MG brand mark

Is the 2017–2025 MG ZS reliable?

Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

5.7/ 10
Mixed

On our documented-fault scoring the MG ZS rates 5.7 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around battery, electrical and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.

Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults

What the score is built from

Critical
0
High
1
Medium
5
Low
2

Weak points cluster around battery, electrical, suspension, body.

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The faults that decide it

BatteryHigh

EV battery health and charge-rate variation

Typically appears
Any
What to inspect
Run a state-of-health check and test a rapid charge
Typical repair
HV battery module work · £1,200–£8,000
ElectricalMedium

Infotainment freezing and software glitches

Typically appears
Any
What to inspect
Cycle every function and confirm software updates are applied
Typical repair
Infotainment repair or software fix · £120–£1,200
SuspensionMedium

Bush and damper wear on poor road surfaces

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Listen over broken tarmac
Typical repair
Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
TransmissionMedium

Jerky gear shifts and low-speed hesitation on 1.0T automatic models

Typically appears
30,000-50,000 miles
What to inspect
Select Drive and Reverse repeatedly on a flat surface to feel for excessive engagement delay, then perform a slow-speed crawl test to check for clutch judder.
Typical repair
Clutch & dual-mass flywheel · £700–£1,600
BrakesMedium

Severe pitting and corrosion on rear brake discs on EV models

Typically appears
3-4 years or 20,000-40,000 miles
What to inspect
Visually inspect the rear brake discs through the alloy wheel spokes. Look for heavy rust scoring or a pronounced lip caused by underuse due to regenerative braking.
Typical repair
Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800

Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.

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