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.
