MG ZS

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 11 model years from 34,147 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

79%

Total Tests

34,147

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (87%)

Years Covered

About the MG ZS

The MG ZS was MOT tested 34,147 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 11 model years (2001 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 79%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 87% from 7,930 tests. The 2001 model has the lowest at 70%. With a 17 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer MG ZSs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2001) averages 102,556 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 24,982 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the MG brand average of 86%, the ZS is 7 points lower, placing it among the less reliable MG models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 999cc)

£1,175

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,780

Per month£148/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the MG ZS?

vs average of all models-3% (82% avg)

vs MG brand average-7% (86% avg)

Best to worst year spread17 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

MG ZS by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	83%	145	24,982 mi
2020	87%	7,930	27,667 mi
2019	86%	14,089	34,291 mi
2018	84%	8,982	41,978 mi
2017	84%	651	47,465 mi
2006	77%	102	80,223 mi
2005	78%	496	91,088 mi
2004	75%	644	89,991 mi
2003	72%	509	86,996 mi
2002	71%	463	94,493 mi
2001	70%	136	102,556 mi

Questions about the MG ZS

Is the MG ZS reliable?

Across its 11 model years in our data (2001 to 2021), the MG ZS averages a 79% MOT pass rate, from 34,147 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 87%.

Which year MG ZS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 MG ZS has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 70%, a 17 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.