If you own an MG ZS, you’ll know it’s a decent all-rounder – affordable, practical, and easy on the eye. But like all cars, it’s not without its quirks. When something starts making a weird noise or a warning light pops up, it’s always better to know what’s going on. So, here’s a quick look at some of the common problems of the MG ZS. 

• Are MG ZSs reliable cars?
• Engine problems MG ZS drivers often report
• Does the MG ZS feel underpowered?
• Electrical problems and warning lights
• Fuel economy and filters
• Every day driving quirks to look out for
• The MG ZS: Worth keeping an eye on, but still solid value

Are MG ZSs reliable cars?

For the most part, yes, the MG ZS is a reliable car. But it depends on how well it’s been looked after. If you’ve been keeping up with your servicing, using the right oil, and dealing with issues as they come up, you’ll likely have a good run with it.

But if your MG ZS has been skipping services or spending a bit too much time doing short, stop-start journeys, you might start noticing a few of the niggles that other owners mention.

Engine problems MG ZS drivers often report

The engine’s generally solid, but a few faults do come up. Here’s what people talk about most:

• Stalling when cold, usually in DVVT petrol models
• Head gasket issues. More common in older or high-mileage cars
• Flat spots or hesitation when accelerating
• Gearbox noises like a light whine or crunch when shifting
• Occasional lack of power, even in the turbocharged versions

If your MG ZS has started feeling a bit sluggish, it might just need new air filters, an oil top-up, or a clean-out of the fuel system. Nothing dramatic, but worth sorting before it gets worse and you need to finance an engine repair. 

Does the MG ZS feel underpowered?

Some owners say yes, especially in the non-turbo petrol models. Others reckon it’s got more than enough power for going around town and down the odd A-road. If you’ve noticed your ZS feeling more sluggish than it used to, it could be down to things like:

• Clogged filters
• Old spark plugs
• Software glitches
• Or just how you’re using the car (short trips don’t do engines any favours)

It’s probably not a major fault, but worth getting checked if the lack of power starts affecting everyday driving.

Worried about the cost of fixing a fault? With Bumper, you can spread the bill into easy, interest-free instalments. Like a car repair loan, but better – apply now!

Electrical problems and warning lights

This is where a lot of owners get frustrated. Common issues include:

• Random dashboard lights – especially the check engine light
• Glitches in vehicle settings
• Faulty adaptive cruise control
• Wiring that causes errors or flickering lights

Sometimes it’s just a sensor. Other times, it’s a deeper electrical fault. Either way, it’s worth having a garage plug it in and run diagnostics. The sooner you catch these things, the cheaper they usually are to fix.

Fuel economy and filters

Fuel economy’s alright for most ZS models, but it’s not amazing. If yours is burning through fuel faster than usual, it could be:

• Dirty fuel filters
• Blocked air filters
• Under-inflated tyres
• Or even just lots of short trips

In some cases, poor MPG can also be a sign that your fuel injectors aren’t working properly. If they’re clogged or faulty, it can seriously affect performance, and the fuel injector repair cost isn’t always cheap if left too long. Keeping up with basic maintenance can make a real difference at the pump.

Everyday driving quirks to look out for

If you’ve been driving your MG ZS for a while, you might have noticed a few of these:

• Road noise that creeps in at higher speeds
• A slightly soft or delayed brake pedal
• A disconnected feel from the steering wheel
• A manual gearbox that sometimes feels a bit notchy

Most of these aren’t dealbreakers, but if they get worse, it’s worth having your garage take a look.

The MG ZS: Worth keeping an eye on, but still solid value

If you’re already driving an MG ZS, don’t worry. You’re not alone if it’s had the odd fault or weird noise. Most of the common issues are manageable, especially if you catch them early. The key is regular maintenance, listening to what the car’s telling you, and not ignoring those dashboard lights. 

And if something does go wrong, don’t panic, we’ve got an easy way to cover the cost.

With Bumper’s car repair finance, you can split the cost into interest-free monthly payments – either online or right at your local garage. We’ve partnered with over 5,000 garages across the country, so you’re probably not far from a Bumper garage. Apply today for easy, affordable car repairs.