1971 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated June 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1971 MG MGB has 1 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $250 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1962-1980 MG MGB 1800 B-series I4, the MGB uses Armstrong lever-arm dampers at all four corners — and at the front, the damper body actually doubles as the upper suspension link/wishbone, so a worn front damper degrades both ride control AND the geometry. The standard failure mode is seal leakage: the unit weeps fluid, the level drops, and damping fades — giving a bouncy, floaty, pitching ride, wallow over dips, and an MOT-failing 'continues to bounce' test. On a restoration, original 60-year-old dampers are almost always tired, and cheap rebuilt units sometimes fail again within a year, so quality matters.
Two proven paths. Originality-minded restorers fit quality reconditioned (or new) Armstrong lever-arm dampers — topped up with the correct grade fluid, with attention to the front unit because it carries the suspension load — which many regard as giving the genuinely 'correct' MGB ride and zero unwanted bounce. The performance-bulletproofing route is a telescopic conversion: bolt-on Spax/Koni/GAZ adjustable telescopic kits front and rear that replace the lever-arms with tubular wishbones and modern adjustable dampers, giving easily-tuned bump/rebound and consistent control. Whichever route, do it as a system — replace king pins, trunnions, wheel bearings, and all bushes (polyurethane) at the same time, since worn bushes mimic and amplify damper problems.
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 EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR SUDDEN BRAKING.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
THE RETAINING SCREWS ON THE FUEL BOWL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO LOOSEN, ALLOWING SEEPAGE OF GASOLINE FROM THE CARBURETOR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE OVERDRIVE WIRING HARNESS COULD CHAFE AND CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1971-1971 MG MGB has 1 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Worn Lever-Arm Dampers Let the Front and Rear Float. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 1971-1971 MG MGB has 1 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known MG MGB issues range from $250 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The MGB uses Armstrong lever-arm dampers at all four corners — and at the front, the damper body actually doubles as the upper suspension link/wishbone, so a worn front damper degrades both ride control AND the geometry. The standard failure mode is seal leakage: the unit weeps f… Repairs typically run $250-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
