2022+ · 64 kWh Standard Range (204 hp / 150 kW) · NMC battery
Affordable Chinese EV with good value and strong standard equipment, but reliability issues are a significant concern. The MG 4 finished last in its class with a 63.8% reliability score. Software problems are widespread, from infotainment freezing to dangerous lane-keep assist behavior that required a service campaign (SC077). Early 2022 cars suffer from gearbox oil leaks, sagging undertrays, and 12V battery drain. Build quality is inconsistent with reports of water ingress and interior trim issues. AC charging failures can take months to repair due to parts shortages. The 64 kWh battery itself appears solid with minimal degradation reported, and MG's 7-year warranty provides some protection, but expect software bugs and electrical gremlins throughout ownership.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€800 - €1,400/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€300-600
Risk buffer
€500-800
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Lane Keep Assist / AEB software issues€0 (warranty fix)
System aggressively yanks steering wheel and causes phantom emergency braking · more· less
This is one of the most serious and widespread MG 4 issues. Lane Keep Assist tries to rip the wheel from your hands over 40 mph, pushes the car toward dangerous verges on narrow roads, and pulls you over the white line into oncoming traffic. Which? magazine specifically highlighted this as a dangerous implementation. Automatic Emergency Braking has high false-positive rates, causing unexpected emergency stops mid-junction or mid-turn. MG issued Service Campaign SC077 to address LKA issues via software update, and owners report significant improvement after the update. However, the system defaults back on every drive and requires navigating 5-6 buttons in different screen locations to disable. Many owners simply disable both systems permanently. Covered under warranty.
12V auxiliary battery drain / failure€120 - €180
Battery dies after 2 weeks of inactivity, low-quality flooded battery · more· less
Multiple owners report 12V battery dying after only 2 weeks of the car sitting unused. The original battery is described as poor quality flooded type. Some cases involve parasitic drain from OBD2 readers, dashcams, or a known issue with the radio cable. Software issues can prevent the high-voltage battery from properly maintaining the 12V battery charge. Replacement battery costs around €120, with MG covering up to €100 under warranty (battery is considered wear item). Dealers charge €500+ for the service. Recommendation: upgrade to an AGM battery with 4-year warranty (vs. original 1-year). Keep a jump starter in the car.
Infotainment screen freezing / climate control bugs€0 - €800
Screen freezes, goes black, climate control unresponsive, CarPlay crashes · more· less
The infotainment system freezes after short use, screen goes black and becomes unresponsive. Climate control pop-ups overlay Android Auto/CarPlay and get stuck, requiring reset by holding home button. Navigation freezes when exiting climate screen. Some cases resolved by software update (version R59 or later), others required complete hardware replacement. Dealer updates can brick the system - one owner's climate control was completely non-functional after attempted HVAC software update, making the car unsafe to drive (no demisters). Most fixes are warranty-covered, but out-of-warranty hardware replacement could be €800+. USB socket failures are also common.
Oil spitting from reduction gearbox breather, undertray bulging · more· less
Mainly affects early October 2022 production. Oil leaks from reduction gearbox breather pipe due to factory overfill or contaminated oil. MG issued technical bulletin to all dealers. Fix involves fitting modified breather tube (30-minute job, parts available at dealers). Some cars had only 0.5L drained instead of expected 0.9L, and oil came out dark grey, suggesting transmission contamination or damage. Undertray sagging is caused by misaligned fasteners or loose bolts (found just hand-tight). MG states bulging tray is not normal and will replace under warranty. Later production cars have fixes applied before delivery.
AC charging failure€0 - €1,200
Onboard charger fails, can only charge at DC fast chargers · more· less
MG acknowledges faulty onboard chargers putting car in sleep mode and preventing AC charging, though DC fast charging still works. Some cases resolved by software updates to EVCC, BMS, CCU, IMCU, and EPMCU modules. Others require CCU (Combined Charging Unit) hardware replacement. Parts shortage is a major issue - many Gen 1 MG 4 CCU replacements needed simultaneously. Repair duration varies wildly: 55% of repairs cost €0 (warranty), while 39% cost €1,000+. Some owners waited almost a year for resolution with multiple unsuccessful repair attempts. Typical time off road: 68% more than a week.
TPMS oversensitivity€0 (calibration)
Constant low-pressure warnings even at correct pressure · more· less
TPMS sensors are excessively sensitive. Warnings trigger from normal temperature changes (cold mornings) even when tires are at correct pressure (2.4-2.5 bar). Some sensors read zero pressure when there's no issue. System uses direct TPMS with sensors in each valve. Solutions: inflate to 2.7 bar (40 PSI) instead of recommended 2.4-2.5 bar; let air out of all tires then pump back to spec to exercise valves; drive 1/2 mile for system to re-learn. System resets automatically while driving, no manual reset required. MG may need to adjust tolerance thresholds via software update.
Water ingress (seals, window, boot)€200 - €600
Water leaks from windscreen seal, boot lid, door seals · more· less
Water drips from seam between driver's side pillar and headliner due to failed windscreen sealant. Boot lid accumulates water inside after heavy rain (damaged/incorrectly fitted boot seals or rear light gaskets). Front right window not properly sealed, letting air and water into car - dealers acknowledged this affects all MG 4s. Moisture coats windows after lowering them (water inside doors). Condensation forms inside tail lamp cluster around MG emblem. Causes: failed windscreen sealant, boot seals, rear light housing seals, improperly drilled number plate holes. Usually covered under warranty. Out-of-warranty seal replacement costs €200-400; windscreen reseal €400-600.
Door lock malfunction (recall)€0 (recall fix)
Superlock activates while car running, trapping occupants · more· less
Official DVSA recall affecting 1,960 vehicles. MG 4 can superlock while in running mode when vehicle comes to stop - doors lock and cannot be opened by interior/exterior handles, remote key disabled, windows non-functional. Very rare occurrence. Emergency escape route through boot is documented in manual. Fix is software update, dealers were instructed not to deliver any vehicles without the update. Contact MG dealer with VIN to verify completion.
Poor reliability for a modern EV
The MG 4 scored 63.8% in reliability surveys and finished last out of 18 cars in the electric car class. 30% of surveyed owners reported faults within the first few years. Software quality is particularly concerning - bugs persist across multiple systems and dealer updates occasionally brick vehicles entirely. Early 2022 production cars have the most issues; 2023+ models show some improvement. The 7-year warranty provides essential protection given the high failure rates.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete MG dealer or specialist records. Verify all recalls and service campaigns completed.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear. EV tires wear faster due to instant torque.
Test drive minimum 30 minutes
Include highway speeds, test all driver assistance systems, climate control, infotainment.
Battery health check
Request diagnostic readout showing battery State of Health (SOH). Should be 98%+ under 50,000 km.
Charging test
Test both AC home charging (Type 2) and DC fast charging if possible. Verify no error messages.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify all recalls and service campaigns completed
Check door lock recall, Service Campaign SC077 (LKA update), and any CCU/charging updates. Use VIN at www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk or contact MG dealer.
Test Lane Keep Assist and AEB behavior
Drive on highway and rural roads above 40 mph. Does LKA yank steering aggressively? Has SC077 update been applied? Does AEB brake unexpectedly?
Check 12V battery health
Ask when 12V battery was last replaced. Start car after it's sat unused for several days. Warning lights after short sitting periods indicate 12V issues.
Test all infotainment functions thoroughly
Use CarPlay/Android Auto for 15+ minutes. Switch between navigation and climate control repeatedly. Does screen freeze or go black? Check software version (R59+ is better).
Inspect underside for oil leaks and undertray condition
Especially important for early 2022 cars. Look for oil around reduction gearbox area. Check undertray isn't bulging or sagging with loose fasteners.
Check for water ingress
Inspect all door seals, windscreen seal, boot lid seal. Check carpets/mats for dampness. Open/close windows - is moisture coating glass? Check rear light for condensation.
Test TPMS warnings
Check all tire pressures are correct. Does TPMS show accurate readings? Have there been persistent false warnings?
Ask about AC charging history
Has the car ever failed to AC charge at home? Any CCU replacements or long dealer visits for charging issues?
Check production date (favor 2023+ cars)
Build date is on door jamb sticker. Early October 2022 cars have most issues. 2023+ models benefit from improved processes and parts.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Door lock superlock malfunction (2022-2023)1,960 vehicles - Verify completed
Service Campaign SC077 - Lane Keep Assist improvementSoftware update - Verify completed
CCU/charging system updatesMultiple versions - Ask dealer for status
Critical to verify recall completion
Given MG 4's poor reliability record, confirming all recalls and service campaigns are completed is essential. The Lane Keep Assist update (SC077) significantly improves safety. Use www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK) or contact MG dealer with VIN. Some updates require dealer programming and cannot be done OTA.
Warranty Status
Manufacturer warranty7 years / 150,000 km (whichever first)
High-voltage battery warranty8 years / 100,000 miles for 2024+ cars
Battery capacity guarantee70% minimum capacity or repair/replace
Anti-corrosion warranty7 years unlimited km
Paint warranty3 years / 72,000 km
Comprehensive warranty is essential for this car
MG's 7-year warranty is one of the best in Europe and critical given the MG 4's poor reliability. Battery warranty guarantees repair or replacement if capacity drops below 70% of original. However, warranty excludes certain items: oil leaks, 12V battery beyond €100 contribution, software issues causing bricking during updates, and damage from unauthorized repairs. Always use MG-authorized repairers for warranty protection. Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.