1988 Mazda RX-7 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 54%of 24 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 134,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the fuel system of the 1988 Mazda RX-7, 54% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 134,000 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.
“I have just had a fuel pulsation dampener on my 1988 Mazda RX-7. I have also had the same failure on my 1994 Mazda RX-7. The engine bay smells of fuel and I can see fuel spilling out. From what I understand this is very common and has caused many engine fires. I am currently very concerned for my saftey and my 1988 RX-7 is my daily transportation. Now I must fear engine fire possibility.”
NHTSA complaint #10078660, filed 2004-06, 30 miles“1988 Mazda rx7 gxl pulsation dampener on the injector rail has started spraying fuel onto my engine due to its age.. This is a well known issue with these and a mistake by Mazda that they need to fix! I almost lost my car today had the amount of fuel it let out onto the engine were to of gotten down to the exhaust and ignited . ( changed bad fuel filter ) the new amount of pressure getting into the line may of caused this.. But the part is made of rubber and again is known to break. There was no fire but advised to no longer drive the car till the issue is fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10386941, filed 2011-03, 200,000 miles“The pulsation damper on my Mazda rx7 1988 gxl screw worked its way out and I was getting fuel spill all over my engine compartment. Had I not noticed the fuel smell and found out what the problem was then my car may have burned it self up in an under the hood fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10047366, filed 2003-11, 188,000 miles“The fuel pulsation dampener on my 1988 RX-7 failed, leaked fuel and my engine almost burned down if I had not been carrying a fire extinguisher in my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10275078, filed 2009-06, 89,749 miles“Mazda rx7 defect 86-91. Mazda is well aware of this ongoing issue but will not issue a recall. The pulsation damper on all Mazda rx7's from 1986-1991 is prone to failure. The device literally comes apart allowing fuel to leak out. Eventually enough fuel leaks out and onto the hot exhaust manifold causing a vehicle fire. I have now been involved with two of these incidences. The first one occurred approximately five years ago when the engine caught fire on my 1986 rx7, luckily I was able to put the fire out before total devastation. The result of the fire was about $1500.00 worth of repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10290517, filed 2009-11, 134,000 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 1988 Mazda RX-7
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Mazda RX-7
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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