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MG ZR MOT Check

MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the MG ZR. Check any ZR by registration number below.

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70.6%

Avg Pass Rate

-12.6%

vs MG Avg

7

Year Ranges

Average

Reliability

MG ZR — MOT Reliability Overview

The MG ZR has an average MOT pass rate of 70.6%, which is 12.6 percentage points below the MG brand average of 83.1%. This is a reasonable result that reflects typical UK reliability standards. Regular servicing and addressing advisories promptly will help keep your ZR on the road.

The most common reasons a MG ZR fails its MOT are the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement. If you are preparing your ZR for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.

Before buying a used MG ZR, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.

MOT Pass Rate by Year

How the MG ZR performs at MOT across different model years.

2006

Based on 143 vehicles

69.2%Average
MG average: 83.1%
Dangerous Defects

5.6%

Retest Rate

32.4%

2005

Based on 1,145 vehicles

71.6%Average
MG average: 83.1%
Dangerous Defects

6.0%

Retest Rate

20.2%

2004

Based on 1,737 vehicles

68.0%Average
MG average: 83.1%
Dangerous Defects

5.2%

Retest Rate

25.5%

2003

Based on 1,338 vehicles

69.2%Average
MG average: 83.1%
Dangerous Defects

4.7%

Retest Rate

23.6%

2002

Based on 694 vehicles

71.3%Average
MG average: 83.1%
Dangerous Defects

5.8%

Retest Rate

30.0%

2001

Based on 217 vehicles

70.5%Average
MG average: 83.1%
Dangerous Defects

3.8%

Retest Rate

21.5%

0

Based on 2,979 vehicles

74.1%Average
MG average: 83.1%
Mileage at 5yr

84k mi

Top MOT Failures — MG ZR

The most common reasons a MG ZR fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.

1

The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

4.2%
2

The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

3.2%
3

Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement

2.9%
4

A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc

2.6%
5

Exhaust system leaking or insecure

2.3%
MG ZR Common Faults & Repair Costs

Where Failures Occur

The areas of the vehicle most commonly flagged during MOT inspections.

Front Nearside

7.7%

Rear Offside

6.3%

Offside

4.2%

Other MG Models

Compare MOT reliability across MG models.

MG 6

64.3% pass rate

MG 3

76.5% pass rate

MG MGB

70.0% pass rate

MG Mgb Roadster

95.5% pass rate

MG B Gt

75.0% pass rate

MG B

88.0% pass rate

Useful MOT Guides

Common MOT Failures

The most common reasons UK vehicles fail their MOT — and how to prepare.

MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist to improve your chances of passing first time.

Advisory vs Failure

Understanding the difference between MOT advisories and failures.

See detailed fault analysis for MG ZR

MG ZR — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the MG ZR MOT and reliability.

What is the MOT pass rate for the MG ZR?
The average MOT pass rate for the MG ZR is 70.6% compared to the MG average of 83.1%. Pass rates vary by year — check the year-by-year breakdown on this page for details.
What are the most common MOT failures on a MG ZR?
The most common MOT failures on the MG ZR are: The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired (4.2%), The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements (3.2%), Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (2.9%). These are the components most likely to cause an MOT failure.
Is the MG ZR reliable?
With an average MOT pass rate of 70.6%, the MG ZR is rated as "Average" for reliability. This is around average — regular maintenance is recommended to avoid common failure points.
How do I check the MOT history of a MG ZR?
Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search box at the top of this page. You will instantly see the complete MOT history including every test result, mileage readings, advisories, and dangerous defects — completely free.
What mileage should I expect on a MG ZR?
Typical mileage for the MG ZR: 84,097 miles at 5 years. Use these benchmarks when evaluating a used ZR to spot vehicles with unusually high or low mileage.

Check Your MG ZR's MOT History

Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.

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