Thinking about buying a used MG HS (2019–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 9 known faults for this model spanning engine, electrical, transmission, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
9
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$2,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known MG HS faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01PHEV 'Hybrid Fault' warning with high-voltage system shutdown
CriticalOccasionalEngine $500–$9,000 to fix
HS PHEV owners on MG EV forums report a 'Hybrid Fault' warning that disconnects the high-voltage battery, sometimes leaving the car unable to start or drive, with multiple dash lights on start-up. Diagnoses have included stored HV insulation faults (high-voltage leak to chassis) and charge-port lock problems. There is no recall for this; fixes range from software updates to HV component replacement, and diagnosis requires an MG dealer or EV-qualified specialist, which are thin on the ground in NZ regional areas.
Symptoms to notice
'Hybrid Fault' message on dash
Car cranks or powers up but will not enter drive
Multiple warning lights at start-up
EV mode unavailable or charging failures
What to check
Start the car from stone cold and watch the dash for any hybrid or high-voltage warnings. Confirm the car will drive in pure EV mode, then plug it into a charger (ask the seller to demonstrate) and confirm it starts and completes a charge without the port lock jamming.
Where to look: High-voltage battery and hybrid system under floor / charge port on rear flank
Ask the seller
“Has the car ever shown a Hybrid Fault or failed to start?”
“Has the HV battery or any hybrid component been replaced under warranty?”
“Is any of the 7/10-year MG NZ warranty still valid and transferable?”
0212V battery drain, infotainment freezing and central locking glitches
MinorCommonElectrical $250–$1,500 to fix
Across petrol and PHEV versions, owners report flat 12V batteries after the car sits for a few days, infotainment screens that freeze or crash (sometimes after dealer software updates, taking climate controls with them), and central locking or blind-spot/lane warning systems dropping out. Most cases are fixed with a new battery or software reflash, but some have needed alternators or repeated dealer visits. No recall applies; these are pattern faults documented across owner reviews and forums.
Symptoms to notice
Flat battery after the car sits unused
Touchscreen frozen or rebooting, climate controls unresponsive
Central locking failing or doors unlocking themselves
ADAS warnings such as 'lane assist not available'
What to check
Before the seller starts the car, check it cold-cranks strongly. Work the touchscreen for several minutes — change radio, climate and camera views — and watch for freezes. Lock and unlock the car twice with the fob, and confirm no ADAS error messages appear on a short drive.
Where to look: 12V battery in engine bay; infotainment unit in dash
Ask the seller
“Has the 12V battery or alternator been replaced, and when?”
“Have any infotainment software updates been done by a dealer?”
“Have you ever had the screen freeze or locking play up?”
EngineCritical
ElectricalCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMinor
7 more documented faults on the MG HS
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 9 documented faults for the MG HS, the recurring problem areas are engine, electrical, and transmission. A MG HS with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used MG HS?
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We've catalogued 9 known faults for the MG HS, covering engine, electrical, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a MG HS?
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Most single repairs on the MG HS fall between $350–$2,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 9 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a MG HS?
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Yes. A MG HS inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.