1990 Mazda RX-7
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 28 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1990 | 28 |
| 1991 | 22 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 84 |
| 1994 | 18 |
| 1995 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
18 of 28 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing webbing and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
There was a recall issued for my car for the automatic shoulder belt on 02-17-1997, campaign # 68702. Mine was originally repaired on 05-23-2006.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-07-21
Dealership refused to honor the automatic shoulder belt recall 96V173000. The defect already occurred, but the dealership indicated that it was not the same failure as stated in the recall.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-12
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 28 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-12-07
Service brakes
2 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 28 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel rail and fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
Under normal driving conditions, the pulsation damener on the primary fuel rail failed, spraying fuel over the entire engine bay, which resulted in a fire of the compartment, which was quickly extinguished via handheld fire extinguisher.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-03
Also filed under Equipment
Visibility
1 of 28 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing switch/wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
The automatic driver side retractor has failed on two occasion and windshield wiper switch has failed. Please describe .
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-03-21
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1990-11-16Air bags90E043002 Threaded inflator components may have been damaged during assembly which may allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the air bag.
Remedy: Replace air bag modules containing potentially defective inflators.
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I
1996-04-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Mazda RX7 automatic seat belt failure
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1997-02-17Seat belts96V173000 The rail of the automatic shoulder belt can wear sufficiently such that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly will become jammed in the rail rendering the shoulder belt inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace inoperative shoulder belts. Mazda has extended the warranty coverage on the driver and passenger automatic shoulder belt rail and motor for the life of the vehicle.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Mazda RX-7 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90E043002 · Air bags
- Recall 96V173000 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 1990 Mazda RX-7 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1990 Mazda RX-7?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Mazda RX-7 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.