Thinking about buying a used MG ZS EV (2017–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning electrical, transmission, suspension, and engine. 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.
6
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$350–$900
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known MG ZS EV 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?”
02Front Brake Dust Shield and Pad Backing Plate Corrosion
MinorCommonBrakes $250–$700 to fix
The front brake dust shields and brake pad backing plates on MG ZS models corrode prematurely in NZ and AU conditions, particularly in coastal and high-rainfall areas. Corroded dust shields can contact the brake rotor causing dragging, uneven pad wear, and a metallic scraping sound at low speed. Backing plate corrosion can compromise pad retention. The issue is exacerbated on vehicles washed infrequently or parked near the coast. Replacement of dust shields and a full brake service is the standard resolution.
Symptoms to notice
Metallic scraping or grinding from the front brakes at low speed
Brake drag causing the vehicle to resist rolling freely
Visible heavy rust on the dust shield behind the rotor
Uneven front brake pad wear across the pad face
What to check
Check brake pad backing plates for flaking rust. Inspect pad thickness and confirm even wear. Push the vehicle forward by hand to feel for drag. If a workshop inspection is possible: With the wheel removed, inspect the dust shield behind each front rotor for corrosion and contact scoring on the inner rotor face.
Where to look: Front brake assembly, dust shields and pad backing plates behind each rotor
Ask the seller
“Has any scraping or grinding been heard from the front brakes?”
“Has the vehicle been used near the coast or in high-rainfall areas?”
“When were the front brakes last serviced or inspected?”
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
4 more documented faults on the MG ZS EV
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 6 documented faults for the MG ZS EV, the recurring problem areas are electrical, transmission, and suspension. A MG ZS EV 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 EV?
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We've catalogued 6 known faults for the MG ZS EV, covering electrical, transmission, and suspension. 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 EV?
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Most single repairs on the MG ZS EV fall between $350–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 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 EV?
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Yes. A MG ZS EV 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.