- The problem
- 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 event of an accident or sudden braking.
- The fix
- Instructins on proper belt usage and simple checks will be sent to owners and will replace any malfunctioning retractor.
Vehicle safety record
1978 MG MGB Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1978 MG MGB with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (2). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 1985 for the front. For comparison, the 1977 has 0 and the 1979 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical MGB year, for its age
#4 most complained-about 1978 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1978 MG MGB problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1978 MG MGB recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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".
- The fix
- Vehicle certification label and vin plate, if missing, will be installed without charge to owner.
- The problem
- The overdrive wiring harness could chafe and cause an electrical short circuit.
- The fix
- The dealer will install a protective sleeve to the overdrive wiring harness at the base of the gear lever to preclude chafing.
- The problem
- The retaining screws on the fuel bowl have the potential to loosen, allowing seepage of gasoline from the carburetor.
- The fix
- The dealer will check the exhaust manifold/catalyst system and carburetor and make any necessary repairs without charge to owner.
What owners say
Be the first MGB owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
2 complaints about the 1978 MG MGB
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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 belts for his vehicle. Recall #85v059000. *Jb
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 months. The few months have just added into a two year waiting. *Ak
MG MGB: every year compared
All MGB years1978 MG MGB vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 MG MGB | 2 | 4 | F | |
| 1978 MG MG | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1978 MG MGB
Does the 1978 MG MGB have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1978 MG MGB: front (May 1985); labels (July 1982); wiring (August 1978); carburetor system (April 1978). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1978 MG MGB?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (2).
How many complaints has the 1978 MG MGB had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 23, 1998 and the latest on March 26, 2007. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1978 MG MGB a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 11 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical MG MGB year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which MG MGB years have the most complaints?
1978 (2), 1979 (2), 1980 (1). See every MG MGB year compared.
What should I do if my 1978 MG MGB has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data