The MG HS, a compact SUV from the revitalised British marque now under Chinese ownership, has gained attention for its affordability and generous equipment levels.

However, questions about its long-term reliability remain. This guide dives into common MG HS problems, ranging from recalls to frequently reported issues from owners, to give you the full picture.

• Is the MG HS Reliable?
• MG HS Ground Stud Recall
• Radio/Infotainment System Issues
• Jerky Gear Changes
• Cabin Creaks and Build Quality
• Battery Drain / 12V Battery Issues
• Is the MG HS Worth It?

Is the MG HS Reliable?

The MG HS has received mixed reviews in terms of reliability. According to What Car?'s reliability survey, the HS scored 86.9%, which, although sounds good, is below the class average for medium SUVs.

While this isn’t disastrous, it does indicate that some owners have experienced reliability problems. It's worth noting that MG came dead last as a manufacturer in WhatCar?'s testing.

MG does offer a 7-year warranty, which is a big plus, but it’s still important to understand what issues could arise, especially if you’re looking at buying second-hand.

MG HS Ground Stud Recall

In May 2023, over 5,100 MG HS Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and HS +EV models were recalled due to a fire risk caused by a misplaced carpet underlay affecting the electrical ground stud. The connection in question is related to the PTC unit, which is essentially a heater in an EV. 

Unsurprisingly, MG were keen to get this issue remedied on the 3,000 or so vehicles affected; the same recall was issued in Australia too, affecting even more cars. 

Be sure to check any car you own or buy for recalls by using the .gov website, and it's also a good idea to check with a main dealer to see if your car has been fixed too.

Radio/Infotainment System Issues

Owners have experienced infotainment glitches, including the touch screen display freezing or becoming frustratingly slow to respond. While not all are subject to official recalls, these issues can be frustrating and impact day-to-day usability.

Whilst many of these errors were fixed by restarting the system, which required turning the car on and off, this isn’t something you can safely do regularly!

Jerky Gear Changes (DCT Transmission)

Whilst most HS models sold were hybrid models, a large number of petrol-engined versions were made too. Many owners of these automatic MG HS models have reported jerky gear changes from the dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

This is most noticeable at low speeds, such as when pulling away from a stop. Some owners reported that switching the car to sport mode eases the issue temporarily, but a software update from MG is evidently needed to resolve the issue fully.

Cabin Creaks and Build Quality

From the type and number of build quality complaints found online, it's unsurprising that owners have had issues with interior creaks, rattles and general poor fitment.

Several owners have noted such issues developing in the cabin within the first 12–18 months of ownership. Whilst this is a small issue in the grand scheme of things, owners are rightly miffed.

Battery Drain / 12V Battery Issues

There are scattered reports of the MG HS experiencing issues with the 12V battery draining, especially when left unused for a few days. There are rumours that this issue is linked to the infotainment system issues mentioned above, but there’s no confirmation of this. 

In most cases, it seems a new battery solves the issue, but in some cases, a new alternator is required. 

Is the MG HS Worth It?

The MG HS is undeniably attractive for its price point and high spec. But if reliability is high on your priority list, it’s worth considering these commonly reported issues and comparing them against competitors.

The 7-year manufacturer warranty should give some peace of mind, but double-check if this can be transferred when buying second-hand, and what parts it covers, repair-wise.

Get Car Repair Finance With Bumper

If you have an MG HS or any other vehicle that needs repairs, consider spreading the cost with interest-free car repair finance from Bumper. To start, find your nearest approved partner garage.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.