2002 MG ZT — MOT failures & pass rate
1,962 MOT tests on the 2002 MG ZT are in this dataset, and 72.1% of them passed. That is effectively the same as large family cars of a similar age (28.1% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in suspension, brakes and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (14.8%) and brakes (13.0%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, component mounting prescribed areas and rbt (sp) — headlamp aim alone was recorded 165 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 8.3% in the 0-30k band and 31.6% in the 150k+ band, a 23.3-point spread — more than double.
Brakes is the most common advisory, noted on 37.7% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 29.8% in 2021 to 25.5% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 14.8% | 291 |
| 2 | Brakes | 13.0% | 254 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 11.8% | 231 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.5% | 107 |
| 5 | Seat belts & restraints | 5.1% | 100 |
| 6 | Visibility | 5.0% | 98 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 165 |
| 2 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 139 |
| 3 | Rbt (sp) | 118 |
| 4 | Rigid brake pipes | 103 |
| 5 | Headlamp | 98 |
| 6 | SRS malfunction indicator lamp | 76 |
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 | 37.7% | 739 |
| 2 | Suspension | 35.6% | 699 |
| 3 | Tyres | 19.1% | 375 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 16.7% | 328 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 11.3% | 221 |
| 6 | Other defects | 10.1% | 199 |
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 | 36 | 8.3% |
| 30-60k | 190 | 16.8% |
| 60-90k | 559 | 27.4% |
| 90-120k | 561 | 30.7% |
| 120-150k | 387 | 30.0% |
| 150k+ | 228 | 31.6% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1,756 | 27.2% |
| Diesel | 206 | 34.5% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 568 | 29.8% |
| 2022 | 462 | 29.6% |
| 2023 | 375 | 26.7% |
| 2024 | 294 | 25.5% |
| 2025 | 263 | 25.5% |
What to check before buying a 2002 ZT
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: suspension accounted for 14.8% of tests. Start there.
- Suspension (14.8% 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 (13.0% 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 (11.8% 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 2002 MG ZTs pass their MOT?
72.1% of the 1,962 2002 MG ZT MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 27.9% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2002 MG ZT?
Suspension, recorded in 14.8% of tests, followed by brakes (13.0%).
Does the 2002 ZT get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 8.3% in the 0-30k band to 31.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,962 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.