MG MGS5 ZS3E — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The MGS5 EV (ZS3E) has been the electric successor to the MG ZS EV since May 2025 and is based on the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) that SAIC already introduced with the MG4. At launch, two powertrains are offered: the Standard Range with 125 kW/170 PS and a 47.1 kWh (net) LFP battery, and the Long Range with 170 kW/231 PS and a 62.1 kWh (net) NMC battery – both rear-wheel drive via a permanent-magnet synchronous motor.
The drivetrain itself performs unusually well in independent reliability surveys: in the UK's What Car? Reliability Survey, the MGS5 scored 98.3% and took first place among all electric SUVs, while placing joint 14th overall across all vehicle classes – the only reported fault area was the traction battery pack in 6% of cases, with MG covering all repairs free of charge.
The biggest known trouble spot so far is not the main drivetrain but elsewhere: Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) is monitoring a recall (16617R) because the radiator fan can freeze and jam at low temperatures – switching on the cabin heater can then overheat the fan control's series resistor and, in the worst case, start a fire. Around 9,800 vehicles worldwide and roughly 1,830 in Germany from production between January 2025 and January 2026 are affected; MG fixes the defect via an IMCU software update.
In addition, issues with the driver-assistance systems are repeatedly documented: the automatic high-beam control sometimes fails to dip for oncoming traffic, traffic-sign recognition occasionally picks up speed limits from neighbouring lanes, and lane-keep assist plus voice control are barely usable. A rare but safety-relevant software fault is also documented in which the car rolls backwards for a few seconds after a hard stop in one-pedal mode – no official recall exists for this yet. Another recurring topic is the conventional 12-volt starter battery: it goes flat despite the high-voltage battery still showing a high charge, pointing to imperfect recharge logic.
For a used purchase: the 84-month/150,000-kilometre warranty with a 70% capacity threshold on the high-voltage battery is generous and also covers the drive motor and power electronics. Before buying, it is worth checking the vehicle documents to see whether the recall has already been carried out, testing the driver-assistance systems, and briefly checking the starter-battery voltage. Buyers mainly after range should go for the Long Range version with NMC cells and noticeably more punch; those mostly driving in town will get on fine with the cheaper LFP variant.
Engine Overview
The MG MGS5 ZS3E is available with 2 engine variants — from 170 to 231 hp.
The permanent-magnet synchronous motor drives the rear axle through a fixed gear ratio – a mechanically simple layout without a multi-speed transmission that inherently offers little wear potential. Electric motors of this type are considered mature and low-maintenance, and no notable drivetrain failures are known so far. Independent reliability surveys support this impression, rating the overall vehicle unusually well for such a young model. Weak points in this vehicle type typically do not show up in the main drivetrain but in ancillary systems such as the auxiliary battery or the driver-assistance software – both areas that need to be assessed separately from the core propulsion technology.
No known weaknesses documented.
The permanent-magnet synchronous motor drives the rear axle through a fixed gear ratio – a mechanically simple layout without a multi-speed transmission that inherently offers little wear potential. Electric motors of this type are considered mature and low-maintenance, and no notable drivetrain failures are known so far. Independent reliability surveys support this impression, rating the overall vehicle unusually well for such a young model. Weak points in this vehicle type typically do not show up in the main drivetrain but in ancillary systems such as the auxiliary battery or the driver-assistance software – both areas that need to be assessed separately from the core propulsion technology.
No known weaknesses documented.
Compare across all models: Replacement costRiskMeasured ageing
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: fire risk from blocked radiator fan If the radiator fan freezes and jams in low temperatures, switching on the cabin heater can overheat the fan control's series resistor – creating a fire risk. | Low |
Test Reports
What Car? Reliability Survey 2025
What Car? Reliability Survey 2025 (UK owner survey, cars up to five years old): reliability rating 98.3% in the electric SUVs class (class average 91.3%).
2025-10What Car? Reliability Survey 2026
What Car? Reliability Survey 2026 (UK, 39,332 owners, cars up to five years old): reliability rating 98.3%, rank 14 of 225 models overall. Most common reported faults: ev battery (6%).
2026-10Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 6 weaknesses have been documented for the MG MGS5 ZS3E (2025–2026). Typical issues affect Other, Electronics.
What to watch out for with the MG MGS5? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the MG MGS5 ZS3E have? +
What should I look for when buying a used MG MGS5 ZS3E? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which MG MGS5 ZS3E engine is the most fun? +
Is the MG MGS5 ZS3E worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the MG MGS5 ZS3E? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee