamp or bulb other than a headlamp or indicator.

What to inspect

Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.

Example MOT wording: SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING LAMP INDICATES A FAULT (5.4.2)

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 12 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 parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE: EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (3.7.B.7)

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 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 discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (3.5.1I)

Headlamp faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 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: NEARSIDE HEADLAMP AIM TOO LOW (1.8)

Shock absorber issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record shock absorbers or dampers that were leaking, misting, or insecure. A light misting of oil on a damper is not an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look for oil misting on the damper body and listen for knocks over bumps.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS LIGHT MISTING OF OIL OR HAS LIMITED DAMPING EFFECT (5.3.2 (B))

MG ZT 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 ZT

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.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Lamp and bulb faults. Switch on the side, brake, fog, and number-plate lamps.
Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Headlamp faults. Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.
Shock absorber issues. Look for oil misting on the damper body and listen for knocks over bumps.

Buying a MG ZT?

Common problems tell you what can affect MG ZTs 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.

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