Reliability Issues (Whatcar)

[jmcguk]

Hey guys,

So, we were thinking of buying the MG ZS EV (long-range) until we bumped into the WhatCar reliability survey (What Car? Reliability Survey: Most and least reliable electric SUVs) and saw the car was quite low on the list, even thoughn their review itself said they were pretty good (Used MG ZS EV Review - 2019-present).

Have any of you had issues with this car? Any feedback on the cars reliability or even WhatCars surveys?

 

[DBedford]

We have had our MG ZS TLR from new since June, with 27,779 miles now on the clock. New tyres all round at 25,000. Only issues have been

Having to disconnect the negative terminal from the 12v battery a few times when :

Blind spot indicators in the wing mirrors stayed on,
4-3 times the car has had a paddy at AC chargers and locked up
One occasion when the steering locked having been parked at our sons, and I try to start the car and drive off after a few hours , this was about a year ago and not happened since!

Other issue is heat transmission into other cabin from the Sun. We have had UV film applied to the driver and passenger windows (£100) to help cut now in the UV transmission. Chinese's cars are know for lack of VU protection on the glass, its can get HOT!

So the only item for the tool box we have really needed has been a 10mm ring spanner!!

When you consider MG has been the second best selling brand in the UK on a number of occasions it is bound to attract those who have had issues. But as long as you remind yourself your buying a car to a price, and you won't be getting the same quality as you would expect from a European or Japanese manufacture you won't go far wrong. I can't see us changing our MG any time soon. But we are in our late 60's and retired.

 

[Susanna]

I have a standard range ZS Trophy, bought new in November 2022. I have done just over 16000 miles, with no issues other than an occasional glitch with the infotainment unit, solved by holding down the (physical) home button to reset. I love my car!

 

[Rob24]

I love my ZS Long range, bought it second hand at 2 years old and 6,000 miles.
I've had it 16 months and the mileage is over 30,000.
I love it and I'd buy another, but hopefully not for a long, long time.
Rob

 

[Data]

Hi jmcguk, I've seen the reliability study but can say you don't need to worry about it. I'm presuming you will be buying a later model car, MK2 facelift? That's the better one to go for, but not disrespecting the MK1 as it's still a great car. But MK2 = better range, better most things.

The survey you mention covers cars up to five years old. So it includes many MK1 models. These had some issues, almost none of which are carried over to the MK2. The main issue that has resulted in the low reliability rating is the failure of the 12V battery. There was a glitch in the car's software that allowed the car to 'stay awake' after switching it off which resulted in the 12V battery going flat. An update sorted that out but there were some earlier cars that still had the problem.

Unfortunately many brands of EV cars suffer from this issue including our two Kia E-Niros. At least MG have fixed it. All the MK2s charge their 12V batteries even when the car is turned off when the battery needs it.

My ZS EV car is still only 10 months old but is faultless. It did have a minor paint issue that was put right under warranty. But it's great for road trips & everyday driving. No issues.

It's worth noting that the ZS EV was What Cars 'Car of the Year' in 2022 & 2023. They don't give out these awards easily. It's a great car & comparable to much more expensive cars. I know that as I've had many many more expensive cars that don't match up to the MG ZS EV. It beats the E-Niro easily for comfort & driving dynamics. Other road testers agree on that & the ZS is much better equipped. We have two E-Niros in the family. Of course, personal tastes come into that as well. Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with a ZS EV. Just make sure to do all the usual checks when buying used. Good luck.

 

[chowbenter]

I've had a 2020 ZSEV Excite model & currently in a 2023 ZSEV Trophy SR, the only trouble I've encountered was a dead 12V battery in the latter which needed replacing. They are a lovely car to drive IMO.

 

[LouthMGZSEV]

I have done 90k miles in total on a MG ZS Mk 1 (6yrs) & Mk 2 LR (4 yrs) with no problems, just normal servicing. Fuel saving alone is 15.5k, including servicing and RFL savings nearer 20k savings.