2001 MG ZT — MOT failures & pass rate
602 MOT tests on the 2001 MG ZT are in this dataset, and 70.8% of them passed. Against large family cars of a similar age (28.1% fail rate), the 2001 ZT comes out 1.2pp worse. Failures cluster in suspension, brakes and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (16.8%) and brakes (14.0%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are component mounting prescribed areas, rigid brake pipes and rbt (sp) — component mounting prescribed areas alone was recorded 69 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 10.3% in the 30-60k band and 19.6% in the 150k+ band, a 9.3-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 33.9% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 16.8% | 101 |
| 2 | Brakes | 14.0% | 84 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 11.1% | 67 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 7.8% | 47 |
| 5 | Seat belts & restraints | 5.8% | 35 |
| 6 | Visibility | 5.5% | 33 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 69 |
| 2 | Rigid brake pipes | 44 |
| 3 | Rbt (sp) | 36 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 31 |
| 5 | Service brake performance | 30 |
| 6 | Exhaust system | 25 |
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 | 33.9% | 204 |
| 2 | Suspension | 30.6% | 184 |
| 3 | Tyres | 17.6% | 106 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 17.3% | 104 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 12.8% | 77 |
| 6 | Other defects | 8.5% | 51 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 39 | 10.3% |
| 60-90k | 208 | 26.9% |
| 90-120k | 175 | 33.7% |
| 120-150k | 118 | 36.4% |
| 150k+ | 51 | 19.6% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 159 | 27.7% |
| 2022 | 140 | 32.1% |
| 2023 | 121 | 31.4% |
| 2024 | 96 | 25.0% |
| 2025 | 86 | 29.1% |
What to check before buying a 2001 ZT
On a 2001 ZT, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 16.8% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (16.8% 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 (14.0% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (11.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
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 2001 MG ZTs pass their MOT?
70.8% of the 602 2001 MG ZT MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 29.2% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2001 MG ZT?
Suspension, recorded in 16.8% of tests, followed by brakes (14.0%).
Does the 2001 ZT get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.3% in the 30-60k band to 19.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 602 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.