1987 Mazda RX-7 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 63%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 152,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the fuel system of the 1987 Mazda RX-7, 63% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 152,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 15 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I routinely started the car for a nice sunday drive and while I was waiting for the car to warm up I noticed fuel leaking on the ground. I immediately shut the car off and discovered that fuel had leaked all over the top of the engine and was running down the side and onto the exhaust. The fuel leak was coming from the fuel pulsation damper located on the primary fuel injector rail. …”
NHTSA complaint #10278350, filed 2009-07, 127,504 miles“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“My pulsation dampner on my 1987 Mazda rx7 is failing. It is a very weak part and easily susceptible to failure. The pulsation dampner in my car has failed and allowed gas to leak into the engine bay and onto the hot exhaust, thereby resulting in a fire. It was caught early and not serious, but I smelled burning gas and luckily found the problem before it ignited other gas.”
NHTSA complaint #10157074, filed 2006-05, 135,402 miles“Was driving down freeway, sparks began to fly from behind my car. I pulled over immediately and popped the hood. There was a fire from my pulsation dampener. Luckily I had water in my car, and was able to put out the fire quickly.”
NHTSA complaint #10138389, filed 2005-10, 220,201 miles“I own an 87 RX-7 n/a. There were no events leading to the failure I filled up at the gas station and drove off after about an hour and a half I smelled fuel. So I pulled over to inspect I shut off the motor and the smell came from under the hood. I quickly opened the hood and to my surprise there was a small flame. Luckily I was able to put it out using my shirt. The culprit was the fuel pulsation damper the screw had fallen out of the end of it and into the cap letting the engine cool I then put the screw back into place and continued driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255122, filed 2009-01, 193,600 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 | 22% |
| 1993 | 20 | 24% |
| 1991 | 5 | 23% |
| 1990 | 2 | 7% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 13 | 54% |
| 1987 | 32 | 63% |
| 1986 | 8 | 73% |
| 1984 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1987 Mazda RX-7
9 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 30, 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