IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

MG Rover Rover 45 / MG ZS Problems by Year

The Rover 45 and MG ZS were based on the aging Honda Domani platform, heavily facelifted to fit the Rover family look. While the Rover 45 was marketed as a comfortable, traditional premium hatchback or saloon, the MG ZS was completely re-engineered by MG Rover into a surprisingly capable, sharp-handling driver's car, particularly in the V6-powered ZS 180 guise. In the UK, they are now rare sights, suffering from steep depreciation and scrappage schemes. Reliability issues center around the K-Series engine's notorious head gasket, though the Honda-derived underpinnings are robust. The ZS 180 remains a fantastic, cheap track-day or B-road car for those willing to maintain it.

Select a year below to see the specific problems affecting that model year, with estimated repair costs and severity ratings.

1
Year Periods
4
Known Issues
1
Serious Faults
2
Moderate Issues

Select a Year Period

1999–20054 issues

Browse Rover 45 / MG ZS in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for the MG Rover Rover 45 / MG ZS.

View Rover 45 / MG ZS Directory

Buying Tips for the MG Rover Rover 45 / MG ZS

  • ✓The K-Series head gasket is the primary concern; look for "mayonnaise" under the oil cap or a sweet smell of coolant.
  • ✓Check the KV6 (in the ZS 180) for timing belt replacement history; it is a complex, expensive job requiring specialist tools.
  • ✓Inspect the bodywork for rust, particularly around the rear wheel arches and the bottom of the doors.
  • ✓Test the heater blower; if it only works on setting 4, the resistor pack has failed.
  • ✓Listen for knocks from the front suspension, as the sharp handling of the ZS accelerates wear on bushes and joints.
  • ✓Check the condition of the interior fabric or leather, as the seat bolsters wear very quickly.
Check a MG Rover Rover 45 / MG ZS by Registration