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MG2017–2022 Major issues documented

MG ZS EV: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used MG ZS EV (2017–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning electrical, suspension, engine, and brakes. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact MG ZS EV

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

5

Documented faults

Major

Most serious

$400–$900

Typical repair

12

Service milestones

Which MG ZS EV are you looking at?

5 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this MG ZS EV

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

MG ZS EVEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the ZS EV came with 4, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

MG ZS EV

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a MG ZS EV before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Request a battery health report from an EV diagnostics tool or MG dealer OBD scan.

    See why

    Gen 1 Battery Pack Capacity Degradation

    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.

    What you would 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

    Typically $4,000–$12,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect all intercooler hose connections and clamp or clip condition.

    See why

    1.3T Turbo Intercooler Pipe Clip Failure Causing Boost Leak

    The 1.3-litre turbocharged engine in ZS models uses spring-clip retained intercooler hose connections that are prone to releasing under boost pressure, causing a sudden loss of engine power and a hissing noise under acceleration. The failure is triggered by clip fatigue or incorrect seating during servicing. Affected vehicles typically show hesitation and power drop under load. Replacement with revised worm-drive clamps or dealer-supplied updated clips is the standard fix.

    What you would notice

    • Loss of power under acceleration, particularly at higher throttle inputs
    • Hissing sound from the engine bay under load
    • Boost pressure fault code such as P0299
    • Engine entering a low-power protection mode

    Typically $100–$450 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Test cabin heating with engine cold in cool conditions.

    See why

    Gen 2 Heat Pump Compressor Failure

    The second-generation MG ZS EV (51 kWh, 2022-on) added a heat pump for cabin heating efficiency. Units have been documented with heat pump compressor failure within the first two years, reverting the vehicle to resistive heating only and causing significant real-world range reduction in cold weather. The refrigerant circuit and compressor assembly are the primary failure points reported by NZ and AU owners.

    What you would notice

    • Cabin heating ineffective or slow in ambient temperatures below 10°C
    • HVAC system fault codes on instrument cluster
    • Excessive range loss in cold weather beyond normal EV battery behaviour
    • Heat pump compressor noise before complete failure

    Typically $1,200–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Lift front of vehicle and spin each wheel by hand, checking for roughness or grinding.

    See why

    Front Wheel Bearing Premature Failure

    Early-production MG ZS EV units (2019–2021) have a documented pattern of front wheel bearing failure before 50,000 km. The bearing specification used in initial production was not adequately rated for the additional unsprung mass of the electric front motor and single-speed drive unit. Replacement requires workshop access to the hub assembly and may trigger ABS reluctor ring damage. Reported by AU and NZ independent mechanics.

    What you would notice

    • Humming or droning from front wheel increasing with vehicle speed
    • Noise shifts which side is louder when cornering (load transfer test)
    • ABS reluctor ring damage causing ABS fault codes
    • Vibration felt through steering wheel at 80–100 km/h

    Typically $400–$900 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Check brake pad backing plates for flaking rust.

    See why

    Front Brake Dust Shield and Pad Backing Plate Corrosion

    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.

    What you would 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

    Typically $250–$700 to put right.

MG ZS EV service schedule

What falls due, and at what distance, for each generation of the MG ZS EV. These are the model’s intervals — the car’s own service book is the only thing that can tell you what has actually been done to it.

MG ZS EV First Generation (Facelift) Long Range · 2022–2026 · 72.6 kWh Battery - Essence

Electric

Due by distance

  1. 20,000 km

    Cabin ventilation filter swapped, a full high-voltage insulation circuit check, and a diagnostic on the electronic brake booster.

  2. 40,000 km

    Brake fluid fully exchanged, tyres rotated, and a safety inspection of the battery housing underneath the car.

  3. 60,000 km

    Close inspection of the main liquid coolant loop and its reservoir levels, which handle the big 72.6 kWh pack's temperature.

  4. 80,000 km

    A full check of the dampers, suspension joints and drive unit reduction gear to confirm they are healthy after sustained heavy loads.

MG ZS EV First Generation (Facelift) Standard Range · 2022–2026 · 50.3 kWh Battery - Excite/Essence

Electric

Due by distance

  1. 20,000 km

    First major cabin microfilter change, a diagnostic scan of the LFP battery cells, and a check for any outstanding dealer recall updates.

  2. 40,000 km

    Brake fluid flush is required to clear out moisture, along with a careful tyre tread check — front-wheel electric torque wears them.

  3. 60,000 km

    Thorough inspection of the high-voltage battery cooling lines, and a validation of the onboard charger circuits.

  4. 80,000 km

    Detailed suspension health check covering the lower control arm bushings and anti-roll bar links, which take a beating on local roads.

MG ZS EV First Generation (Pre-facelift) · 2019–2021 · 44.5 kWh Battery - Excite/Essence

Electric

Due by distance

  1. 20,000 km

    First major systems health check and a new cabin air filter; get a certified dealer to supply a high-voltage battery state-of-health report.

  2. 40,000 km

    Brake fluid flush matters here, along with a close look at how braking hands over from regenerative to friction; the cabin microfilter is due too.

  3. 60,000 km

    Full check of the high-voltage cooling loop hoses, plus the 12V auxiliary battery, which often needs replacing by this age.

  4. 80,000 km

    Steering linkage, front suspension control arm bushings and rear dampers all checked, to catch wear from rough New Zealand roads.

See all 5 documented issuesEverything researched for the MG ZS EV.
Depends on which engine this MG ZS EV has — 5Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

011.3T Turbo Intercooler Pipe Clip Failure Causing Boost Leak

Inspect all intercooler hose connections and clamp or clip condition.petrol2019 onwardEngine
CommonEngine $100–$450 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The 1.3-litre turbocharged engine in ZS models uses spring-clip retained intercooler hose connections that are prone to releasing under boost pressure, causing a sudden loss of engine power and a hissing noise under acceleration. The failure is triggered by clip fatigue or incorrect seating during servicing. Affected vehicles typically show hesitation and power drop under load. Replacement with revised worm-drive clamps or dealer-supplied updated clips is the standard fix.

Symptoms to notice

  • Loss of power under acceleration, particularly at higher throttle inputs
  • Hissing sound from the engine bay under load
  • Boost pressure fault code such as P0299
  • Engine entering a low-power protection mode

What to check

Inspect all intercooler hose connections and clamp or clip condition. Look for signs of oil residue around hose joints indicating a boost leak. Squeeze hoses to check for hardening or cracking. A smoke test can confirm any boost system leak. Hard acceleration test should reveal any power drop.

Where to look: Intercooler pipes and hose connections, engine bay

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has any hissing from the engine been noticed under hard acceleration?”
  • “Has the vehicle ever lost power suddenly and then recovered?”
  • “Have any intercooler or boost system components been replaced?”
Electrical2

01Gen 1 Battery Pack Capacity Degradation

Request a battery health report from an EV diagnostics tool or MG dealer OBD scan.ev2019–2022Electrical
CommonElectrical $4,000–$12,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

  1. Request a battery health report from an EV diagnostics tool or MG dealer OBD scan.
  2. Note the displayed range at 100% charge versus the 263 km WLTP original figure.
  3. 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?”

02Gen 2 Heat Pump Compressor Failure

Test cabin heating with engine cold in cool conditions.ev2022 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $1,200–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The second-generation MG ZS EV (51 kWh, 2022-on) added a heat pump for cabin heating efficiency. Units have been documented with heat pump compressor failure within the first two years, reverting the vehicle to resistive heating only and causing significant real-world range reduction in cold weather. The refrigerant circuit and compressor assembly are the primary failure points reported by NZ and AU owners.

Symptoms to notice

  • Cabin heating ineffective or slow in ambient temperatures below 10°C
  • HVAC system fault codes on instrument cluster
  • Excessive range loss in cold weather beyond normal EV battery behaviour
  • Heat pump compressor noise before complete failure

What to check

  1. Test cabin heating with engine cold in cool conditions.
  2. Ask about any warranty claims related to the heating system.
  3. If a workshop inspection is possible: Check for HVAC fault codes using diagnostic scan.
  4. Verify heat pump compressor operation with a technician's diagnostic tool.

Where to look: Heat pump compressor in engine bay, HVAC control module under dash

Ask the seller

  • “Has the heat pump ever been replaced or repaired under warranty?”
  • “What is heating performance like in NZ winter conditions?”
  • “Any HVAC or climate system fault codes in the vehicle history?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior2

01Front Wheel Bearing Premature Failure

Lift front of vehicle and spin each wheel by hand, checking for roughness or grinding.ev2019–2021Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $400–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Early-production MG ZS EV units (2019–2021) have a documented pattern of front wheel bearing failure before 50,000 km. The bearing specification used in initial production was not adequately rated for the additional unsprung mass of the electric front motor and single-speed drive unit. Replacement requires workshop access to the hub assembly and may trigger ABS reluctor ring damage. Reported by AU and NZ independent mechanics.

Symptoms to notice

  • Humming or droning from front wheel increasing with vehicle speed
  • Noise shifts which side is louder when cornering (load transfer test)
  • ABS reluctor ring damage causing ABS fault codes
  • Vibration felt through steering wheel at 80–100 km/h

What to check

  1. Lift front of vehicle and spin each wheel by hand, checking for roughness or grinding.
  2. Verify no play at 3 and 9 o'clock.
  3. Scan for ABS wheel-speed sensor fault codes.
  4. Test drive at highway speed listening for droning that shifts under steering input.

Where to look: Front left and right wheel hub bearing assembly

Parts involved: Wheel bearing.

Ask the seller

  • “Any humming or droning noise from the front at 80–100 km/h?”
  • “Have the front wheel bearings been inspected or replaced?”
  • “Any ABS or ESP warning lights in the vehicle's history?”

02Front Brake Dust Shield and Pad Backing Plate Corrosion

Check brake pad backing plates for flaking rust.petrol2017 onwardBrakes
CommonBrakes $250–$700 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

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

  1. Check brake pad backing plates for flaking rust.
  2. Inspect pad thickness and confirm even wear.
  3. Push the vehicle forward by hand to feel for drag.
  4. 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

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

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?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the MG ZS EV’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other MG models

MG ZS14 documented faultsMG HS9 documented faultsMG MG37 documented faultsMG ZST5 documented faults

MG ZS EV buyer questions

Is the MG ZS EV reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the MG ZS EV, the recurring problem areas are electrical, suspension, and engine. 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?

We've catalogued 5 known faults for the MG ZS EV, covering electrical, suspension, and engine. All 5 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a MG ZS EV?

Most single repairs on the MG ZS EV fall between $400–$900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.