IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
1999–2005 MG Rover Rover 75 / MG ZT

We've identified 5 known issues that can affect the 1999–2005 MG Rover Rover 75 / MG ZT. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

5
Known Issues
2
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

ECU Flooding

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

Water enters the engine ECU due to blocked plenum drains.

Estimated cost: £400–£800Affects: 1999–2005

Typical symptoms

  • •No-start condition
  • •Engine cutting out
  • •Multiple dash warnings

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Drain holes in the plenum chamber

Clutch Slave Cylinder

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Concentric slave cylinder inside the gearbox can leak, requiring gearbox removal.

Estimated cost: £600–£900Affects: 1999–2005

Typical symptoms

  • •Loss of clutch pressure
  • •Leaking fluid from bellhousing

KV6 VIS Motor Failure

ModerateEngine

The Variable Intake System motors on the 2.0 and 2.5 V6 engines fail, causing loss of power and a rattling manifold.

Estimated cost: £150–£400Affects: 1999–2005

Typical symptoms

  • •Lack of power at high revs
  • •Rattling "bag of marbles" sound
  • •Poor fuel economy

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for rattling from the plastic intake manifold

Front Coil Spring Breakage

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The front coil springs are prone to snapping due to corrosion, particularly on UK roads. This is a common MOT failure.

Estimated cost: £100–£250Affects: 1999–2005

Typical symptoms

  • •Clunking from the front end
  • •Car sitting lower on one side
  • •MOT failure on broken spring

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the front springs for corrosion and cracks

Diesel Fuel Pump and MAF Failure

ModerateEngine

On the 2.0 CDTi diesel, the in-tank fuel pump and mass air flow sensor are known failure points, causing poor running and loss of power.

Estimated cost: £200–£500Affects: 1999–2005

Typical symptoms

  • •Loss of power
  • •Poor fuel economy
  • •Engine management light

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test drive for smooth power delivery
  • ✓Check for stored fault codes

Buying Tips for the 1999 MG Rover Rover 75 / MG ZT

  • ✓Check the plenum chamber (below the wipers) for standing water.
  • ✓On KV6 models, listen for a rattle from the intake manifold.
  • ✓On diesels, check for smooth power delivery; failing fuel pumps or MAF sensors are common.

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Other MG Rover Rover 75 / MG ZT Year Periods

1999–2005

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