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 PER YEAR
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.
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, 20150721
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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040112
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. *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19951207
2 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
2 of 28 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel rail and fuel injection system.
FIREShow 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, 20051003
Also filed under EQUIPMENT
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 . *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960321
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 90E043002 — check if this car was fixed
MAZDA RX7 AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT FAILURE
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.
Campaign 96V173000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Mazda RX-7 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90E043002 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V173000 (seat belts) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.