VehicleVerdict

1978 M & G Mgb problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1978 M & G Mgb — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1978 compare to other Mgb years?

Mgb NHTSA complaints by model year, 1978 highlighted2 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 2 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 1 complaints
Mgb NHTSA complaints by model year, 1978 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mgb years to avoid →

What are the most common 1978 M & G Mgb problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts2100%

Does the 1978 M & G Mgb have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

85V059000Seat BeltsMay 7, 1985 · 150,000 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

INSTRUCTINS ON PROPER BELT USAGE AND SIMPLE CHECKS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS AND WILL REPLACE ANY MALFUNCTIONING RETRACTOR.

82V072000OtherJuly 19, 1982 · 120 units

Defect

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.

78V164000Electrical SystemAugust 2, 1978 · 7,000 units

Defect

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.

78V089000Fuel SystemApril 24, 1978 · 45,000 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 15, 1996

1978 M & G Mgb — common questions

Is the 1978 M & G Mgb reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1978 M & G Mgb have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 M & G Mgb. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.