MG ZS Common Problems

The MG ZS is a budget small SUV built in China by SAIC. The first generation (model code ZS11) arrived in late 2017 with a 1.5-litre petrol and 4-speed automatic, or a 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic in the Essence. The ZST facelift from September 2020 brought a 1.3-litre turbo three-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic, and the facelifted 1.5-litre ZS is reported to have later moved to a CVT. The ZS EV (around 2020 on, updated in mid 2022 with a 51 kWh battery) shares the body. The second generation (ZS32) launched in November 2024 as the ZS Hybrid+, with petrol versions added in 2025. Reliability reports are mostly about drivability, software and electrical niggles rather than major engine failures, but long-term data is still thin.

Hesitant automatic at low speed (1.0T and 1.3T 6-speed auto, 2017 to 2024)

Reviewers of both the 2019 ZS Essence 1.0T and the 2020 to 2021 ZST 1.3T described the 6-speed automatic pausing and stumbling as it takes up drive from a standstill, with a slipping feel off the line and slow kickdown when you ask for overtaking power. Some owners describe the same jerky behaviour in stop-start traffic and on gentle hill starts. Much of this is how the car was calibrated rather than a fault, but a box that thumps into gear, flares between shifts or shudders is not normal.

Ask whether the dealer has applied any transmission software updates, and drive the car in traffic, not just on an open road. If a gearbox fault is found it should be a warranty matter on cars still covered, so check how much of MG's warranty remains. Out of warranty, a gearbox repair or replacement on these cars is hard to price and could run into several thousand dollars, so a shift complaint is a reason to walk away or negotiate hard.

Wheel alignment and early front tyre wear (petrol ZS and ZST, 2017 to 2022)

One pre-purchase inspection guide for used 2017 to 2022 ZS models lists misalignment and premature front tyre wear as common findings, along with inconsistent brake pedal feel. Some of these cars spent their early life in rental fleets, where kerb strikes are common. Look for scrubbed inner or outer edges on the front tyres, a steering wheel that sits off centre, and a pull to one side. A four-wheel alignment should cost roughly $90 to $150, and a pair of front tyres adds a few hundred dollars more. If the car still pulls after an alignment, have the front suspension and steering parts checked for impact damage.

Infotainment and electrical glitches (all ZS, ZST and ZS EV, 2017 to 2025)

The touchscreen is a frequent owner complaint across both generations: freezing or slow screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto dropping out, Bluetooth that will not reconnect, and settings that do not save. Some owners also report random warning lights and driver assistance alerts that come and go. Owners say many of these were fixed, or improved, with software updates at an MG dealer, and some clear after a restart of the system. An inspection guide for ex-rental ZS models also notes trim damage and electrical issues. Before you buy, test every screen function with your own phone and check for warning lights once the car is running.

12V battery going flat (ZS EV, 2020 to 2024)

A recurring theme on MG EV owner forums is the ZS EV's small 12V battery going flat, leaving the car dead even though the main battery is charged. Australian owners have linked it to cars left plugged in after charging finishes, to some home chargers, and to software, and several report it was fixed with a dealer software update, a new 12V battery, or both. No recall or factory bulletin for it has been confirmed. A replacement 12V battery should cost a few hundred dollars fitted. Ask the seller whether the car has ever needed a jump start and whether the software is up to date.

Charging faults and battery management glitches (ZS EV, 2020 to 2024)

Some ZS EV owners report a "Vehicle Control System Fault" or high-voltage battery shut-off warning when starting a DC fast charge on certain chargers, and others describe home charging stopping before the battery finished, then restarting when the car was woken up. Owners report that software updates improved rapid-charging behaviour, and that a restart or a dealer reset cleared many one-off faults. A charging control unit fault is a dealer diagnosis and should be covered while the car is under warranty. Test the car on both a home charger and a DC fast charger before you buy, and ask for the battery health reading from a dealer.

Power loss when the hybrid battery runs low (ZS Hybrid+, 2024 to 2025)

Soon after the second-generation ZS Hybrid+ launched, owners and reviewers reported that when the small hybrid battery ran down, power could drop sharply, with the engine revving hard, making overtaking or steep climbs difficult. MG Australia released a software update for new and used cars through dealers from mid-December 2024. It changes how the system keeps the battery charged under load, on hills and at highway speed. Any ZS Hybrid+ you look at should have this update; a dealer can confirm it from the VIN.

Recalls and safety

Early ZS models built from late 2016 to 2018 were recalled for a stability control software fault that could reduce power steering assistance and make the steering heavy. The fix was a free software update at an MG dealer. Other campaigns may apply to the ZS EV and later cars. The ZS Hybrid+ power fix above was a software update, not a recall. Have an MG dealer check the VIN for open recalls and software updates before you buy, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used MG ZS? What to check

• Service history: Ask for the logbook and dealer invoices, since the seven-year warranty depends on servicing on time.
• Software updates: Ask a dealer to list the updates applied to the gearbox, infotainment and, on the EV and Hybrid+, the battery and power systems.
• Low-speed drive: Drive in traffic and on a hill start, and walk away from a car that thumps, flares or shudders between gears.
• Front tyres and alignment: Check the front tyres for edge wear and the car for any pull or off-centre steering wheel.
• Ex-rental signs: Look for worn trim, kerbed wheels and a fleet-style history, and price the car to match.
• Screen and phone: Connect your own phone, test CarPlay or Android Auto, the reversing camera and the sound system.
• EV charging: On a ZS EV, test a home charge and a DC fast charge, and ask whether the 12V battery has been replaced.
• Hybrid+ update: On a ZS Hybrid+, confirm the December 2024 power management update has been done.

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

The verdict

A well-serviced ZST 1.3T with warranty left is the best petrol buy. The early 1.5-litre 4-speed is simple but slow, and the 1.0T Essence's gearbox is the least liked. A ZS EV can be good value if it charges properly on both home and fast chargers, with the 2022 update the better pick for range. Buy a ZS Hybrid+ only with its power management update done. With any ZS, warranty time left and service history count for more than the badge.