2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 MG ZS MOT pass rate and common faults

270 MOT tests in 2024. 57.8% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time57.8%
Failed or needed repairs42.2%
Typical mileage at test84,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 270 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements10.0%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.8%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.9%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.8%
  5. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.4%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.0%
  8. Stop lamp: not working2.6%
  9. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.2%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.2%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes30.7%
  2. Lights & electrics21.5%
  3. Body & chassis18.1%
  4. Suspension14.4%
  5. Tyres7.0%
  6. Seat belts & airbags5.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.9%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.9%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.5%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.6%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 MG ZS?

In 2024, 57.8% of 2003 MG ZS cars passed their MOT first time, across 270 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 MG ZS?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 MG ZS reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).