Thinking about buying a used MG ZS (2017–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 15 known faults for this model spanning electrical, transmission, engine, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
15
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$400–$3,000
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known MG ZS faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Gen 1 Battery Pack Capacity Degradation
MajorCommonElectrical $4,000–$12,000 to fix
The first-generation MG ZS EV (44.5 kWh CATL battery pack, 2019–2022) has documented accelerated capacity degradation in NZ and AU climates. Owners report 15–20% capacity loss by year 4–5 of ownership at 35,000–60,000 km. The BMS calibration in early units did not manage cell balancing adequately, compounding normal chemistry degradation. Replacement packs are expensive and availability through NZ and AU supply chains is limited.
Symptoms to notice
Range displayed at 100% charge significantly below original 263 km WLTP
State-of-charge drops faster than expected in first and last 20% of charge
BMS cell imbalance warnings on instrument cluster
Reduced regenerative braking effectiveness
What to check
Request a battery health report from an EV diagnostics tool or MG dealer OBD scan. Note the displayed range at 100% charge versus the 263 km WLTP original figure. Check for any battery warnings in the service history.
Where to look: Under-floor high-voltage battery pack, full vehicle floor span
Ask the seller
“What range does the vehicle show at 100% charge today?”
“Has a formal battery health check been performed — what percentage was the result?”
“Any BMS or battery warning lights in the vehicle's history?”
02ZS EV: traction battery degradation — how to check before buying
MinorRareElectrical $12,000–$22,000 to fix
ZS EV packs have generally held up well — Gen 1 (44.5 kWh NMC) cars typically retain 85-92% after 5-6 years, and the facelift's 51 kWh LFP pack degrades even more slowly and tolerates daily 100% charging. Apparent 'degradation' on Gen 1 cars is often just the BMS mis-reporting until updates and a full balancing charge are done. MG's NZ warranty covers the battery for 7 years, but out-of-warranty pack replacement is expensive, so measure state of health before purchase rather than trusting the guess-o-meter.
Symptoms to notice
Full-charge indicated range well below original (Gen 1: ~260 km WLTP; facelift 51 kWh: ~320 km)
Rapid range drop in cold weather beyond the normal 15-20%
Battery warning lights
What to check
Ask an MG dealer or NZ EV specialist for a battery state-of-health report — this is cheap and definitive. Otherwise charge to 100%, note indicated range, and drive a known distance comparing consumption. Confirm remaining battery warranty (7 years/unlimited km NZ passenger cars) from first registration; a Gen 1 car near warranty end deserves a proper SoH test.
Where to look: Traction battery pack under the floor
Ask the seller
“Can I see a battery state-of-health report?”
“What range does it show at 100% charge?”
“When was it first registered — how much of the 7-year warranty remains?”
“Was it usually charged at home on AC?”
ElectricalMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMinor
ElectricalMinor
13 more documented faults on the MG ZS
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 15 documented faults for the MG ZS, the recurring problem areas are electrical, transmission, and engine. A MG ZS 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 ZS?
+
We've catalogued 15 known faults for the MG ZS, covering electrical, transmission, and engine. 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 ZS?
+
Most single repairs on the MG ZS fall between $400–$3,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 15 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 ZS?
+
Yes. A MG ZS 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.