2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 MG ZS MOT pass rate and common faults

12,178 MOT tests in 2024. 84.5% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time84.5%
Failed or needed repairs15.5%
Typical mileage at test27,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 12,178 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    239 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
    252 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp: not working on main beam0.9%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    150 marked dangerous
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8%
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.7%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics6.5%
  2. Tyres5.4%
  3. Brakes5.1%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.9%
  6. Suspension1.1%
  7. Steering0.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.9%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.1%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.8%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt3.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp: not working on dipped beam. 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 2020 MG ZS?

In 2024, 84.5% of 2020 MG ZS cars passed their MOT first time, across 12,178 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 MG ZS?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on dipped beam; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2020 MG ZS reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).