2022 MG HS Exclusive Phev Auto 1.5L Hybrid electric · VK22 XEL

A pattern of wear-related advisories is beginning to emerge on this MG HS PHEV, with the most recent MOT on 1 April 2026 recording five separate items that warrant attention. The test itself was a pass, but the clustering of brake, suspension, tyre and steering advisories on a single inspection indicates the early signs of mid-life consumable wear typically seen as a vehicle moves beyond its fourth year. None of the items recorded constitute a failure at present, yet several show progressive characteristics that should not be ignored, particularly the pitted rear brake discs and the oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber, both of which can advance between annual tests. Annual mileage on this MG averages roughly 6,400 miles, which is broadly typical for a four-year-old family SUV of this class. Two MOT tests have been recorded to date, with no evidence of long stationary periods or unusual gaps in testing history. The mileage accumulation appears steady and consistent, which means components such as brake pads, discs, tyres and suspension bushes have been worked at a normal rate rather than suffering either the dry-joint corrosion associated with very low use or the accelerated wear associated with high-mileage motorway use. That said, the modest annual mileage combined with a plug-in hybrid powertrain means the combustion engine may have seen relatively limited running, which can sometimes allow oil seals and gaskets to weep slightly without the heat cycles that would otherwise evaporate minor seepage. The oil misting noted on the nearside rear shock is consistent with this kind of gentle, short-trip usage profile. For a prospective buyer, the steering column universal joint wear flagged on the latest test is worth particular attention during a physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for any sloppiness or audible click when turning the wheel from lock to lock with the engine running, and feel for any notchiness or inconsistent resistance in the steering, as universal joint wear typically manifests as a slight delay or looseness in directional changes before becoming a more pronounced knocking sensation over uneven surfaces. The pitted rear brake discs, first noted in April 2025 and recurring on the offside rear in 2026, should be evaluated by feel during a moderate-speed stop: pedal pulsation, vibration through the brake pedal or a grinding sensation under braking would indicate the corrosion has progressed beyond a cosmetic stage and the discs may require machining or replacement. Given that the nearside rear disc has not been separately flagged, it is reasonable to assume both rears are subject to similar corrosion given equal exposure. The nearside rear shock absorber oil misting, together with the front tyre sidewall cracking on both nearside and offside, rounds out the areas requiring scrutiny. Shock absorber misting is an early indicator of seal degradation and typically progresses to a visible drip if left unaddressed; on a road test, pay particular attention to body control over speed humps, undulating B-roads and during emergency lane changes, listening for any clonking or excessive bounce at the back end which would indicate the damper is losing pressure. The tyre sidewall damage advisories on both front tyres are notable as a paired issue, suggesting either ageing rubber compounds or repeated kerbing contact, and any prospective purchase should include a close visual inspection of all four tyres for cracking, bulging or impact damage, as sidewall deterioration of this nature can compromise structural integrity well before the tread reaches the legal minimum. Taken together, the MOT history does not present a vehicle with urgent mechanical concerns, but it does point to a car entering a phase where several mid-life consumables are approaching the point at which proactive replacement would be prudent.