Q&A

MG has made a strong comeback in recent years, transforming from a nostalgic British brand into a growing force in the affordable electric and petrol car markets. Known for models like the MG ZS, MG4 EV, and MG HS, the brand now appeals to budget-conscious drivers who want modern styling, solid features, and a competitive warranty. But despite their rising popularity, many potential buyers still ask the important question: are MG cars reliable in 2025?

In this guide, we explore the most reported mg issues, covering both petrol and electric models. Whether you're considering a new MG or a used one, understanding the MG common faults and what to look out for can help you make a more confident decision.

The Growing Popularity of MG

MG vehicles have become especially popular in the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe, thanks to their value-for-money proposition. You get generous equipment levels, spacious cabins, and competitive pricing---often undercutting established rivals like Kia, Hyundai, and Toyota.

That said, MG cars are still relatively new in many global markets, and their long-term reliability record is still developing. While some owners report positive experiences, others have raised concerns about build quality, electrical glitches, and software bugs---making it essential to understand the MG common problems before buying.

1. Infotainment System Glitches

One of the most reported MG issues, especially in models like the MG ZS and MG HS, involves the infotainment system. While the touchscreen units look modern and offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, their performance is sometimes hit or miss.

Common complaints include:

• Unresponsive screens

• Audio system freezing or cutting out

• Bluetooth disconnection

• Navigation crashing or failing to load

These issues are often software-related and can sometimes be fixed via updates, but they can be frustrating---especially in a brand-new vehicle.

2. Build Quality Inconsistencies

While MG has made great strides in design and comfort, some owners have pointed out inconsistent interior quality. You may notice rattles, loose trim, or squeaks developing after only a few thousand miles. These cosmetic problems don't always affect drivability, but they are among the more frequent mg common faults raised by new owners.

In colder or hotter climates, expansion and contraction of plastic parts can lead to dashboard or door panel noise, further reducing perceived quality.

3. EV Battery and Charging Concerns (MG4, ZS EV)

With MG focusing heavily on electric vehicles, new EV owners are bringing attention to some emerging problems in this category. Reported mg common problems with EVs include:

• Software bugs affecting battery range estimation

• Inconsistent charging speeds at public chargers

• The car failing to initiate a charge without rebooting

While the MG4 and ZS EV offer excellent value for electric driving, these teething problems reflect the relatively new development stage of MG's EV platform. Software updates are being rolled out, but some owners still experience inconvenience---especially during long-distance trips.

4. Transmission and Gearbox Complaints (Petrol Models)

Some petrol MGs, particularly older versions of the MG ZS and MG3, have had reports of rough gear changes or gearbox noise. While not extremely common, these issues include:

• Slipping in automatic transmissions

• Clunky gear changes in manual models

• Whining sounds under acceleration

Most of these problems can be traced back to poor calibration or wear over time. It's recommended to test-drive a used petrol MG across different speeds and driving conditions to spot any hesitation or unusual noise from the transmission.

5. Suspension and Ride Comfort

MGs are generally comfortable for city driving, but on rougher roads, the suspension setup may feel too soft or unrefined. Some owners have noticed body roll in corners, noisy rear shocks, or early wear of suspension bushings. These are relatively minor MG issues, but they may affect your driving enjoyment, especially if you do a lot of motorway or rural road driving.

Replacing suspension parts is usually inexpensive, but early wear and tear can still be inconvenient for newer vehicles under warranty.

6. Software and Dashboard Warning Lights

One of the more annoying MG common faults involves the sudden appearance of dashboard warning lights---often without a clear reason. These include:

• Engine management light

• Tyre pressure monitoring faults

• Battery warning lights in EVs

In many cases, these lights appear due to minor sensor or software issues and may clear after a restart or reset. However, they often lead to unnecessary trips to the dealership for diagnostics. MG is actively working on refining the onboard software, but it's something to keep in mind.

What MG Is Doing to Improve

To its credit, MG has been responsive to customer concerns. Most models come with a 7-year warranty (or up to 80,000--100,000 miles), which helps give buyers peace of mind. The brand is also rolling out software updates more regularly and expanding its dealer support networks in key regions.

Still, it's important to be aware that MG is a value brand---and part of how it keeps prices low is by using lower-cost materials and suppliers. As such, reliability may not be on par with higher-end Japanese or Korean competitors just yet.

Tips Before You Buy

If you're considering an MG in 2025, here are some useful tips:

• Choose a newer model year, ideally post-2023, which includes key updates

• Look for vehicles with complete service history and any warranty work documented

• Test the infotainment system, suspension, and all electrical components thoroughly

• Read owner forums to see the latest user-reported issues and fixes

Final Thoughts

MG cars offer excellent value, generous equipment, and growing popularity, especially in the budget and EV segments. However, understanding the most common MG issues can help you avoid potential frustrations. While some MG common faults are relatively minor, others---especially around infotainment or charging---may affect daily usability.

In 2025, MG continues to improve with each model year, but it's wise to go in with realistic expectations. With proper research, regular maintenance, and smart buying decisions, an MG can still be a practical and enjoyable choice.