Mazda Rx-7 Reliability
205 NHTSA complaints (1987–1995). Complaint rate: 1281.3 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 1993 Mazda Rx-7. The 1995 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Mazda Rx-7 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 21 | 0.0% |
| SEAT BELTS | 16 | 0.0% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 10 | 0.0% |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | 8 | 0.0% |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 8 | 0.0% |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 8 | 0.0% |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | 7 | 0.0% |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY | 6 | 0.0% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | 6 | 0.0% |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING | 6 | 0.0% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987GOOD | — | 3 | 0 | 3 | View 1987View→ |
| 1990 | — | 31 | 0 | 3 | View 1990View→ |
| 1991 | — | 30 | 0 | 5 | View 1991View→ |
| 1993AVOID | — | 111 | 4 | 37 | View 1993View→ |
| 1994 | — | 26 | 2 | 2 | View 1994View→ |
| 1995GOOD | — | 4 | 0 | — | View 1995View→ |
See also: Mazda Rx-7accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Mazda Rx-7?
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