1978 MG Mgb Recalls, Complaints & Specs
4 safety recalls list the 1978 MG Mgb, and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
4 safety recalls for the 1978 MG Mgb
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Seat belts: front
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.
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Labels (equipment)
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.
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Electrical system: wiring
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.
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Carburetor system (fuel system)
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.
2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 1978 MG Mgb have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. Complaints peaked in 1998 with 1 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“1978 mgb customer had questions about the seat belts customer stated that they had always been frustrated about the operation of the belts**cc the consumer came across a recall regarding the seat belt”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, March 26, 2007 · Seat belts
“Consumer complained that manufacturer has been putting off a safety recall on the seat belt retractors on both sides. Land rover acknowledged safety defects, and promised to inform consumer in a few m”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, November 23, 1998 · Seat belts
Compare MG Mgb model years
Recall and complaint counts for every MG Mgb model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 MG Mgb | 1 | 0 |
| 1969 MG Mgb | 1 | 0 |
| 1972 MG Mgb | 1 | 0 |
| 1973 MG Mgb | 1 | 0 |
| 1975 MG Mgb | 1 | 0 |
| 1976 MG Mgb | 1 | 0 |
| 1977 MG Mgb | 3 | 0 |
| 1978 MG Mgb | 4 | 2 |
| 1979 MG Mgb | 2 | 2 |
| 1980 MG Mgb | 1 | 1 |
Checking a specific 1978 MG Mgb
How do I know if my 1978 MG Mgb has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 4 campaigns currently list the 1978 MG Mgb; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised MG dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 78V089000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other MG models
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.