1989 Mazda RX7
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Seat belts
Campaigns on file for 1989
Opened by NHTSA
61% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 31 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Seat belts
61% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing webbing and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
I own a 1989 Mazda rx 7. I recently saw a recall on the Ford recall web site for NHTSA campaign # 96V173000, front webbing for rx's manufactured between 12/24/88 to 05/31/91. I have this particular problem on my seats.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-08
Dt: the contact stated previously had recall 96V173000 repair work performed on the seat belts: front: webbing. However the failure recurred and no additional repairs have been made.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-12-22
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving down the highway doing 63 MPH when I smelled a funny smell I pulled over and the front of my car was on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-01-09
Engine fire. (Ohio traffic crash report).
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-21
Visibility
13% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing switch/wiring and motor.
Wheels
3% · 1 reportShow complaint excerpts
Replaced cracked wheel.
NHTSA ODI report, 1994-08-13
Service brakes
3% · 1 reportMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1996-04-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Mazda RX7 automatic seat belt failure
-
R
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
1989 Mazda RX7 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V173000 · Seat belts
FAQ
- Is the 1989 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 1989 Mazda RX7?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Mazda RX7 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.