1988 Mazda RX7
Only 24 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 24 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 24
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 24 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 11 |
| 1987 | 50 |
| 1988 | 24 |
| 1989 | 31 |
Known problem areas
Only 24 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel system, gasoline
12 of 24 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel rail and fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
The pulsation damper has been leaking for a while, but was not detected until vehicle caught on fire. Dealership has been notified. Ph
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-03
I was proceeding to the pep boys to get the fuel leak in the pulsation dampener fixed when the engine caught fire. It was put out without the car burning to the ground.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-11
The pulsation damper rubber seal ruptured due to bad placement and design. The vehicle began leaking fuel right over the extremely hot manifold and sparked a small engin fire. In the process of extinquishing the fire, my right had was burned.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-04
Electrical system
4 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine wiring harness caused fire which damaged the engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-07-08
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 24 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-22
Visibility
2 of 24 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Fuel system, other
2 of 24 total reports mention: fuel system, other, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Mazda RX7 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, gasoline: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1988 Mazda RX7 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 1988 Mazda RX7?
- The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Mazda RX7 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.