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Common problems by part

MG ZT steering problems

DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 2,214 MOT tests · Updated

At 19 years, 4.2 in 100 MOT tests of the MG ZT failed on steering, against 4.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 2,214 MOT tests) [1].

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  • Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 93 MOT tests with a fail
  • By age: seen at 4 ages from 18 to 21 years, 7,721 MOT tests
  • Most common fail: Steering track rod end: ball joint play, 2.7 per 100 MOT tests

Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.

What the MOT tests show

What we know

4.2 fails per 100 MOT tests at 19 years, against 4.1 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 19 (all test years). That is about average.

Why it matters

A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.

What to check

With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.

MG ZT steering fails by age

MG ZT steering fails per 100 MOT tests by ageSolid line: the MG ZT. Dashed line: all cars the same age. The table below lists every value.02418 years: 3.9 per 100 (all cars 3.9), 1,751 MOT tests1819 years: 4.2 per 100 (all cars 4.1), 2,214 MOT tests1920 years: 3.7 per 100 (all cars 4.2), 2,152 MOT tests2021 years: 3.2 per 100 (all cars 4.2), 1,604 MOT tests21
Fails per 100 MOT tests by age, all first-use years pooled. MG ZT All class 4 vehicles the same age Shaded: over 18 years, survivors only.
AgeMOT testsFails per 100All class 4 vehicles the same age
181,7513.93.9
19*2,2144.24.1
20*2,1523.74.2
21*1,6043.24.2

All first-use years of the MG ZT pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years. * Only survivors are still tested at this age.

What fails in the steering at 19 years

Fails

  • Steering track rod end: ball joint play: 2.7 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 2.0. Replace track rod end: estimated £54–£128 (0.5–1 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £15–£50) Track rod end ball joint has excessive play MOT fail

Advisories (not fails)

Replace track rod end cost

Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.

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  • Model risks for this year and fuel
  • What similar cars did at their next MOT
  • Repairs ahead
  • Viewing checklist

See a sample report

How to check on a test drive

With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.

The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint has slight play.

Check one MG ZT, not the average

The figures here describe MG ZT cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.

  • Check an MG ZT's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
  • MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.

Other MG ZT problems

Steering on rival models

Questions people ask

Does the MG ZT have more steering problems than other cars?

4.2 in 100 MOT tests at 19 years, against 4.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 2,214 MOT tests).

How common are MG ZT steering problems?

4.2 in 100 MOT tests at 19 years failed on steering, against 4.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 2,214 MOT tests).

What is the most common MG ZT steering fail?

2.7 in 100 MOT tests at 19 years: Steering track rod end: ball joint play (59 MOT tests with it).

Sources

  1. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 7,721 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
  2. Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.

Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare