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 PER YEAR
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 | 30 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
47% of complaints: seat belts — 14 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.
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, 20100608
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, 20051222
7% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
NHTSA ODI report, 19990121
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1989 Mazda RX7 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V173000 (seat belts) has been completed.
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 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Mazda RX7 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.