IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2020 MG MG5 EV

MG's electric estate reached UK showrooms in September 2020 with a 52.2kWh battery, a 115kW front motor and a 214-mile WLTP claim. Excite and Exclusive trims undercut every rival electric estate.

What changed for 2020

  • •52.2kWh battery feeding a 115kW (154PS) front-mounted motor
  • •Excite and Exclusive trims, both covered by the seven-year/80,000-mile MG warranty
  • •Five-door estate body with roughly 580 litres of seats-up boot space

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front brake discs pitted or scored because the motor does most of the slowing
  • !Front tyres worn through on the inner shoulder before the outer edge looks low
  • !TPMS warning lamp staying lit after a pressure reset or sensor dropout
5
Known Issues
0
Serious
3
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Washer Pipe Detachment

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The pipe for the rear washer can disconnect, causing water to leak into the cabin or near electrical components.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£150
Warning Signs:

Rear washer not spraying, Damp smell in the boot, Wet carpets in the A-pillar area

What to Inspect:
  • Test the rear washer and check for internal leaks
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

12V Battery Drainage

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Like many EVs, the 12V battery can fail or drain, preventing the car from entering "Ready" mode.

Est. Repair Cost: £120–£200
Warning Signs:

Car won't start, Random error messages, Keyless entry glitches

What to Inspect:
  • Check the age and health of the 12V battery
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Driver Seat Collapse

ModerateInterior & Trim

The driver's seat base foam and frame can collapse on higher-mileage cars, particularly those used as ex-fleet vehicles. This affects comfort and support.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£400
Warning Signs:

Seat feeling "saggy", Reduced lateral support, Discomfort on long drives

What to Inspect:
  • Sit in the driver's seat and check for support and firmness
  • Look for visible compression of the seat base
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front Tyre Wear

MinorSuspension & Chassis

The MG5 is front-wheel drive with significant torque, leading to faster-than-expected front tyre wear. This is worse in Eco mode which can cause wheel spin on damp surfaces.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£200 per tyre
Warning Signs:

Front tyres wearing faster than rears, Uneven tread wear pattern, Reduced grip in wet conditions

What to Inspect:
  • Compare front and rear tyre tread depths
  • Check the tyre pressures are correct
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Chrome Trim Corrosion

MinorBodywork & Rust

Some owners have reported surface rust developing on the shiny chrome trim pieces around the doors and windows, particularly on cars without mudflaps fitted.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£200
Warning Signs:

Rust spots on chrome door trim, Orange staining on brightwork, Corrosion around window surrounds

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect all chrome and bright trim pieces for early signs of rust
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2020 MG MG5 EV

  • Ask for a battery state-of-health report and check the age of the 12V auxiliary battery
  • Test AC and DC charging on the same day, and check the charge port latch releases cleanly
  • Inspect the inner edges of both front tyres and the face of each brake disc