IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 MG ZS (Modern Petrol)

The ZS reached UK showrooms in November 2017 with a 106PS 1.5 VTi and five-speed manual, or a 111PS 1.0-litre turbo triple with six-speed manual or automatic, in Explore, Excite and Exclusive trims.

What changed for 2017

  • •1.5-litre VTi four-cylinder with 106PS and a five-speed manual
  • •1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder with 111PS and six-speed manual or automatic
  • •Explore, Excite and Exclusive trims with a 448-litre boot

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front tyres worn on the inner shoulder after kerb strikes or poor alignment
  • !Worn front anti-roll bar drop links causing a knock over speed cushions
  • !TPMS warning lamp lit by a failed sensor or unreset pressure change
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

Premature Clutch Wear (Manual)

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Some manual ZS owners have reported that the clutch wears out significantly earlier than expected.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£800
Warning Signs:

Slipping clutch, High bite point, Smell of burning after hills

What to Inspect:
  • Test clutch engagement in high gear/low speed
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Stalling When Cold (Petrol)

ModerateEngine

Some petrol ZS models have been reported to stall when cold, particularly the DVVT-equipped engines. This is often linked to software calibration or dirty throttle bodies.

Est. Repair Cost: Software Update / £50–£150
Warning Signs:

Engine cutting out when pulling away from cold, Rough idle on first start, Requires throttle blip to keep running

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive from cold
  • Check for any outstanding software updates
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Infotainment Lag and Freezing

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The central touchscreen is known for being slow to boot and occasionally freezing.

Est. Repair Cost: Software Update / £200
Warning Signs:

Screen unresponsive, Bluetooth dropping out

What to Inspect:
  • Test responsiveness of climate controls via the screen
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

TPMS Warning Faults

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System can display false warnings or fail to reset after adjusting tyre pressures. Sensors may drop out intermittently, especially in cold weather.

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

Persistent TPMS warning light, TPMS showing dashes instead of pressures, False low-pressure alerts

What to Inspect:
  • Check all tyre pressures are correct
  • Try a TPMS reset via the infotainment menu
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2017 MG ZS (Modern Petrol)

  • Test the 1.0T automatic for jerky low-speed shifts on a cold start
  • Check the infotainment screen boots promptly and pairs with a phone
  • Look for paint chips and bubbling along the bonnet leading edge