- 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
1979 MG MGB Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1979 MG MGB with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (2). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in May 1985 for the front. For comparison, the 1978 has 2 and the 1980 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical MGB year, for its age
#6 most complained-about 1979 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1979 MG MGB problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1979 MG MGB recalls 2
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.
What owners say
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Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
2 complaints about the 1979 MG MGB
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Dt*: the contact stated a nhtsa recall letter #85v059000 regarding seatbelts:front was printed off the internet. The contact never received a recall notice for this problem, and had problems having the recall work performed. The manufacturer was contacted and determined that it was not their responsibility for the recall work since the company had changed companies. The recall letter stated that the manufacturer was jaguar. The manufacturer informed the contact that the nhtsa had printed a memo stating that jaguar was not responsible for the recall, due to ford motor company purchasing jaguar.
Seat belts jams. Was put on list for recall replacement by jaguar cars several years ago, then was told that rover was now incharge of all recalls. Rover has not done anything yet regarding the seatbelt recall.
MG MGB: every year compared
All MGB yearsQuestions about the 1979 MG MGB
Does the 1979 MG MGB have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1979 MG MGB: front (May 1985); labels (July 1982). 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 1979 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 1979 MG MGB had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 3, 1999 and the latest on November 3, 2006. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1979 MG MGB a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 22 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 1979 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