Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
110.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
550.0%
150,000+ miles
440.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 1995peak 3Sep 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 1991 Mazda RX-7
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
96V173000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
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.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE COLLISION, THE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATELY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
NHTSA complaint #10579077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSAN Carlos, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA RX7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 144,000. . UPDATED 03/26/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 30 MPH. A SMELL OF FUEL WAS ALSO PRESENT. WITHIN ONE MILE OF THE MISFIRING, THE GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXPLODED IN FLAMES. THERE WAS NO SMOKE, JUST BURNING FUEL. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND FLAMES SHOT UP 20 FEET IN THE AIR. UPDATED 05/07/12
NHTSA complaint #10451712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSAN Carlos, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA RX7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 144,000. . UPDATED 03/26/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 30 MPH. A SMELL OF FUEL WAS ALSO PRESENT. WITHIN ONE MILE OF THE MISFIRING, THE GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXPLODED IN FLAMES. THERE WAS NO SMOKE, JUST BURNING FUEL. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND FLAMES SHOT UP 20 FEET IN THE AIR. UPDATED 05/07/12
NHTSA complaint #10451712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hicksville, NY
SEAT BELTS
My seatbelt motor and rail has a recall that the dealer confirmed it when I took it to them. My seatbelts get stuck sometimes causing safety concerns. The recall sent in 1996 from Mazda states the cable can wear sufficiently that the cable which retracts the buckle assembly will jam in the rail making it inoperative, if a collision the occupants will not be properly restrained.Recall states the dealer will extend warranty and replace shoulder belt rail and motor for the life of the vehicle. I took my car around October of 2021 they had the car and confirmed recall said they will call me when they get the parts, it’s September of 2022 and I haven’t gotten a call from them, when I call they tell me they don’t have them yet or say they know nothing regarding this car. Can someone help me to get this recall taken care of since I still own the car and have safety concerns with the seatbelts. Sometimes they get struck and don’t want to release properly.
NHTSA complaint #11484323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesHicksville, NY
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 1991 Mazda RX-7. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger's side automatic seat belts failed to retract when the doors are opened. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they had the parts to repair the front passenger's side seat belt but not the parts for the front driver's side seat belt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 96V173000 (Seat Belts). The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #11439995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
SEAT BELTS
I AM HEAVILY CONCERNED WITH THE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES OF MY BELOVED MAZDA AND NEED YOUR HELP. MY SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE BROKEN (EMERGENCY), THE HORNS DO NOT WORK (EMERGENCY), MY REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER AND FLUIDS DO NOT WORK (VISIBILITY), MY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON(EMERGENCY), AND MY PULSATION DAMPER IS LEAKING FUEL (FIRE HAZARD). I HAVE READ MANY STORIES ABOUT RX7'S THAT WOULD CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO THE FUEL PULSATION DAMPERS LEAKING FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE, EVENTUALLY IGNITING THEIR WHOLE CAR TO ASHES.
NHTSA complaint #10654098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I AM HEAVILY CONCERNED WITH THE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES OF MY BELOVED MAZDA AND NEED YOUR HELP. MY SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE BROKEN (EMERGENCY), THE HORNS DO NOT WORK (EMERGENCY), MY REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER AND FLUIDS DO NOT WORK (VISIBILITY), MY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON(EMERGENCY), AND MY PULSATION DAMPER IS LEAKING FUEL (FIRE HAZARD). I HAVE READ MANY STORIES ABOUT RX7'S THAT WOULD CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO THE FUEL PULSATION DAMPERS LEAKING FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE, EVENTUALLY IGNITING THEIR WHOLE CAR TO ASHES.
NHTSA complaint #10654098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I AM HEAVILY CONCERNED WITH THE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES OF MY BELOVED MAZDA AND NEED YOUR HELP. MY SEAT BELT RETRACTORS ARE BROKEN (EMERGENCY), THE HORNS DO NOT WORK (EMERGENCY), MY REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER AND FLUIDS DO NOT WORK (VISIBILITY), MY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON(EMERGENCY), AND MY PULSATION DAMPER IS LEAKING FUEL (FIRE HAZARD). I HAVE READ MANY STORIES ABOUT RX7'S THAT WOULD CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO THE FUEL PULSATION DAMPERS LEAKING FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE, EVENTUALLY IGNITING THEIR WHOLE CAR TO ASHES.
NHTSA complaint #10654098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #10579077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSAN Carlos, CAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA RX7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 144,000. . UPDATED 03/26/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 30 MPH. A SMELL OF FUEL WAS ALSO PRESENT. WITHIN ONE MILE OF THE MISFIRING, THE GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXPLODED IN FLAMES. THERE WAS NO SMOKE, JUST BURNING FUEL. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND FLAMES SHOT UP 20 FEET IN THE AIR. UPDATED 05/07/12
NHTSA complaint #10451712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesSAN Carlos, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA RX7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 144,000. . UPDATED 03/26/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE ENGINE STARTED MISFIRING WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT 30 MPH. A SMELL OF FUEL WAS ALSO PRESENT. WITHIN ONE MILE OF THE MISFIRING, THE GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT EXPLODED IN FLAMES. THERE WAS NO SMOKE, JUST BURNING FUEL. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND FLAMES SHOT UP 20 FEET IN THE AIR. UPDATED 05/07/12
NHTSA complaint #10451712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,000 milesForest Hills, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MAZDA'S RX-7 MODEL FC3S FROM MODEL YEAR 1986-1992'S FUEL PULSATION DAMPER HAS AN ISSUE THAT IT WILL LEAK, SINCE THE DEVICE SITS ON TOP OF THE ENGINE SO IF THE TIMING IS RIGHT, AN ENGINE FIRE WILL START. IT IS A VERY WELL KNOWN ISSUE IN THE RX-7 COMMUNITY. IM SURPRISED NO ONE EVER FILED A COMPLAIN OVER THIS. 1986-1988'S FUEL PULSATION DAMPER IS VERY PRONE TO THIS DEFECT, THEY CHANGED THE DESIGN AND USE THEM ON LATER MODEL YEAR OF RX-7 FROM 1989-1992, BUT IT WILL STILL LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10386960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,940 milesDanville, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA RX7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSTALLED WITH AN AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT THAT DID NOT FUNCTION AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V173000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING) IN 1997. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MAZDA CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE WOULD CONSULT WITH THE CONTACT AT A LATER DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,980 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,940.
NHTSA complaint #10216631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesTowson, MD
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
ON SUNDAY EVENING 5/23/04 AT 10:00 PM I EXPERIENCED A TIRE FAILURE/TREAD SEPARATION ON THE LEFT REAR TIRE OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON I-95 NORTH IN HARFORD COUNTY, MD. CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED BY THE CAR, BUT IT DID NOT ROLL, AND THERE WAS NO OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE TIRE WAS A PACEMARK RADIAL SR60, SIZE P205/60R15 90S, MADE IN BRAZIL BUT PURCHASED AT A SERVICE STATION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND. THERE IS SOME REFERENCE ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS TIRE COMPANY IS A SUBSUDUARY OF KELLY SPRINGFIELD.
NHTSA complaint #10086368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesOlney, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE NOT RETRACTING. THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR FRONT PASSENGERS TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. RECALL 96V17000 WAS ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM; HOWEVER, DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10053563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DUE TO DEFECTIVE FUEL RAIL, CONNECTED TO FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM, LEAKS FUEL ONTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSE A FIRE. COMMON PROBLEM. DEALER NEEDED TO REPLACE FUEL RAIL. *AK THERE WAS EXCESSIVE FUEL SMELL AROUND THE VEHICLE WITH THE HOOD CLOSED. THE FUEL RAIL AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD ARE ON THE SAME SIDE.
NHTSA complaint #877752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE EVENING AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30PM IN MY 1991 MAZDA RX7, MY INTERIOR GAUGE LIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE OTHER LIGHTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY CAR. THE PARKING LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND ALL SIDE MARKER LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I CHECKED FOR A BLOWN FUSE AND THE FUSE WAS OK. I HAVE TALKED WITH MY "MAZDA" MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT HE HAS COME ACROSS MANY RX7'S THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #725840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE EVENING AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30PM IN MY 1991 MAZDA RX7, MY INTERIOR GAUGE LIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE OTHER LIGHTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY CAR. THE PARKING LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND ALL SIDE MARKER LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I CHECKED FOR A BLOWN FUSE AND THE FUSE WAS OK. I HAVE TALKED WITH MY "MAZDA" MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT HE HAS COME ACROSS MANY RX7'S THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #725840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE EVENING AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30PM IN MY 1991 MAZDA RX7, MY INTERIOR GAUGE LIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE OTHER LIGHTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY CAR. THE PARKING LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND ALL SIDE MARKER LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I CHECKED FOR A BLOWN FUSE AND THE FUSE WAS OK. I HAVE TALKED WITH MY "MAZDA" MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT HE HAS COME ACROSS MANY RX7'S THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #725840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chester, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PAINT ON HOOD AND ROOF OF VEHICLE IS PEELING. HAVE HEARD FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEM. MY MAZDA DEALER'S BODY SHOP HAS SAID THEY HAVE PAINTED OTHER CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DO TO IMPROPER ADHESI VE PROCEDURES USED AT FACTORY, WHEN PAINTING VEHILCE ORIGINALLY.
NHTSA complaint #713723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Inigoes, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #520446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowie, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
SHOULDER BELT MECHANISM FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #515267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #514190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covington, GA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SHOULDER BELT BUCKLE OPENED WHEN STRUCK FROM BEHIND.
NHTSA complaint #512607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Covington, GA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
SET BELT RETRACTOR JAMS.
NHTSA complaint #512607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, AL
SEAT BELTS
AUTOMATIC SHOULDER STRAP ON DRIVER'S SIDE INOPERATIVE, CABLE COMES OFF TRACK AND OUT OF MOLDING.
NHTSA complaint #509646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.