MG ZT Series 1 (2001-2005) reliability
MG ZT Series 1 built around 2004: about average at the MOT
MG ZT Series 1 models built around 2004 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at an MG ZT Series 1?
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Key figure
28% of MOT tests on MG ZT Series 1 models built around 2004 ended in a fail (retests included), against 29% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on MG ZT Series 1 models built around 2004 involves the suspension.
Based on 2,315 tests of ZT models registered 2001-2005.
About 1 in 8 ZT Series 1 MOTs (12.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2004 (21 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 800 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 10.0% and 14.6%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 ZT Series 1 MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2004 (21 years old).
Based on 800 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.9% and 8.3%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Series 1 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 19 years old.
How the ZT Series 1 compares
At each age below, see how the ZT Series 1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 5,058 tests across 4 MG models, built around 2004 (21 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the ZT Series 1.
- 1
BMW 3 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 25.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.8%
No clear edge over the MG ZT Series 1 on these figures.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
11,084 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 2
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.2%
No clear edge over the MG ZT Series 1 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 3
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 31.4%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 9%
- Dangerous
- 7.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 86.7%
No clear edge over the MG ZT Series 1 on these figures.
8 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,109 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- 4
Jaguar XJ
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 11%
- Dangerous
- 5.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 93.8%
Lower fail rate: 23.6%, against 27.8% for the MG ZT Series 1, both built around 2004.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,985 MOT tests on cars built around 2004
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the MG ZT name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on ZT Series 1 cars built around 2004
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 177 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 14% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
How ZT Series 1 cars have aged
How ZT Series 1 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
How each part holds up as Series 1 cars age
How each part holds up as Series 1 cars age
The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 21 years | 22 years | 23 years | 24 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 54% | 53% | 44% | 58% |
| Brakes | 72% | 66% | 71% | 72% |
| Emissions | 39% | 30% | 25% | 30% |
| Tyres | 50% | 52% | 51% | 50% |
| Lighting | 61% | 69% | 64% | 69% |
| Drivetrain | 2% | 2% | 1% | 6% |
| Bodywork | 3% | 3% | 2% | 5% |
| Steering | 6% | 8% | 8% | 8% |
| Corrosion | 14% | 17% | 15% | 13% |
Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 98 to 210 cars at each age.
Series 1 variants compared
Most common issues on MG ZTs of this age
This list covers every MG ZT built around 2004, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Series 1 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 121.6%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 217.8%Advisory
Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened
- 315.8%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 415.5%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 512.8%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 800 tests
Looking at an MG ZT Series 1?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2004 (21 years old), the MG ZT Series 1 (2001-2005) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 800 21-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.