1990 Mazda RX-7: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. It has since failed again and my local mazda dealer, # 23963, ran a report showing that the status was closed because it was fixed once. As a safety issue, I thought that this recall covered the problem for the car's lifetime, at least for the original owner which I am. I would like your help resolving this issue as the automatic shoulder belt on the driver's side, the one previously repaired, is not working again. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).' *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2015
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 mazda rx7. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's and passenger side automatic shoulder belt retractors were inoperative. The malfunctions occurred from excessive wear and prevents the webbing from being extracted. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 96v173000 (seat belts,front;webbing), although the failures were identical. The authorized dealer was notified of the failures and the vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000 and current mileage was 82,000.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 mazda rx7. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger side automatic shoulder belt failed to retract. The shoulder belt was inoperative. The authorized dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 96v173000 (seat belts:front,webbing), although the failures were identical. The failure mileage was 81,000 and current mileage was 82,000. Updated 3/16/09 *cn updated 03/19/09. *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“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. The part was replaced, at a high cost, due to the fact that the whole fuel rail must be replaced to correct the problem. *nm”Owner report · Equipment · Jul 2005
“Pusation dampner on primary fuel delivery rail diaphram failure. Gasoline leakage in large quantities right above hot engine. Very serious fire hazard.. Seems to be a common problem on rx-7's in general. Perhaps mazda should have plaed the pd away from the engine. Excessive heat may have hardened diaphram to point of breakage. Fualty design. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2002
“NHTSA campaign id number: 96v173000. I contacted both my local mazda dealer and mazda themselves. They informed me that the recall was over and had already been done on the vehicle in 1996 and was not applicable for recall now. They quoted me a price over $1000 to fix it, which at this time is not feasable. From what I understand from this recall is it is a lifetime recall not a 1 time deal??*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 1999
“Received notice 96v173000 3 months ago. Been calling dealership off/on ever since. Been informed no parts available for seat belts. Would notify when belt parts are available. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 1999
“Engine has failed at 40,200 miles because the apex seals have eroded. Vehicle has been properly maintained and garage stored.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1997
“Sycamore ford mazda said they know nothing about the recall and mazda manufacturer said the consumer is not included, but he received notice and his shoulder belt is broken. Please describe details. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 1996
“The seat belts will not extend from retractors. The active seat belt stopped half way between the locked and unlocked position. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 1995
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact RX-7 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Mazda RX-7 reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Mazda RX-7. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1990 Mazda RX-7 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:webbing. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.