1987 Mazda RX-7 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 18%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 121,338miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1987 Mazda RX-7, 18% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 121,338 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.
“Driving home from my parents house I noticed my gas light come on on the freeway. I was a little confused because I had just put gas in the tank. I pulled off once I had gotten down on a side street near a gas station to have a look to see what was going on. Immediately as I got out I noticed black smoke coming out the hood. I ran into the gas station grabbed a fire extinguisher and another guy ran out with me and when I popped the hood the engine was completely engulfed in flame. After putting it out I had to get my friend to help me tow it back to my parents where it still sits totaled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10155088, filed 2006-04, 121,338 miles“I took the car to a local Mazda dealer for a coolant leak. They said they fixed the problem. While they were test driving the car, the car caught on fire. Fortunately, it was close to the shop, and they put down the fire without any injuries. The car was totally destroyed. According to the mechanics at the dealership, an oil line is very close to the exhaust pipe in this model. The exhaust pipe is as hot as 800-900f when the vechile is operation. There is one plastic connection on the nearby oil line. …”
NHTSA complaint #750995, filed 2001-08Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1987 Mazda RX-7
32 complaintsElectrical system
7 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