Overview

Recalls are issued for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Manufacturers or importers seek to inform the original buyer if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. However, manufacturers or importers may not have the contact details of subsequent owners. Please note that the recalls below are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: MG MG3

2021 MG MG3: faulty fuel fuel-tank retaining bolts

In June 2021, recall campaign MG3STRP was issued for 2021 MG MG3 vehicles. In these vehicles, the fuel-tank strap retaining bolts may be faulty and could fail. This could result in movement of the vehicle’s fuel tank, and it could detach from the vehicle. If this occurred, fuel may leak from the tank, which could result in a fire and/or accident, thereby increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. To fix, an MG dealer was to replace the fuel-tank retaining bolts. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-001632.

Problems and faults: MG MG3

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: MG MG3

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the MG MG3.

Overview

Recalls are issued for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Manufacturers or importers seek to inform the original buyer if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. However, manufacturers or importers may not have the contact details of subsequent owners. Please note that the recalls below are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: MG AS23 HS

2021-22 MG HS PHEV and MG HS +EV: carpet underlay could cause vehicle fire

In May 2023, recall campaign RMGHSEVPTC was issued for 2021-22 MG HS PHEV and MG HS +EV vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, a carpet underlay may be positioned between the nut and the electrical ground stud. Due to vibrations whilst driving the nut could loosen overtime and this could cause the wiring beneath the floor to overheat and cause a fire inside the vehicle. A vehicle fire posed a risk of injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005652.

Problems and faults: MG AS23 HS

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: MG AS23 HS

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the MG AS23 HS.

Overview

Recalls are issued for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Manufacturers or importers seek to inform the original buyer if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. However, manufacturers or importers may not have the contact details of subsequent owners. Please note that the recalls below are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: MG ZS11 ZS

2017-18 MG ZS11 ZS: Stability Control System and reduced power steering assistance

In November 2018, recall campaign RMGZSSCS was issued for 2017-18 MG ZS11 ZS vehicles. These vehicles may have a potential fault with their Stability Control System (SCS). If the Stability Control System failed, there may be a decrease in power steering assistance, such that greater effort would be required to turn the steering wheel. This could make the vehicle harder to steer, thereby increasing the risk of a collision and injury to both vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-001007.

Problems and faults: MG ZS11 ZS

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: MG ZS11 ZS

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the MG ZS11 ZS.

Review: MG Mk.I ZT and ZT-T (2002-04)

Overview

Released in May 2002, the MG Mk.I ZT and ZT-T were mid-size sedans and wagons, respectively. Manufactured in England, the front-wheel drive ZT range initially consisted of 180 and 190 variants – the numbers referring to the brake horsepower of the engines – which were powered by 2.5-litre V6 petrol engines that were mated to three-mode, five-speed automatic transmissions or five-speed Getrag manual transmissions.

KV6 engine: ZT 180 and ZT 190

The MG ZT was powered by Rover’s 2.5-litre KV6 engine which had a 90-degree ‘V’ angle, an aluminium alloy block with 80.0 mm bores and an 82.8 mm stroke for a capacity of 2497 cc, cast iron cylinder liners, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), a pressurising variable intake system (VIS), four valves per cylinder actuated by hydraulic tappets, multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The firing order for the KV6 engine was 1-6-5-4-3-2.

Compared to the Rover 75 , changes for the MG ZT engine included an enhanced cooling system with a 20 per cent larger intake area, a higher-flow radiator and top hose configurations, and a plate-type oil/water oil cooler (replacing the oil/air heat exchanger). Other changes for the ZT included unique MG throttle camshafts and ECU tuning for greater throttle response and a reduction of the standard throttle on/off damping.

Differences for the MG ZT 190 engine relative to the ZT 180 included:

• A different inlet camshaft profile which advanced inlet valve opening;
• An 80 mm diameter intake duct for the air cleaner (compared to 70 mm for the ZT 180);
• A new intake diffuser which reduced pressure losses and provided a more sporting induction sound;
• Low-restriction metal-based starter and main catalytic converters; and,
• A 60 mm diameter exhaust pipe (compared to 57 mm for the ZT 180) and modified silencer with larger-bore internal pipes, twin straight tail pipes and a mechanical valve which responded to exhaust pressure at around 4500 rpm to bypass the internal baffles.

Dimensions and suspension

Although developed when MG Rover was owned by BMW, the Rover 75 – on which the ZT was based – was developed independently and therefore not related to any BMW vehicles. Compared to the Rover 75, the MG ZT was 10 mm shorter (at 4740 mm) and 17 mm lower (1410 mm), though width (1780 mm) and wheelbase length (2750 mm) were unchanged; compared to its sedan counterpart, the MG ZT-T was 52 mm longer (at 4792 mm).

The MG ZT had MacPherson strut front suspension (anchored by lower alloy L-arms) and a ‘Z’ rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and front seatbelt load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2001 Rover 75 with a 1.8-litre petrol engine – and without curtain airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29.78. The driver experienced high chest forces in the frontal offset impact test, though maximum points were achieved in the side impact test. On a vehicle fitted with curtain airbags, the Rover 75 passed the pole test; if two points had been added for this test, the Rover 75 would have scored 31.78 points, close to the 32.50 points required for a five star adult occupant protection rating.

Features: MG ZT and ZT-T

Standard features for the MG ZT and ZT-T included 18-inch alloy wheels with 325 mm front brake discs, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, contoured sports seats with leather bolsters, xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, a folding rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a leather-wrapped gearshift and handbrake, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, an alarm and immobiliser.

The ZT-T was also equipped with a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, separately opening rear tailgate window and underfloor storage compartment.

The ZT and ZT-T were also available in ‘+’ editions; these models were equipped with sports seats with Alcantara centres and leather bolsters, a power glass sunroof with internal shade, rear parking sensors, auto-dimming rear view mirror and trip computer. Climate control air conditioning was available as an option.

Review: MG Mk.II ZT (2004-05)

Overview

Released in August 2004, the Mk.II ZT introduced an expanded range, additional features, updated styling and revised suspension (with longer travel dampers). The ZT-T wagon was discontinued, but the Mk.II ZT range was expanded with the introduction of the 220S – equipped with a low-boost, twin-screw supercharger developed and fitted by Sprintex – and the 260. The ZT 260 was powered by a Ford-sourced 4.6-litre V8 engine and, unique amongst the ZT range, was rear-wheel drive.

Visually, the Mk.II ZT could be identified by its dual headlights with halogen projector units, restyled and more prominent grille, revised lower lip rear spoiler and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a revised dashboard, new console finish, re-shaped front seat bolsters, re-profiled seat cushions and squabs for improved leg room and new instruments with improved backlighting.

Features

As part of the Mk.II update, the ‘+’ editions were discontinued, but standard features were extended to include a six-disc CD stacker with MP3-compatibility, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, trip computer and remote control boot opening.

MG ZT 260

Compared to the other variants, the ZT 260 was fitted with AP brakes (325 mm front ventilated discs with sliding-pin calipers and 332 mm rear ventilated discs with opposed-piston calipers), Eibach linear rate springs, Bilstein monotube struts, a five-speed Tremec manual transmission, Dana ‘Hydratrak’ limited slip differential and switchable traction control.

January 2005: MG ZT update

In January 2005, standard features were improved to coincide with tariff reductions; the V6 models gained a power sunroof, while the ZT 260 was also fitted with satellite navigation.

Related links

• MG ZT Brochure (July 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: MG ZT/ZT-T

Overview

Released in February 2005, the MG ZR 160 was a small hatchback, available in three- or five-door models. Manufactured in Longbridge, UK, the front-wheel drive ZR was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Engine

The 1.8-litre K-Series engine had aluminium alloy construction, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve control (VVC) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. As such, the ZR 160 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.

Dimensions and suspension

The ZR was 4011 mm long, 1931 mm wide, 1400 mm tall and had a 2500 mm long wheelbase; kerb mass was 1090 kg for three-door models and 1100 kg for five-door models. The ZR had double wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts and independent, multi-link rear suspension (both with coil springs, anti-roll bars and hydraulic shock absorbers).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the MG ZR included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The MG ZR had 282 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 262 mm solid rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the MG ZR included 17-inch fifteen-spoke alloy wheels with 205/45 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, air conditioning, contoured sports seats, front fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tinted windows, a motion-sensing alarm and immobiliser.

Leather seats were available as an extra-cost option.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: MG ZR

Overview

Released in October 2004, the MG ZS was a small, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Longbridge, UK, the MG ZS was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed Getrag manual transmission.

Engine

The 2.5-litre KV6 V6 engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, a pressuring variable intake system and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The ZS could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and had a top speed of 225 km/h.

Dimensions and suspension

The MG ZS was 4540 mm long, 1730 mm wide, 1386 mm tall and had a 2620 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1235 kg. Furthermore, the MG ZS had double wishbone front suspension with MacPherson struts and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the MG ZS included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The MG ZS had 282 mm ventilated front brake discs and 260 mm solid rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the MG ZS included 17-inch eleven-spoke alloy wheels with 205/45 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats with leather bolsters, front fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tinted windows and an immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: MG ZS

Overview

Released in April 2013, the MG MG6 was as a small liftback or sedan (the GT and Magnette, respectively). Manufactured in Nanjing, China, the front-wheel drive MG6 was powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The MG6 was 4651 mm long, 1827 mm wide (not including mirrors), 1472 mm tall and has a 2705 mm long wheelbase. For the GT, cargo capacity was 472 litres, though this increased to 1268 litres when the rear seats were folded down. Furthermore, the MG6 had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, Z-shaped multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the MG6 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the MG6 GT received a four star safety rating which included a 73 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 71 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection for the driver’s head and chest were rated as adequate, while leg protection was marginal; during testing, there was insufficient pressure in the airbag to prevent the driver’s head from making contact with the steering wheel. In the side impact test, chest protection for the driver was also rated as marginal.

Features

Standard features for the MG6 included 17-alloy wheels (with a 16-inch space-saver spare), an eight speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility and an auxiliary input (3.5 mm), air conditioning, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, two 12 volt power outlets and an immobiliser.

Comfort variants were further equipped with a USB audio input, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt/slide glass sunroof and tyre pressure monitoring.

Finally, the range-topping Luxury variants featured Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, leather upholstery, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: MG6

Overview

Released in August 2002, the MG TF was a two-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in Longbridge, UK, the rear-wheel drive F was powered by a mid-mounted 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.

Compared to its predecessor, body rigidity for the TF increased by 20 per cent, while MG claimed that the revised suspension system provided improved handling and reduced stopping distances. Visually, the TF could be identified by its revised front bumper, air intake, projector headlights, side air-intakes, sill extensions and extended bootlid with integrated spoiler and LED lights. 

K-Series engine

The 1.8-litre K-Series four-cylinder engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. For the TF, however, the engine was offered in three output states with the names referring to the brake horsepower outputs: 120, 135 and 160. While the compression ratios for the 120 and 135 variants was 10.5:1, the engines for the 160 variants had variable inlet valve timing (‘variable valve control’, or VVC) and the compression ratio was raised to 10.6:1.

Suspension

The TF was 3943 mm long, 1626 mm wide, 1261 mm tall and had a 2376 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the TF had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension. Unlike its F predecessor, the TF had conventional steel springs rather than its predecessor’s Hydragas dampers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety for the MG TF equipment included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the TF received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.03. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury for the driver was marginal. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and abdomen injury.

Features: MG TF 120, 135 and 160

Standard features for the MG TF 120 included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, ‘Daytona’ cloth sports seats with leather bolsters, remote central locking, tilt adjustable leather steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift and handbrake gaiter, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the TF 135 added ‘Sebring’ cloth sports seats and front fog lights. The TF 160 was further equipped with 11-spoke alloy wheels with sports suspension, 304 mm front brake discs with four-piston calipers, Alcantara cloth sports seats with leather bolsters, chrome door handles and mesh air vents.

2004 MF TF 80^thAnniversary

In January 2004, 80^thAnniversary editions of the TF 120 and TF 160 variants were released. The interior of the 80th Anniversary editions featured red alcantara leather seats and door trims, and chrome interior highlights (dashboard, door trims, handbrake, gearshift and steering wheel); a wind breaker was also fitted as standard. Externally, the 80th Anniversary editions could be identified their eleven-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with shadow chrome finish, upgraded AP brakes with red painted calipers, front fog lights, chrome door handles, mesh vents, red coloured hood and ‘Pearl Black’ metallic paint finish.

2004 MG TF Coupe

In June 2004, a limited number of coupe models were produced for the TF 120 and TF 160 variants. These coupe models were fitted with a removable colour-coded hardtop (with rear-window demister) in addition to the canvas soft-top and were distinguished by their Oxford leather upholstery, wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior wood trim and rear wind deflector. Furthermore, the TF 120 was fitted with additional features to make it equivalent to the TF 160’s features, such as the TF 160’s alloy wheels, front fog lights and chrome exterior highlights.

2005 MG TF 120 Spark and TF 160 Spark

In January 2005, Spark editions of the TF 120 and TF 160 variants were released. The Spark editions could be identified by their blue retractable hoods and rear wind deflector; they were also fitted with eleven spoke alloy wheels, upgraded AP brakes, front fog lights, chrome door handles and mesh inserts (though these features were already standard for the TF 160).

The Spark editions were available in ‘Kinetic Glacier White’ or ‘Supertallic Nocturne’ metallic paint finishes. Inside,

• the Glacier white models had an ash interior finishes, blue leather door and seat inserts, and chrome finishes for the door trim, centre console and steering wheel; and,
• the Nocturne (blue) models had a beige interior finish, Oxford leather sports seats and door inserts, and traditional wood finishes for the door trim, centre console and steering wheel.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: MG TF

Review: MG Mk.I F (1997-00)

Overview

Released in March 1997, the MG Mk.I F was a two-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in Longbridge, UK, the rear-wheel drive F was powered by a mid-mounted 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines that were mated to five-speed manual transmissions.

K-Series engine

The 1.8-litre K-Series four-cylinder engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. However, the engine was available with and without variable inlet valve timing (‘variable valve control’, or VVC) – these were the 18K4F and 18K4K engines, respectively.

Dimensions and suspension

The F was 3913 mm long, 1628 mm wide, 1264 mm tall and had a 2375 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the F had double wishbone suspension front and rear with a ‘Hydragas’ damping system. The Hydragas system used displacer units (pressurised spheres containing nitrogen gas) in place of conventional steel springs that were connected to the equivalent unit on the opposing axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the MG F included dual front airbags and ABS.

Features

Standard features for the MG F 1.8i included 15-inch alloy wheels, two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, remote central locking, power windows and an alarm.

The 1.8i VVC was further equipped with leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

1998 MG F Abingdon

In September 1998, limited-run Abingdon editions were released. The Abingdon editions featured 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with 215/40 ZR Goodyear tyres, walnut leather seats with racing green piping, woodgrain interior trim and a Brooklands green paint finish.

1998 MG F Volcano

In August 1998, limited-run Volcano editions were released which featured a CD player, leather trim and a Volcano orange paint finish.

1999 MG F 75^thAnniversary

In September 1999, 75^thAnniversary edition models were released; these models featured 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, grenadine leather upholstery (seats, handbrake, gearshift, steering wheel and doors) and a grenadine-coloured soft-top roof.

1999 MG F Trophy

In February 1999, limited-run Trophy editions were released which featured 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather seats and carbon-fibre interior trim.

Review: MG Mk.II F (2000-02)

Overview

Released in November 2000, the Mk.II F introduced an expanded range with the availability of continuously variable transmissions (MG’s ‘Steptronic’) for the 1.8i variants. Visually, the Mk.II F could be identified by its new alloy wheel designs and clear indicator lenses.

Safety equipment

Compared to its Mk.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mk.II F was unchanged.

Features

Standard features were extended to include a six speaker sound system with CD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an adjustable steering column, power mirrors and an immobiliser. The 1.8i VVC variants were also fitted with air conditioning as standard.

2001 MG F Trophy 160

In October 2001, limited-run Trophy 160 editions of the 1.8i VVC variant were released. The Trophy 160 was fitted with 16-inch eleven-spoke alloy wheels with 195/45 uni-directional front and 215/40 rear tyres, competition-based spring and damper rates for the Hydragas suspension (providing a 20 mm lower ride height) and an MG-AP Racing brake system with 304 mm ventilated front discs.

Visually, the Trophy 160 could be identified by its bright mesh for the grille and side air intake, black bezels for the headlights, front bib splitter spoiler and rear deck spoiler. Inside, there were body-coloured inserts in the door trims and centre console, body-coloured leather sections for the steering wheel and unique leather/fabric seats with ‘Trophy 160’ badging.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: MG F

Recalls: MG ZT

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: MG ZT

No recall information is available for the MG ZT and ZT-T. To search for recalls of MG models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: MG.

Problems and faults: MG ZT/ZT-T

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

KV6 Engine

• Background: when first introduced in the 1996 Rover 825, the KV6 engine was manufactured on a pilot production line which produced castings of variable quality and, in some instances, protruding cylinder liners; head gasket failure was a relatively common failure. By the time the KV6 engine was used for the Rover 75 and MG ZT, however, the production line had been fully automated and quality control significantly enhanced. As such, the KV6 engine for the Rover 75 and MG ZT is generally regarded as a robust engine when properly maintained.
• The timing belts should be changed every six years or 140,000 kilometres (whichever comes first). Since there are three belts, the primary belt and secondary belts on the rear of each cylinder bank, the cost of replacing the timing belts may make it worthwhile to also ancillaries driven by the belts (such as the water pump).
• In freezing temperatures, the throttle may stick due to moisture and dirt freezing within the engine bay. This can be prevented by spraying the throttle cable and throttle motor mechanism with WD40 and applying petroleum jelly to the cable and motor. When dry, these areas can then be coated.
• The thermostat housing may crack or the thermostat itself may fail (or the thermostat may fall out of the engine). A cracked thermostat housing will cause coolant to slowly leak from the engine.
• The Variable Inlet System (VIS) motors can fail due to oil from the engine breather system entering the plastic valves and sliders of the VIS system and creating resistance to their operation. As a result, the small motors which drive the valves and sliders burn out or the plastic rack in the motor wears where the motor jumps teeth from trying to actuate the stiff valves. A common symptom of failed VIS motors is a power surge at 3500 rpm, generally when the vehicle is in second or third gear. To fix, the intake manifold needs to be removed in situ (difficult since the manifold is sealed) and cleaned by 1) taking the VIS motors off and 2) moving the sliders while spraying a cleaner to remove the oil build-up.
• A continual rattling noise from the engine bay and sluggish performance may be due to a failed inlet manifold. If so, the inlet manifold will require replacement.

Supercharged KV6 engine (MG ZT 220S)

• For the supercharged KV6 engine in the MG ZT 220S, there have been reports of engine failures due to inadequate fuelling, insufficient oil flow to the engine.

Problems and faults: MG ZT

• The airbag light may illuminate – this will often be due to a loose connector under the front seats. If not, the airbag control module or side impact sensor may have failed.
• The bonnet cable has a ‘dividing block’ on it which can stretch and is susceptible to breaking.
• The handbrake may not hold the vehicle due to a single metal clip behind the tensioner which can stretch and deform over time.
• The plenum can accumulate debris and potentially become flooded – this can cause the engine control unit (ECU) to fail as the plenum houses the engine control unit; water may also enter the cabin.
• The reversing lights may stop working due to a faulty switch.
• A loud, vibrating noise when the boot lock is opened may be due to the boot lock mechanism not lifting high enough off the lock – this may be fixed by twisting the black rubber seals either side of the boot to raise the boot. If not, the motor may be faulty.
• For wagon models, the seals around the rear window should be checked for potential leaks.
• Uneven tyre wear, particularly for the rear tyres, may be due to misaligned suspension (even when new). If having a wheel alignment, it is recommended that the vehicle have a full tank of petrol, otherwise it may drift to the left.