There is no doubt MGs are stunning cars. Known for its premium and classic cars, MG has a wide range of vehicles for the average to above-average consumer. But, when it comes to considering any car, it’s always beneficial to understand some of the issues that the vehicle brand tends to struggle with. In this case, we will go through some of the most common problems MGs have and how you can spot them.

1.  Head gasket failures

While not MG MG models experience this, it is common for certain MGs, particularly the MG ZS, to have a head gasket failure. This is quite a severe issue, as it can lead to your MG losing coolant and then causing it to overheat. The damage to the head gasket will cause more strain on the engine and will lead to more issues with the component.

It’s essential to get a professional mechanic to look at your MG as soon as you suspect the head gasket has failed to avoid irreparable damage from occurring.

2.  Transmission problems

Another common issue that MGs are prone to is transmission issues. Unfortunately, it can be a reoccurring issue in both automatic and manual transmissions, especially in the MG3 model. Some of the common symptoms of transmission issues in an MG include:

• Harsh shifting
• Delayed gear changes
• Shuddering during gear shifts

With a manual transmission, the gears tend to get stuck, which makes it more difficult to switch smoothly between the gears. MGs with an automatic transmission may experience a slower change in gears.

The transmission issues don’t just point to one culprit; many MG experts and dealerships have identified that the hub sleeve, synchroniser ring and clutch system are to blame. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy for most professionals to diagnose when looking at a manual transmission and replacing the problem part could easily solve the issue.

However, solving the issue with an MG that features an automatic transmission is not as easy and is usually more expensive to repair.

3.  Premature rust

Rust is something that should always be taken seriously because, if left unchecked, it can quickly spread throughout your car, and MGs are prone to premature rusting—especially car owners who live in areas that experience wet conditions. While your brighter-coloured MGs aren’t necessarily more prone to rust, they do show rust more obviously.

Most cars do experience rust after a few years of being exposed to the environment, but rust after a few months is cause for concern. Engineers who worked on the MG ZS went so far as to use coated Zintec steel, but MG owners who live in wet areas have still reported premature rust spots.

4.  Oil leaks

In old cars and new ones, oil leaks are a common issue. Unfortunately, MGs aren’t exempt from struggling with this issue either. Finding out whether your car has an oil leak is fairly simple. While it’s parked, simply slide something underneath the car near the sump overnight. Cardboard or newspaper would do. If oil is on it in the morning, you’ll know your car has an oil leak. Next, you need to find where the oil leak is, which could be more challenging.

An oil leak can be caused by the sump plug being a bit loose. This would be easily spotted because the oil drip directly below the sump, and you would find oil around the plug. However, oil leaks in other areas might be cause for more concern. For example, if you spot a leak near the car’s rear, it could come from the rear axle, etc. Either way, the best action would be to immediately sort out any oil leak.

5.  ABS warning lights constantly on

Another common issue unique to MGs is the ABS warning light staying on. As we know, the ABS warning light is supposed to do exactly what its name suggests. So, if your ABS is fine, but the warning light stays on, you can’t be warned when something goes wrong, can you? This poses a risk to your safety.

The ABS in cars is responsible for preventing the tyres from locking up when you brake suddenly, ensuring that you maintain control of the car. When the ABS light comes on, it indicates that there is either an issue with the ABS or it’s disabled. There are several cases in which this may happen. For one, the speed sensor on the wheel could be faulty, which typically occurs on the MG ZS models. Either way, to find the cause of the issue, a diagnostics tool would need to be plugged into the system to check for faults.

Buying MG parts

Knowing what might go wrong with your MG is also helpful, as is knowing where to buy MG  spare parts. My Auto Parts sells genuine and aftermarket MG parts, making it easier for you to find the parts you need and offering you the choice of OEM parts or aftermarket spares.

Final Thoughts

Going through the common issues MGs have struggled with is merely to offer insight into the potential issues your MG may have. With some tender loving care and regular maintenance, you might find that your MG has none of these issues. Either way, in the end, it’s still helpful to know what could go wrong with your car, regardless of its brand.