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. MG caps infotainment and driver-assistance cover at 36 months or 72,000 km, so a head unit failure on an older car is normally paid by the owner.

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 the subject of a UK dealer campaign on certain original 2020 cars, with a replacement unit that locks more securely. Most cases are covered under warranty if identified within the 7-year period.