Major Problems with Mazda RX-7 Derived from Complaints & Recalls
Learn about the common problems with a used Mazda RX-7 to avoid purchasing a bad year of the model.
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Mazda RX-7 complaint overview
- 100 recorded complaints across model years
- Years covered 1993–1994
- Most recorded categories GASOLINE (28), SEAT BELTS (25), FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM (21)
- Highest recorded count 82 in 1993
Complaint counts are reports, not confirmed defect rates. Older model years have had more time to accumulate reports, and sales volume and reporting coverage differ by year. A higher count does not by itself make a year the least reliable, and these figures are not a failure probability.
Compare two model years
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Best and Worst Years for Mazda RX-7
Explore the chart showing how many complaints have been filed for each year of Mazda RX-7.
| Model Year | Complaints |
| 1994 RX-7 |
18
|
| 1993 RX-7 |
82
|
Worst 3 Mazda RX-7 complaints
1993 Mazda RX-7
DOOR
Victims: 1
1993 Mazda RX-7
AIR BAGS
Victims: 1
1993 Mazda RX-7
TIRES
Victims: 1
Browse Mazda RX-7 complaints by category
Problems with GASOLINE, SEAT BELTS and FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM are the most frequent issues recorded by the NHTSA from Mazda RX-7 owners.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
| GASOLINE > ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine fire. (ohio traffic crash report).... |
28
~ 5778 miles |
| SEAT BELTS motorized seat belt retractor inoperative.... |
25
~ 16602 miles |
| FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE the lower intake manifolds supplied oem on these cars consistently fail. the material used by the manufacture has since changed... |
21
~ 18488 miles |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE poor fuel system recall repair causing vacuum line to come off. *sd... |
16
~ 113708 miles |
| RETRACTOR > FRONT > SEAT BELTS passenger's seat belt retractor inoperative.... |
12
~ 12571 miles |
| FRONT UNDERHOOD > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM drove vehicle about 3 miles engine began running rough. went back home and cut vehicle off saw smoke and raised |
11
~ 28500 miles |
| COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine coolant tank failed causing fluid leak. *ak... |
11
~ 1080 miles |
| HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE while fuel system is pressurized fuel leaked out of the top of pulsation damper prior to/after recall repairs could lead |
10
~ 25267 miles |
| DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE vehicle caught fire due to leaking engine coolant and gas line.... |
8
|
| WEBBING > FRONT > SEAT BELTS dt: the contact stated previously had recall 96v173000 repair work performed on the seat belts: front: webbing. however the failure... |
7
~ 47706 miles |
| ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM alternator shortened out causing fire.... |
7
~ 23750 miles |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER unspecified.... |
6
~ 37363 miles |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl*the contact owns a 1993 mazda rx7. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked when it caught on fire.... |
5
~ 104766 miles |
| ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC consumer was driving and the abs brake light came on took to dealer the oil was leaking . please describe |
5
|
| ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine replaced due to defect. *sd... |
5
|
| 12V/24V/48V BATTERY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM battery exploded causing electrical system failure including power door locks which caused driver to be locked inside of vehicle. *skd... |
5
~ 28500 miles |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine malfunction.... |
5
~ 45200 miles |
| FUEL RAIL > FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE under normal driving conditions the pulsation damener on the primary fuel rail failed spraying fuel over the entire engine bay... |
4
~ 81667 miles |
| MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE > EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING the vehicle had an exhaust leak in the area of the exhaust manifold and/or gasket.... |
4
|
| BUCKLE ASSEMBLY > FRONT > SEAT BELTS driver's side seat belt buckle failure latching mechanism is broken. tt... |
4
|
| FAN > COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING electric short within the fan system caused a fire. *sd... |
4
|
| EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING rear exhaust caught on fire melting the plastic molding on the bumper and above. *ak... |
4
|
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM vehicle caught on fire in engine compartment fire department put it out been sitting ever since... |
3
~ 80610 miles |
| ENGINE drove on highway and vehicle started to smoke. pulled off an exit opened hood and flames were coming out from... |
3
~ 108548 miles |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER fuel pustation dampner spontaneously failed and began spraying a 6" stream of fuel under the upper intake manifold. thank god... |
3
~ 126250 miles |
| INJECTORS > FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE fuel injectors not pulsating.... |
3
|
| SWITCH/WIRING > WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY windshield wiper switch defective causing poor visibility.... |
3
|
| TIRES battery replaced due to battery acid leaking onto engine. *sd... |
3
|
| TURBO/SUPERCHARGER > GASOLINE > ENGINE battery replaced due to battery acid leaking onto engine. *sd... |
3
|
| HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS > COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING vehicle caught fire due to leaking engine coolant and gas line.... |
3
|
| DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE passengers inside door handle broke due to being made of plastic injuring driver. *dsh... |
3
|
| CARBURETOR SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE burned alot of things like the engine wiring harness injectors misc hoses intake manifold hood liner etc. good thing i |
2
|
| TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE there was a fuel leak that led to a fire mechanic said a screw came loose allowing gas to leak |
2
|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING the lighting assembly melted from normal operation causing the light not to function. this could lead to a fire. this |
2
|
| MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 5 speed transmission failed.... |
2
|
| PADS > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS fuel lines fittings failed causing leak prior to recall notice resulting in fire (95v069000). yh... |
2
|
| HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER fuel lines fittings failed causing leak prior to recall notice resulting in fire (95v069000). yh... |
2
~ 15 miles |
| HOOD > BODY > STRUCTURE vehicle experiences intermittent stalling/clutch slipping/jerking/bucking even after turbo was replaced/driver's and passenger's door handles loosened/clunking noise when window comes down/glove |
2
|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL cruise control button malfunctioned.... |
2
|
| MODULE > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM failed electronic control unit caused sudden acceleration/accident. *dh... |
2
|
| AIR BAGS was involved in a head on collision and airbag did not deploy. approx. $14 000 in frontal damage to my |
2
~ 25988 miles |
| IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM intermittent stalling. *ak... |
2
|
| WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY windshield wiper switch only works on 1 speed. wipers do not stop in the down position.... |
2
|
| MOTOR > WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY this is a known common problem among the 1987-1991 rx-7 owners. speed adjuster for the windshield only operate at the... |
2
|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER i am heavily concerned with the major safety issues of my beloved mazda and need your help. my seat belt... |
1
|
| EQUIPMENT under normal driving conditions the pulsation damener on the primary fuel rail failed spraying fuel over the entire engine bay... |
1
~ 153000 miles |
| TREAD/BELT > TIRES on sunday evening 5/23/04 at 10:00 pm i experienced a tire failure/tread separation on the left rear tire of my... |
1
|
| WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM i have a 1987 rx7 na the engine caught on fire the other day and i luckily had an extinguisher... |
1
~ 146100 miles |
| TURBO/SUPERCHARGER > OTHER FUEL TYPES > ENGINE oil line to turbo's collapsed causing the inner coolers to be flooded with oil. this was caused by the apex... |
1
~ 31000 miles |
| STARTER ASSEMBLY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM dt: the contact states that he owns a 1987 mazda rx7. he states a recall came out nhtsa campaign 05v317000.... |
1
|
| FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER dt: the contact states that he owns a 1987 mazda rx7. he states a recall came out nhtsa campaign 05v317000.... |
1
|
| FRONT > SUSPENSION this seems to be a common failure for this car. not only is it an expensive repair but from what... |
1
|
| INTERIOR/UNDER DASH > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM headlight harness melted and knocked out "headlight switch"...known problem and common not recognized by mazda as worthy of being fixed.... |
1
|
| TAIL LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING as i was driving home one evening at approximately 11:30pm in my 1991 mazda rx7 my interior gauge lights suddenly... |
1
|
| BACK UP LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING as i was driving home one evening at approximately 11:30pm in my 1991 mazda rx7 my interior gauge lights suddenly... |
1
|
| COIL SPRINGS > SPRINGS > FRONT manufacturer's headquarters had advised consumer that front passenger's side coil spring would not be available from japan until 2 weeks |
1
|
| AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN when changing from 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th gear engine making a loud noise (rpm go up) the car |
1
|
| LATCH > HOOD > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES stricker that latches to hood latch broke off from hood assembly. consumer felt that hood may fly up while driving. |
1
|
| WHEELS wheels cracked (not just coating) on spokes close to center of the wheel. i believe this happens on 93 wheels |
1
|
| ROTOR > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS fuel lines fittings failed causing leak prior to recall notice resulting in fire (95v069000). yh... |
1
|
| POWER ASSIST > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC abs brakes dont work until car warms up.in addition in addition vacuum lines and check valve were replaced a sper |
1
|
| DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY the consumer has been experiencing problems with the defroster as well as windshield wiper motor. windshield wipers work intermittently. also |
1
|
| BODY > STRUCTURE vehicle experiences intermittent stalling/clutch slipping/jerking/bucking even after turbo was replaced/driver's and passenger's door handles loosened/clunking noise when window comes down/glove |
1
|
| CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN vehicle experiences intermittent stalling/clutch slipping/jerking/bucking even after turbo was replaced/driver's and passenger's door handles loosened/clunking noise when window comes down/glove |
1
|
| TRUNK LID > BODY > STRUCTURE vehicle experiences intermittent stalling/clutch slipping/jerking/bucking even after turbo was replaced/driver's and passenger's door handles loosened/clunking noise when window comes down/glove |
1
|
| SEATS alternator shorted out and caused the car to catch on fire.... |
1
|
| SHOCK ABSORBER > REAR > SUSPENSION egr valve failed twice also replaced rear shock/oilpressure sensor. *ak... |
1
|
| GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM egr valve failed twice also replaced rear shock/oilpressure sensor. *ak... |
1
|
| FRAME AND MEMBERS > STRUCTURE paint is peeling off the vehicle. *ak... |
1
|
| ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT > MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT bearings in jack came out while jacking up car causing a loud snapping noise/car to fall down. *sd... |
1
|
| RADIATOR ASSEMBLY > COOLING SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING engine coolant cap cracked leaking coolant prior to recall (94v-095). *ak... |
1
|
| FRONTAL > AIR BAGS went over a cliff hit some trees and the drivers air bag did not deploy. tt... |
1
|
| HORN > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM i hope i have contacted the correct website address. if not please forgive me. i have the occasion to drive... |
1
|
| WINDSHIELD > VISIBILITY defectively designed computer chip caused engine to stall when a/c unit is operating. mazda refuses to repair under warranty. nlm... |
1
|
| AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT when air conditoning is used vehicle stalls. also there is a loss steering power. computer module has been replaced but |
1
|
| FUEL PUMP > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE fuel pump shut off valve puts too much pressure not allowing pressure to back off flooding engine preventing starting. please |
1
|
| FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS > WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM vehicle's headlight light switch circuit board module overheats and starts fire.the lights turn and off intermitently with no warning.the headlight |
1
|
| CALIPER > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS the brake pad failed.... |
1
|
| HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM > STEERING when air conditoning is used vehicle stalls. also there is a loss steering power. computer module has been replaced but |
1
|
| RECLINER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS fuel pump shut off valve puts too much pressure not allowing pressure to back off flooding engine preventing starting. please |
1
|
| PUMP > HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST > STEERING engine light came on vehicle stalled several tiimes replace power steering pump.... |
1
|
FAQ
What year Mazda RX-7 is the most reliable?
Speaking of the models produced in the last 2 years, Mazda RX-7 models of 1994, 1993 year of manufacture have had the least number of complaints.
What year was a bad year for Mazda RX-7?
Mazda RX-7 models of 1993 and 1994 are probably the years to be avoided like the plague due to a higher than an average number of issues reported.
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Mazda RX-7 specs
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Performance
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