The MG HS, a compact SUV from the revitalised British marque now under Chinese ownership, has gained attention for its affordability and generous equipment levels.

However, questions about its long-term reliability remain. This guide dives into common MG HS problems, ranging from recalls to frequently reported issues from owners, to give you the full picture.

The MG HS has received mixed reviews in terms of reliability. According to What Car?'s reliability survey, the HS scored 86.9%, which, although sounds good, is below the class average for medium SUVs.

While this isn’t disastrous, it does indicate that some owners have experienced reliability problems. It's worth noting that MG came dead last as a manufacturer in WhatCar?'s testing.

MG does offer a 7-year warranty, which is a big plus, but it’s still important to understand what issues could arise, especially if you’re looking at buying second-hand.

In May 2023, over 5,100 MG HS Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and HS +EV models were recalled due to a fire risk caused by a misplaced carpet underlay affecting the electrical ground stud. The connection in question is related to the PTC unit, which is essentially a heater in an EV. 

Unsurprisingly, MG were keen to get this issue remedied on the 3,000 or so vehicles affected; the same recall was issued in Australia too, affecting even more cars. 

Be sure to check any car you own or buy for recalls by using the 

, and it's also a good idea to check with a main dealer to see if your car has been fixed too.

Owners have experienced infotainment glitches, including the touch screen display freezing or becoming frustratingly slow to respond. While not all are subject to official recalls, these issues can be frustrating and impact day-to-day usability.

Whilst many of these errors were fixed by restarting the system, which required turning the car on and off, this isn’t something you can safely do regularly!

Whilst most HS models sold were hybrid models, a large number of petrol-engined versions were made too. Many owners of these automatic MG HS models have reported jerky gear changes from the dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

This is most noticeable at low speeds, such as when pulling away from a stop. Some owners reported that switching the car to sport mode eases the issue temporarily, but a software update from MG is evidently needed to resolve the issue fully.

From the type and number of build quality complaints found online, it's unsurprising that owners have had issues with interior creaks, rattles and general poor fitment.

Several owners have noted such issues developing in the cabin within the first 12–18 months of ownership. Whilst this is a small issue in the grand scheme of things, owners are rightly miffed.

There are scattered reports of the MG HS experiencing issues with the 12V battery draining, especially when left unused for a few days. There are rumours that this issue is linked to the infotainment system issues mentioned above, but there’s no confirmation of this. 

In most cases, it seems a new battery solves the issue, but in some cases, a new alternator is required. 

The MG HS is undeniably attractive for its price point and high spec. But if reliability is high on your priority list, it’s worth considering these commonly reported issues and comparing them against competitors.

The 7-year manufacturer warranty should give some peace of mind, but double-check if this can be transferred when buying second-hand, and what parts it covers, repair-wise.

If you have an MG HS or any other vehicle that needs repairs, consider spreading the cost with interest-free 

 from Bumper. To start, find your nearest approved partner garage.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

MG HS Problems / Reliability Guide

Ist der MG HS zuverlässig?

The Volvo XC40 has garnered attention for its stylish design, safety features, and premium feel. However, potential buyers and current owners often inquire about its reliability. This guide delves into the XC40's reliability, highlighting common problems, recall information, and owner experiences.

The Volvo XC40 holds a good reputation for reliability, though some issues have been reported. In the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, the plug-in hybrid versions of the XC40 ranked 7th out of 48 cars in the family SUV class, while petrol variants came in 24th. Volvo as a whole placed 13th out of 34.

Very few owners experienced significant mechanical issues, minor electrical faults were more common, especially with the infotainment and driver aid systems.

Between 2018 and 2024 there were a total of 13 recalls issued for the XC40 in the UK. Most of these only affected a small number of cars, but you should make sure your car, or any prospective purchase, has these recalls fixed.

To check any car for recalls, use the government website 

 Recalls should be fixed by a main dealer, at no cost to the owner.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Software Update/Recall

The AEB system engages the brakes if one of its many sensors detect an imminent collision with another car, pedestrian or object.

However, some XC40 models built after January 21, 2019, experienced issues with the AEB system not activating as intended. A simple software update resolves this problem, which is done at the dealer.

The VCM is an automated system that alerts emergency services of your location in the event of an accident. The issue affected over 7,000 cars.

On some XC40s manufactured between January 1 and October 30, 2018, a software issue affecting the VCM could prevent location information from being sent to emergency services.

A software issue affecting a large number of cars - 18,755 to be exact - can cause the left rear indicator to not work properly. A short-term remedy is to cancel and reapply the indicator, but this can be difficult to do whilst navigating a busy roundabout!

Thankfully t,he fix is pretty simple, a software update that should completely resolve the issue.

Some users have experienced freezing or unresponsive infotainment screens. This can be particularly frustrating as many of the car's vital controls are accessed through this screen. 

A short-term solution is to restart the system by holding down the power button. However, quite a few owners have stated that this fix becomes less and less effective, needing to restart multiple times to get back functionality. 

It seems a dealer-applied software update can help the problem, as is the way with many modern car issues. 

Despite some reported issues, the Volvo XC40 remains a strong contender in the premium compact SUV segment. Its high safety ratings, comfortable interior, and brand reputation contribute to its appeal. 

However, potential buyers should be aware of the reported problems and ensure that any used vehicle has received all necessary updates and recalls.

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Volvo XC40 Problems / Reliability Guide

The Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion has long been a go-to for UK drivers looking for an efficient and practical hatchback. With its impressive fuel economy and affordable running costs, the Bluemotion variant of the Golf has been popular among commuters, fleet buyers and private motorists.

However, while the Golf Bluemotion delivers strong on efficiency, is it free from faults? In this guide, we take a closer look at the known issues and real-world problems experienced by owners across the UK.

Overall, the Golf Bluemotion fares reasonably well for reliability. Certain model years, especially earlier Mk6 and Mk7 Bluemotion versions, have shown patterns of specific faults. These include EGR valve issues, DPF (diesel particulate filter) problems, and concerns with the DSG gearbox.

What Car?’s reliability survey gave the 2013 - 2020 Golf a 90% reliability score, but they aren’t completely free from problems. However, many of the more serious issues can be mitigated with preventative maintenance and regular driving, something particularly important for diesel variants.

One of the most frequently reported problems in Golf Bluemotion models, especially diesel variants, is the failure of the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. Symptoms include a loss of power, 

The EGR valve can become clogged with carbon deposits, particularly in cars used for lots of short journeys. The cost of replacing the valve can be anywhere from £300–£600, depending on labour costs and model year.

Some owners have also reported carbon build-up in the intake manifold, leading to reduced performance and fuel economy.

All Bluemotion diesel engines are fitted with a DPF, or 

 However, these filters require regular high-temperature runs to self-clean through a process called regeneration. When used mainly for short trips or urban driving, the DPF cannot reach the required temperature to regen, leading to issues.

This issue is common among many modern diesel cars, not just Volkswagens, but is a known weak spot in Bluemotion models when not driven appropriately.

Many Bluemotion Golfs were sold with a DSG automatic gearbox. These offer great efficiency and performance, but need to be maintained to avoid costly faults. A bad DSG gearbox will cause: 

These issues can stem from mechatronic unit faults or clutch pack wear, particularly in earlier Mk6 models. Repairs can be costly, upwards of £1,200, so it’s vital to check the car's service history for those all-important gearbox service receipts.

It’s worth noting that VW extended some warranties on DSG boxes due to widespread issues in earlier production years.

Many Bluemotion models come with automatic start/stop systems to improve fuel efficiency. However, several owners have reported that the system:

While often just an annoyance, issues with the start/stop system can sometimes relate to low battery charge or faulty sensors. 

This may just be a symptom of the car's age, with most batteries only lasting around 5 years, but it’s worth checking that the start-stop function works effectively on any prospective car.

Despite these known faults, the Golf Bluemotion remains a very popular and sensible choice for many UK drivers, particularly for those doing regular long-distance driving where the diesel engines perform best.

That said, buyers should avoid high-mileage examples without full service history, and look for cars that have not had DPF issues, and have the DSG gearbox serviced. 

For those doing mostly short trips or city driving, a petrol or hybrid alternative may be more reliable and cost-effective in the long run.

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VW Golf Bluemotion Problems / Reliability Guide

Touted as the affordable Tesla by many upon its launch in 2017, the Model 3 gained serious popularity, making it the top selling EV in the world from 2018 to 2020. But does popularity necessarily mean reliability? 

This guide explains some of the common faults you should consider when buying a Tesla Model 3.

Whilst there have been some quality control concerns and safety recalls, the Model 3 is a pretty reliable car. It scored just under 94% in What Car?’s reliability survey, around the middle of the pack among other well known brands such as Polestar and Kia.

Tesla as a whole placed 10 out of 32 manufacturers in a similar survey which puts them in the top 30% of car brands in the UK, not too bad.

Across both the UK and US, the Model 3 has been affected by over 30 recalls, ranging from minor electrical faults that are fixed with a software update, to safety issues pertaining to brakes and suspension, here are some of the key ones to make sure have been addressed.

Addressed in two separate recalls, Tesla dealerships had to take back around 650 cars to ensure certain fasteners were tightened correctly. Naturally, this could have caused significant issues had it gone unaddressed. 

It’s unlikely you’ll come across a car that has not been back for the simple remedial work, but make sure to check for any un-repaired recall issues 

This recall and others like it were talked about a lot at the time, in 2019, but the reality is that very few cars were affected by this issue. The bolt held the steering column to the body of the car, something that could cause an issue during normal driving but especially in the event of an accident. 

If you do end up with a Model 3 that was affected, it’s probably worth buying a lottery ticket too, as only 5 out of the nearly 35,000 cars sold that year were missing the bolt.

Software Issue Affecting the Sound Sub-system

This is, in essence, the same issue that affected the Model Y too; an update rendered the e-call emergency alert warning system faulty. This is an issue that would only present during a crash, and affected quite a few cars, so it’s worth checking yours.

Around 9,500 cars were affected by the glitch; thankfully, reversing the update fixed the problem, with no need to visit the dealership.

Another fault that is all too common in Tesla circles is the poor bodywork and paint finish. It's suspected that the high demand for Teslas caused quality control issues to crop up. One of the things often mentioned online is debris or contaminants inside the paint finish. 

Not only is this an eyesore once you notice it, but it could lead to improper protection of the panels. If you’re buying a used Tesla, there’s likely no recourse for this issue, so make sure you check over any prospective purchases thoroughly. 

Electric cars use two electrical systems: a high-voltage system that powers the motors to drive the car along, and a low-voltage system similar to that of a normal car. Some owners experienced issues with the low-voltage system not working properly.

Whilst the issues were generally fixed promptly by Tesla, usually within one day, they did cause significant problems, and often resulted in the car being unable to drive until the low-voltage battery was charged or replaced. 

The Model 3 represents a shift in electric vehicles, from drab and boring but expensive cars, to a more exciting and cost-effective package. Both second-hand prices and finance fees are very low at the moment, so it could be a good time to buy. 

Purely on technical merit, I’d say the Model 3 is worth looking into, and the few niggly issues shouldn’t put you off entirely.

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Tesla Model 3 Problems / Reliability Guide

Tesla changed the way we think about electric cars with the launch of the Model S in 2014, the Model Y represented a further leap forward, with its higher driving position and unique gullwing doors. 

Whilst the Model Y offers great power, range and tech, can it be equally as reliable? In this guide, we take a look at any common faults, and potential issues owners face. 

Yes, the Model Y is generally quite reliable. Some sources have cited mixed reviews from owners, with one stating nearly 40% of drivers discovered an issue in the first year of ownership. Despite this, the Model Y placed first in What Car?’s reliability survey.

By all accounts, the 2023 onwards cars are better built and cause fewer issues than the previous models.

On some cars built between May 2022 and September 2023, a software update was required to address an issue with the steering system. In cold weather the steering could begin to feel notchy and not smooth.

Interestingly, this fault was fixed through a software update that didn’t require owners to take their car into the dealership. Despite the initial fault meaning the cars affected may not comply with ECE safety regulations, Tesla brand the recall update as for “smoother steering”.

A recall affecting nearly 9,500 cars’ audio system caused issues with the car’s external speakers, but was again resolved through a simple software update. The issue came about due to a quirky feature that allowed owners to play audio through the cars pedestrian-warning system speakers. 

These PWS speakers are a mandated feature that helps alert pedestrians of an otherwise silent vehicle, the “Boombox” feature meant this could become non-compliant with the relevant laws surrounding the PWS feature.

Something that has been commonly reported with many Teslas, is their poor fitment and quality control on the body panels. With owners sharing images of uneven and large panel gaps online.

What's more, some owners of cars only 2-3 years old are seeing the paint issues across multiple panels, with debris inclusions and other paint quality issues. This is a known issue with the company's processes, but seems to have improved over time.

Even in 2025, Tesla offers the best charger network by far, which, coupled with the virtually unparalleled performance of the dual motor Model Y for the money, I’d say the Model Y is still a good buy. 

However, this only really applies if you are looking for the SUV bodystyle, because there are some incredible cars in other segments, such as offerings from Volvo, Polestar and BMW to name a few.

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Tesla Model Y Problems / Reliability Guide

The Ford Puma is a relaunch of an old model, but instead of a sporty 2-door coupe, the new one is a crossover-style SUV, to cater to a modern market. The Puma borrows many of its underpinnings from the outgoing Fiesta, but is it as reliable as the Fiestas of old?

In this guide, we take a look at any common problems with the Puma, and its overall reliability. We’ll cover:

Overall, the Puma scores quite well on reliability charts, with a score of 90% on WhatCar?’s survey; that said, it placed near the bottom in their small–SUV ratings, placing 17 out of 22.

Thankfully, most issues were resolved pretty quickly, but reports ranged across most aspects of the car, from engine issues to electrical and build quality. 

A manufacturer recall is when a defect with the design or manufacturing of the car is detected, forcing them to offer a free remedial service via main dealer garages. The Ford Puma has had a number of recalls since its introduction in 2019.

To check if your car has been recalled, enter your VIN number on the 

Part of the assembly that holds the driver's airbag to the steering wheel was found to be faulty. The remedy is pretty simple but vital: a new spring is fitted to the assembly at a Ford dealership.

Around 24,000 vehicles were affected by this issue, so be sure to check if your car is one of them.

eCall is Ford's automatic emergency services telephone system, which sends your location to the emergency services in the event of a serious accident. A software update at the main dealer is all that's needed to resolve this issue. Thankfully, only around 100 cars were affected.

An oil separator is part of the engine's PCV system, something that helps to reduce harmful emissions from the engine by recirculating them through the engine. An issue was detected across many Ford vehicles, including the Puma, Fiesta and more. 

The issue came about from a damaged batch of Oil Separators that were fitted to around 9,800 Pumas. The fix involves checking for damage and replacing if necessary.

On some Hybrid Pumas, it was noticed that the battery terminals on the hybrid battery system were not tightened to the correct torque level, potentially giving rise to them loosening over time. 

This one was a very easy fix for the Ford mechanics, and only affected around 430 cars, so whilst it isn’t a huge concern, you should still be sure to check if your car has had the recall work done.

Almost every Puma available in the UK is fitted with an EcoBoost petrol engine, which is most likely due to its high fuel economy and respectable power figures. However, the Ford EcoBoosts used to be somewhat infamous for their reliability issues.

The main problem in the UK with EcoBoost engines is caused by the wet cambelt design, however, the Puma uses the redesigned EcoBoost engine with a timing chain instead. Although the oil pump is still driven by a wet belt. 

You can read more about the issues with the wet belt here. In short, the belt can cause issues with the oil supply to the engine, so make sure you select a car that has a full service history.

Some owners have reported overheating issues with their Puma, something that can lead to serious engine damage if left untreated. Most owners find the issue presents at higher RPMs. Symptoms include a high temperature on the gauge and a lack of hot air from the car's heater. 

The cause of the fault lies with an electric valve between the coolant hoses and the heater matrix. This causes a restriction in the flow of coolant around the engine.

The Puma offers a good compromise between style, compactness for city driving and an elevated SUV driving position. If these features are important, and you can secure a car with a great service history, the Puma is definitely worth considering.

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Ford Puma Problems / Reliability Guide

The Toyota Yaris Cross, introduced in 2021, is a crossover version of the extremely popular Yaris. It features a similar compact layout, making it great for city driving, with the higher driving position of a crossover. 

But should you consider a Yaris Cross for your next car, are they reliable, and do they have any known problems? In this article, we explain all.

Yes. Toyota regularly ranks in the top three manufacturers for reliability, and did so in 2023, only being beaten by their sister company, Lexus. The Yaris seems to follow this trend too, placing 5th out of 22 cars in WhatCar?’s small car reliability test.

Further to that, Toyota offers a good 3-year warranty from new, which is extended for a year every time you get a service done at a Toyota dealership - that’s a pretty good deal and should give peace of mind.

A number of owners have reported issues with the Yaris Cross’ 12V battery system not being able to start the engine when leaving the car for more than a few days, or doing many short trips. The cause is thought to be the hybrid system not charging the battery sufficiently.

Some owners, via their Toyota warranty, have had the problem fixed with a larger capacity battery. This is a pretty simple fix, but it is a problem that most cars never have an issue with! The consensus is that the original battery is too small capacity.

If you are experiencing this issue, be sure to contact Toyota before fitting a larger battery yourself though, as a non standard battery could void the warranty.

One of the many concerns from would-be hybrid owners is the longevity of the hybrid system, especially the battery. It’s a justified concern, as it’s vital to the function of the car, and can be expensive to replace. 

Unfortunately, as the Yaris Cross only came out a few years ago, we don’t have much information on this. There are very few reports of hybrid batteries needing to be replaced. 

For peace of mind, Toyota typically offers a 10-year battery warranty on the high-voltage battery used to power the hybrid system, but be sure to check this is the case with your car. 

The Yaris Cross, like many modern petrol cars, comes fitted with a Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF or GPF). Much like a Diesel Particulate Filter, this reduces the amount of particulates that are emitted from the car's exhaust.

Some owners have reported issues with the PPF becoming clogged, despite using the car, and this causing the car to have limited power whilst driving. This can be a scary experience if it happens whilst on the motorway.

Like issues with DPFS, this clogging is mainly caused by limited usage, short journeys or infrequent use. This means a car with very low mileage might not be as reliable as one that’s done nearer the UK average per year.

Whilst this is not really a reliability issue, it is something that many owners pick fault with on the Yaris Cross: cabin noise at high speeds. This is probably a symptom of the car's lack of sound insulation - to keep weight and fuel consumption down - and its raised ride height. 

In some cases, owners have resorted to cruising at lower speeds when on the motorway, or swapping the car for something else altogether.

Again, whilst this isn’t going to leave you stranded, it’s something to consider if you do lots of high-speed motorway driving. 

From our research, the Yaris Cross seems to have very few recurring issues. I’d be happy to recommend this car to anyone, provided the storage space, styling and wind noise are not a limiting factor! 

Considering also the impressive Toyota warranty, I would say a Toyota of any kind is one of the best buys on today's new, nearly new or used market. 

Whether you drive a Yaris Cross or not, Bumper can offer 

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Toyota Yaris Cross Problems / Reliability Guide

Toyota Yaris Cross – Problemas y Guía de Fiabilidad

Problem-und Pannenübersicht zum Toyota Yaris Cross

The Ford EcoBoost engine was first launched in early 2012 as a 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, with a power output comparable to that of a much larger engine, whilst still keeping emissions low. 

Since then, the EcoBoost has been available in almost all of Ford UK’s range of cars, but it has not come without its issues, to the point where you’ll get many people suggesting not to buy any EcoBoost-engined cars at all. 

So what's the truth behind the Ford EcoBoost engine reliability, and should you avoid them?

What is the Problem With EcoBoost Engines?

The wet belt: Engines require a system to keep the rotation of the crankshaft in time with the rotation of the camshaft(s), in most modern cars, this is done with either a cam belt or cam chain. Learn more about the 

The EcoBoost engine used what’s known as a “wet belt”, this is a rubber cam belt that runs in a bath of oil to reduce noise and friction within the engine. The issue comes in that engine oil, particularly that contaminated with fuel, degrades the rubber of the belt over time. 

This degradation led to remnants of the belt becoming clogged in the oil pickup at the bottom of the engine. This leads to improper lubrication, premature wear and/or catastrophic engine failure.

It’s important to bear in mind that despite some owners having issues, if well maintained, the vast majority of Ecoboost engines offer reliable and efficient service to their owners. That said, some engines in the lineup don’t have the aforementioned “wet belt” issue.

Certain 1.5-litre engines, and certainly those made after 2019, do not suffer from the wet cam belt issue, but some do still use a wet belt to drive the oil pump, so these can experience similar issues.

With the likelihood of having a cam belt issue depending on the year of manufacture, engine model and service history, it’s best to double-check the car you are looking at sufficiently before committing.

Since the EcoBoost was released, most of Ford's cars have the engine, including:

How to Avoid EcoBoost Issues With Your Ford

If you already own a Ford with an EcoBoost engine, don’t panic, there are a few things you can do to avoid the dreaded engine failure issue, starting with:

How Much Does Repairing an EcoBoost Engine Cost?

If your EcoBoost has suffered significant damage associated with the wet belt clogging the oil pickup, it is likely you will need a new engine. On average, owners pay around £5,600 for a new engine to be fitted. 

In some cases, the engine is not a complete write-off and can be repaired at a lower cost; this will depend on how long the engine has been running with low oil pressure. 

In some cases, as a “gesture of goodwill”, Ford have assisted with the cost of replacing the engine. This is rare, however, and will often require a comprehensive history of the car, and even an independent report proving the belt is the cause of the problem, rather than servicing.

What to Do if Your EcoBoost Engine Fails?

If you have a Ford with an EcoBoost engine that has broken due to a wet belt issue, and the car is outside of warranty, you really only have two choices: either replace the damaged engine or sell the car as-is. 

With replacement engines costing over £5,000, it is a careful balance to decide if the car is worth it, compare prices of cars on the used market, with similar spec, mileage and year. 

If your EcoBoost Ford has an issue, related to the timing belt or not, Bumper’s zero-per-cent interest financing can help you get your car back on the road 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer