MG ZS: what fails at MOT
59,000 MOT tests on the MG ZS in 2024, counted. 15.2% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
15.2% of MG ZS tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 12.6%, so the ZS is about average for its age.
It fails most often on lights and electrics (3.2% of tests), tyres (3.2% of tests) and brakes (3.1% of tests). It fails on lights and electrics and brakes more often than most cars its age.
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21,563 | 10.8% | 10.9% | 22,400 15,700 to 30,100 |
| 2020 | 18,701 | 14.1% | 11.5% | 26,900 19,300 to 35,900 |
| 2019 | 11,405 | 18.8% | 13.4% | 32,000 23,500 to 42,100 |
| 2018 | 6,363 | 23.3% | 15.6% | 38,800 27,900 to 50,500 |
| 2017 | 479 | 22.3% | 18.2% | 47,200 32,300 to 56,300 |
| 2005 | 339 | 35.4% | 42.2% | 88,700 69,800 to 107,900 |
| 2004 | 498 | 34.7% | 42.3% | 89,100 66,600 to 105,800 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of MG ZS tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | ZS | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics More than most | 3.2% | 2.1% |
| Tyres | 3.2% | 3.0% |
| Brakes More than most | 3.1% | 1.4% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 1.3% | 1.9% |
| Suspension | 1.0% | 0.8% |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.9% | 0.5% |
| Body and structure | 0.3% | 0.3% |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre1.9%
- Headlamp1.6%
- Brake pads1.1%
- Tyre tread1.1%
- Headlamp aim1.0%
- Footbrake0.9%
- Brake discs0.8%
- Wipers0.8%
- Washers0.5%
- Tyre pressure warning system0.5%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.5%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
- Headlamp: not working on main beam0.8%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8%
- Footbrake: excessively binding0.6%
- Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.6%
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed0.5%
- Tyre pressure warning system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.5%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge10.5%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened9.7%
- Brake pads: wearing thin4.4%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing3.5%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.4%
- Nail in tyre1.9%
- Footbrake: binding but not excessively1.6%
- Tyre: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
Check a MG ZS's own MOT record
Looking at a ZS? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.