2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 MG ZT MOT pass rate and common faults

463 MOT tests in 2024. 68.3% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

121Well above average
Passed first time68.3%
Failed or needed repairs31.8%
Typical mileage at test91,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 463 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.9%
  2. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.5%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.4%
  6. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.2%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.2%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.9%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value1.9%
    10 marked dangerous
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    10 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes20.3%
  2. Suspension15.8%
  3. Lights & electrics12.5%
  4. Seat belts & airbags5.6%
  5. Body & chassis5.2%
  6. Tyres4.8%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.1%
  8. Steering3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.7%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened6.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2003 ZTAll ZT years2005 ZT →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 MG ZT?

In 2024, 68.3% of 2004 MG ZT cars passed their MOT first time, across 463 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 MG ZT?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2004 MG ZT reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 121, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).