MG ZS EV

The most commonly reported MG ZS EV complaint across both generations. The touchscreen can freeze mid-drive, show a permanent black screen, or enter a reboot loop displaying the MG logo repeatedly. Since the screen controls climate, navigation, and the reversing camera, a frozen system is more than a minor inconvenience. The Mk1 is particularly affected, with forum users referring to the issue as the 'Black Screen of Death'. A software update available via USB at MG dealers resolves the issue for many owners. A hard reset (holding the centre button for 30 seconds) or disconnecting the 12V battery for a few minutes provides a temporary fix. If the head unit itself fails, replacement is required - the unit must be sent to MG UK for reprogramming, which takes approximately 7 days. Head unit replacement costs €200-350 at a dealer. Most cases are covered under the 7-year warranty.

A persistent issue across MG EVs. The 12V battery can drain flat within 3-7 days of the car sitting unused, leaving it completely unresponsive - no key fob detection, no lights, no ability to unlock. The root cause is parasitic drain from one or more computer modules (particularly the infotainment and telematics T-box) not entering sleep mode after the car is switched off. Measurements show 70-150 mA draw instead of the acceptable 30-50 mA. The Mk2 has a built-in feature to top up the 12V from the HV battery, which significantly reduces this problem. For Mk1 owners, a software update can help reduce the drain. Replacement with a higher-capacity AGM battery costs €100-200. Some owners found that deleting the MG iSMART app from their phone reduced the drain. Using a trickle charger for cars parked for extended periods is recommended.

A widely reported and potentially dangerous issue. The car can slam on the brakes without any obstruction, with several owners reporting being forced into ditches or nearly rear-ended. Triggers include approaching parked cars with oncoming traffic, driving from bright sunlight into shadow, and passing under bridges. The MGEVs.com forum contains hundreds of reports. MG has acknowledged the car may react to oncoming vehicles in the opposing lane. Dealer software updates and camera/radar recalibrations reduce the frequency but do not fully eliminate the problem. Most owners set AEB sensitivity to 'Low' or switch to 'Alert only' mode, which warns without braking. There is no direct repair cost, but consequences of an unprovoked emergency stop at speed can be serious. Setting Front Collision Assist to 'Moderate' while retaining the alert function is the recommended compromise.

Some MG ZS EVs intermittently or permanently fail to charge on AC (home wallbox or destination chargers), while DC fast charging continues to work. MG is aware of faulty onboard chargers that put the car into sleep mode and fail to wake. Symptoms progress from occasional charging failures to complete inability to AC charge. The charging port connector itself can also develop faults - a new connector costs approximately €150-400 to replace. If the onboard charger module needs replacement, costs reach €800-1,500 including labour. A software update addresses the most common cause. The charging flap breather was also subject to a recall, with a replacement unit that locks more securely. Most cases are covered under warranty if identified within the 7-year period.

The tyre pressure monitoring system is a frequent source of dashboard warnings. Sensors display faults or incorrect readings, particularly after tyre changes, in cold weather, or even after washing the wheel arches. The Mk1 requires dealer reprogramming after any wheel swap as the system does not self-learn. The Mk2 facelift has a self-learning TPMS that resolves this for routine tyre rotations. Individual TPMS sensors cost approximately €35 each, with dealer labour at €100-150 per hour for fitting and programming. The metal valve portion can be replaced cheaply without reprogramming. For Mk1 owners who switch between summer and winter tyres, the cost of biannual dealer visits for TPMS reprogramming adds up.

A serious but rare issue primarily affecting early Mk1 production cars. The battery case has three pressure-relief grommets on the underside. In some cars, these grommets were found to be missing or damaged from minor underbody contact, allowing rainwater to enter the battery compartment. In severe cases, the battery floods and becomes irreparably damaged - one documented case resulted in a £17,500 replacement bill. MG has disputed some warranty claims, arguing water damage was caused by the owner. When inspecting a used ZS EV, checking the underside for intact grommets and signs of water staining is essential. The Mk2 has an improved battery case seal design. Most cases are extremely rare, but the potential cost is catastrophic if it occurs outside warranty.

The reversing camera intermittently fails to display an image when reverse is selected, showing a grey or completely blank screen while parking sensors continue to work. In most cases, rebooting the infotainment system restores the camera. A software update for the entertainment system addresses the most common cause. If the camera module itself has failed, replacement parts must be sourced from China and can take 2-3 months to arrive, with a replacement cost of approximately €200-400. The issue is more annoying than dangerous since parking sensors continue to function, but relying on the camera for parking becomes unreliable.