2017 MG ZS — MOT failures & pass rate
2,024 MOT tests on the 2017 MG ZS are in this dataset, and 83.0% of them passed. Small SUVs of a similar age fail 12.0% of the time, so this is 5.1pp worse than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (7.5%) and suspension (6.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp, coil spring and brake discs — headlamp alone was recorded 130 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 8.9% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 24.2% once past 90-120k — 2.7× the risk.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 28.6% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 12.0% of tests failed in 2021 against 21.3% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 7.5% | 151 |
| 2 | Suspension | 6.7% | 135 |
| 3 | Brakes | 6.7% | 135 |
| 4 | Tyres | 5.1% | 104 |
| 5 | Visibility | 2.4% | 49 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 0.8% | 16 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp | 130 |
| 2 | Coil spring | 123 |
| 3 | Brake discs | 63 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 52 |
| 5 | Service brake performance | 50 |
| 6 | Tread depth | 46 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 28.6% | 579 |
| 2 | Tyres | 26.6% | 539 |
| 3 | Suspension | 9.6% | 195 |
| 4 | Other defects | 7.9% | 159 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 3.0% | 60 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 2.9% | 59 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 673 | 8.9% |
| 30-60k | 1,047 | 20.6% |
| 60-90k | 271 | 22.5% |
| 90-120k | 33 | 24.2% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 366 | 12.0% |
| 2022 | 384 | 12.5% |
| 2023 | 415 | 19.0% |
| 2024 | 426 | 19.3% |
| 2025 | 433 | 21.3% |
What to check before buying a 2017 ZS
On a 2017 ZS, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 7.5% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (7.5% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (6.7% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (6.7% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2017 MG ZSs pass their MOT?
83.0% of the 2,024 2017 MG ZS MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 17.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2017 MG ZS?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 7.5% of tests, followed by suspension (6.7%).
Does the 2017 ZS get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 8.9% in the 0-30k band to 24.2% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 2,024 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.