1989 Mazda RX-7 Problems
- Complaints
- 30filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles, 1 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 1.3L 2-cyl RWD · 15 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Mazda RX-7 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 1989 Mazda RX-7. The part named most often is seat belts, with 19 complaints (63% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and visibility (4). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 95,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the webbing and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts19 63%
- Engine cooling5 17%
- Brakes1 3.3%
- Electrical system1 3.3%
- Fuel system1 3.3%
- Seats1 3.3%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Dt: the contact stated previously had recall 96v173000 repair work performed on the seat belts: front: webbing. However the failure recurred and no additional repairs have been made. The dealership and manufacturer were contacted, and they claimed since the recall work was performed there was nothing else they could do. Updated 1/23/2006 -”
NHTSA complaint #10145939, filed 2005-12, 95,000 milesEngine cooling: “I was driving down the highway doing 63 MPH when I smelled a funny smell I pulled over and the front of my car was on fire. The pulsation damper failed causing serious engine damage and almost cost me my life if it wasn't for other motorist I would not be here my arm was slightly burned but it quickly healed I have not currently had the car repaired im seeking a best estimate for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10214354, filed 2008-01Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “This is a known common problem among the 1987-1991 RX-7 owners. Speed adjuster for the windshield only operate at the top speed. Rendering it impossible to use in the light sprinkle; have to keep turning it on and off while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #746449, filed 2001-06Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 95,000 and 95,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Mazda RX-7 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX-7 RWD | 1.3L 2-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| RX-7 RWD | 1.3L 2-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| RX-7 RWD | 1.3L 2-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 96V173000Sep 16, 1996Seat belts › Front › WebbingCovers: Mazda RX-7 1989–1991
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.
Recall details for the 1989 Mazda RX-7 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE96027Mazda rx7 automatic seat belt failureClosed · Apr 16, 1996
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 Mazda RX-7.
Other model years of the Mazda RX-7
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 18 | 98,000 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 82 | 51,976 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 22 | 127,940 | 1 | — | 17 | — | Falling |
| 1990 | 28 | 81,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 30 | 95,000 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 24 | 134,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 51 | 145,550 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 11 | 117,000 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 5 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
All Mazda RX-7 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Mazda RX-7 have?
NHTSA recorded 30 consumer complaints for the 1989 Mazda RX-7 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Mazda RX-7 is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 19 complaints (63% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1989 Mazda RX-7 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1989 Mazda RX-7 get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Mazda RX-7 (RX-7, 1.3L 2-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1989 Mazda RX-7 reported?
Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 95,000 miles and the middle half falls between 95,000 and 95,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.