1987 Mazda RX-7 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 14%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 146,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1987 Mazda RX-7, 14% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 146,100 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On 11/07/2012 at approximately 7:15 a.m. While leaving work I noticed smoke coming from behind the radio. I immediately pulled over and realized there was fire coming from the engine compartment. I was able to put it out quickly before it spread. The damage to my car was somewhat substantial under the intake manifold. I took it to a local repair shop and it was diagnosed, and explained that it's a common issue with this particular model. …”
NHTSA complaint #10483752, filed 2012-11, 178,983 miles“I have a 1987 rx7 na, the engine caught on fire the other day and I luckily had an extinguisher to put it out with or I would have been toast. Most likely a faulty pulsation damper or a short in some of the wires, I am not sure.”
NHTSA complaint #10058167, filed 2004-02, 146,100 miles“Dt: the contact states that he owns a 1987 Mazda rx7. He states a recall came out NHTSA campaign 05v317000. Contact's vehicle was having the same type of problems with his gas gauge working intermediately and a fuel leakage. Just recently he replaced the radiator with a new one. Took vehicle to a mechanic and they told him that the fuel system would needed to be replaced because no fuel was getting to the lines. Also, the modulator needs=ed to be replaced because it was not getting a spark. He replaced alternator and starter.”
NHTSA complaint #10129334, filed 2005-07“Burned alot of things like the engine wiring harness, injectors, misc hoses, intake manifold, hood liner, etc. Good thing I had a fire extinguisher in the car or the whole car would have been lost.”
NHTSA complaint #759104, filed 2002-03“Vehicle engine fire at idle speed while stopped, vehicle occupied, raw fuel caught fire underhood,damaged many fuel system components,caused minor burns to occupant/operator.”
NHTSA complaint #725298, filed 2000-07Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 1987 Mazda RX-7
32 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1987 Mazda RX-7
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology