MG HS Common Problems

The MG HS is a Chinese-built mid-size SUV. The first generation (AS23) arrived in late 2019 with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, driving the front wheels. In 2021 MG added a 2.0-litre turbo all-wheel drive version with a 6-speed dual-clutch, and the HS +EV plug-in hybrid, which pairs a 1.5-litre turbo with an electric motor and MG's multi-speed electric drive gearbox. The second generation (AS33) launched in September 2024 with a 1.5-litre turbo, followed in mid 2025 by the Super Hybrid plug-in and the HS Hybrid+. Owners rarely report major engine failures, but complaints about the dual-clutch, power delivery, software and dealer support are common, and long-term data is still limited.

Dual-clutch jerkiness and low-speed lurching (1.5T 7-speed and 2.0T 6-speed DCT, 2019 to 2024)

A frequent driving complaint on first-generation petrol cars is the dual-clutch automatic. Some owners describe lurching or jerky take-offs, sluggish or harsh shifts in stop-start traffic, and the box dropping several gears at once without warning. Dual-clutch gearboxes behave differently from a conventional automatic at walking pace, and some of this is calibration rather than a fault. A box that shudders, slips, clunks into gear or shows a transmission warning is not normal.

Ask whether the dealer has applied transmission software updates, and drive the car in slow traffic, up a driveway and in reverse. On a car still under MG's warranty, a gearbox fault should be a warranty repair. Out of warranty, clutch pack or mechatronic work on a dual-clutch can run into thousands of dollars, so a poor-shifting car is one to walk away from.

Hesitation, sudden power loss and limp mode (1.5L turbo, 2019 to 2024)

Several owners report a delay when pulling away from a stop or into a roundabout, made worse by turbo lag and the dual-clutch taking up drive at the same time. A smaller number describe a sudden loss of power with a warning light, the car going into limp mode, or stalling at low speed, with some saying dealers found no fault on the first visit. Causes reported by owners vary, and no single confirmed fault or service bulletin explains them. Ask for dealer invoices showing any engine or gearbox repairs and software updates, and treat a car with a history of repeat visits for the same complaint with caution.

Laggy or freezing infotainment (all HS, 2019 to 2025)

The touchscreen is a frequent complaint across the range. Owners report slow responses, freezes, unreliable built-in navigation and slow Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connections. It matters more than in most cars because many functions, including some climate settings, are run through the screen. Reviewers also mark down the newer HS for touch-heavy controls. Software updates at a dealer may fix some of this. Test the screen from a cold start, connect your own phone, and check the reversing camera and climate controls before you buy.

Driver assistance quirks: cruise surging and speed sign errors (MG Pilot, 2019 to 2026)

MG Pilot, the HS's driver assistance package, draws regular complaints. Owners report adaptive cruise control surging or lagging behind traffic, speed sign recognition misreading limits, and warnings they found hard to trust. Reviewers of the 2026 HS Hybrid+ still listed an annoying speed limit warning as a downside. Most of this is software behaviour rather than a part failing, but a camera or radar warning that stays on can point to a misaligned sensor after a windscreen replacement or bumper repair. Check that no driver assistance faults are showing and ask about any windscreen or front-end repairs.

Spongy or inconsistent brake feel (first generation, 2019 to 2024)

Some owners describe a soft, spongy or inconsistent brake pedal. These reports are fewer than the gearbox and software complaints. Brake firmly from about 80 km/h on the test drive. The pedal should feel firm and consistent, the car should stop straight, and there should be no shudder. A brake fluid flush and inspection at a workshop is a cheap first step if the pedal feels soft.

Recalls and safety

A recall covers HS +EV plug-in hybrids from the 2021 and 2022 model years, issued in 2023. Carpet underlay may have been trapped between a nut and an electrical ground stud, and vibration could loosen the nut, overheating wiring under the floor and creating a fire risk. Ask for proof this work was done on any HS +EV. The first-generation HS was rated five stars by ANCAP in 2019 and the second generation five stars in 2024; check which variants each rating covers. Have an MG dealer check the VIN for open recalls and software updates, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used MG HS? What to check

• Service history: Ask for the logbook and invoices, because MG's warranty depends on on-time servicing.
• Dual-clutch behaviour: Drive in slow traffic, up a slope and in reverse, and walk away from shudder, slipping or clunks.
• Repeat repairs: Look for invoices showing the same power loss or gearbox complaint more than once.
• Warning lights: Check that no engine, gearbox or driver assistance warnings stay on after start-up.
• Infotainment: Test the screen, navigation, climate controls and your own phone through CarPlay or Android Auto.
• Brakes: Brake firmly from 80 km/h and feel for a soft pedal or shudder.
• PHEV recall and charging: On an HS +EV, confirm the fire risk recall was done and test charging on a home charger.
• Rental history: Some HS models have been rental or loan cars, so check for wear and price accordingly.

Run a PPSR check to rule out finance owing or a write-off, and use our MG HS buying checklist at the inspection.

The verdict

A later first-generation 1.5T with full dealer history, current software and warranty left is the safest petrol buy, as long as the dual-clutch drives smoothly in traffic. The HS +EV gives strong electric range for the money, but buy one only with its recall work done. The 2.0T all-wheel drive is quicker but rarer. The second-generation HS and its hybrids are too new for clear long-term trends, so lean on the remaining warranty and a dealer check of updates.