MG Mgb Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints across 10 model years of the MG Mgb (1968–1980). The most-complained-about year is 1978.

Pick your MG Mgb model year

• 1968
• 1969
• 1972
• 1973
• 1975
• 1976
• 1977
• 1978
• 1979
• 1980

What MG Mgb owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The 1978 model year has the most, with 2.

• Seat belts: retractor3
• Seat belts: front2

All MG Mgb recalls (8)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a MG Mgb, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Seat belts: front

   NHTSA 85V059000 Reported May 7, 1985 150,000 vehicles potentially affected JAGUAR CARS

   Widespread lack of understanding about the operation of webbing sensitive and dual sensitive seat belts has lead to non-use of belts by a number of owners. Some belts retractors may jam, bind or lock. This may discourage the use of the safety belts. Consequence of defect: non-use of seat belts subjects occupants to risk of injury in…

   Remedy: Instructins on proper belt usage and simple checks will be sent to owners and will replace any malfunctioning retractor.

   Model years: 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980

2. Labels (equipment)

   NHTSA 82V072000 Reported July 19, 1982 120 vehicles potentially affected JAGUAR CARS

   The vehicle certification labels and vehicle idendification number plates may not have been installed on the involved vehicles. This does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 115, "vehicle identification number-basic requirements".

   Remedy: Vehicle certification label and VIN plate, if missing, will be installed without charge to owner.

   Model years: 1978, 1979

3. Electrical system: wiring

   NHTSA 78V164000 Reported August 2, 1978 7,000 vehicles potentially affected JAGUAR CARS

   The overdrive wiring harness could chafe and cause an electrical short circuit.

   Remedy: The dealer will install a protective sleeve to the overdrive wiring harness at the base of the gear lever to preclude chafing.

   Model years: 1977, 1978

4. Carburetor system (fuel system)

   NHTSA 78V089000 Reported April 24, 1978 45,000 vehicles potentially affected JAGUAR CARS

   The retaining screws on the fuel bowl have the potential to loosen, allowing seepage of gasoline from the carburetor.

   Remedy: The dealer will check the exhaust manifold/catalyst system and carburetor and make any necessary repairs without charge to owner.

   Model years: 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

5. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

   NHTSA 74V094000 Reported June 17, 1974 6,463 vehicles potentially affected JAGUAR CARS

   Model years: 1973

6. Body (structure)

   NHTSA 72V010000 Reported January 13, 1972 3,996 vehicles potentially affected JAGUAR CARS

   Model years: 1972

7. Markings (tires)

   NHTSA 69V024000 Reported January 5, 1969 5,450 vehicles potentially affected JAGUAR CARS

   Model years: 1969

8. Lamp (service brakes)

   NHTSA 68V055000 Reported May 23, 1968 47 vehicles potentially affected JAGUAR CARS

   Model years: 1968

Other MG models

• MG2 complaints
• Mgbgt0 complaints
• Midget0 complaints
• Spitfire0 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.