1989 Mazda RX7
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1989 Mazda RX7. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1989 Mazda RX7. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle collision, the occupant would not be adequately restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace inoperative shoulder belts. mazda has extended the warranty coverage on the driver and passenger automatic shoulder belt rail and motor for the life of the vehicle.
Owner complaints
30 complaints2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
I own a 1989 mazda RX 7. I recently saw a recall on the ford recall web site for nhtsa campaign # 96v173000, front webbing for rx's manufactured between 12/24/88 to 05/31/91. I have this particular problem on my seats. I contacted a local dealer and was told that my RX was not in the group for…
I own a 1989 mazda RX 7. I recently saw a recall on the ford recall web site for nhtsa campaign # 96v173000, front webbing for rx's manufactured between 12/24/88 to 05/31/91. I have this particular problem on my seats. I contacted a local dealer and was told that my RX was not in the group for the recall. The dealer did this by vin # , [xxx] , and stated my car did not fall in the recall. the dealer provided a print out showing my RX was manufactured, 01/10/89. I feel that the problem IS within the range of the recall, my vehicle IS an RX7, and manufactured in the range of the recall. I am requesting help in resolving this problem. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr updated 07/08/11.*jb
- Engine and engine 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. *tr
- Seat belts › Front › Webbing
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. *Ak updated 1/23/2006 - *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
"Headlight harness" melted and knocked out "headlight switch"...known problem and common, not recognized by mazda as worthy of being fixed. takes out driving lights, and interior lights, which IS very unsafe at night in dark regions. contacted local mazda dealer, was told it was never recalled or anything. nlm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
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. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
While in use the windshield wipers malfunction which may cause visual difficulty, and may result in an accident. dealer will replace the windshield wiper switch. also known problems with this wiper switch which cost about $500 to repair. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine fire. (Ohio traffic crash report).
- Seat belts
The consumer has received a recall letter for automatic shoulder belts. since receiving the letter, no parts has been available. the manufacturer has yet to be contacted. recall number 96v173000. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wiper switch only works on 1 speed. wipers do not stop in the down position.
- Seat belts
Owner states that recevied a recall notice for shoulder belts, but has been unable to get work done because of no parts. also dealer pulled his seat belt apart and did not complete work because of no parts. 96v173000. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Windshield wiper switch defective, causing poor visibility.
- Seat belts
Owner received recall notice #96v17300 for automatic shoulder belts. Took to dealer & had repairs done; problem w/shoulder belt has reoccurred a short time later; dealer will not repair again. *ak
- Seat belts
No parts for shoulder bel, tmanufacturer told customer that they did not know when more parts would be coming in. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Passenger's seat belt retractor inoperative.
- Seat belts
Driver's side motorbelt failed to move in forward position due to stripped track.
- Seat belts
Motorized seat belt retractor inoperative.
- Seat belts
The passenger's side automatic shoulder belt IS inoperative. The seat belt will not retract towards the body when the door IS closed. *ak
- Seat belts
Failure on the driver's side automatic shoulder belt, the shoulder belt was in the midway position prior to recall (96v-173). *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer was driving and the ABS brake light came on , took to dealer the oil was leaking . Please describe .*ak
- Seat belts
Failure of the driver's and passenger's side automatic seat belt retractors, the seat belt IS in the retracting position, pe96-027.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine replaced due to defect. *Sd
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The motor has blown in car while driving. Please describe. tt
- Seat belts
The automatic seatbelt for the driver does not go up and down the track. Please describe. tt
- Seat belts
Lap/shoulder belt on driver side failed due faulty cable that broke. tt
- Seat belts
The driver side seat belt retractor the cable came out. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Mazda RX7 automatic seat belt failure
Malfunction of the automatic seat belt system
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 603907Experiencing oil leak at rear stationary gear o-ring / on - car replacement procedure.
- 603882Subject on passive seat belt retractor switch.
- 54319Pre-painting preparations for front and rear bumpers.
- 52520Parts replacement after airbag deployment.
- 52503Maintenance free battery - diagnostic and charging procedure.
- 52497Use of a/c tracer dye.
- 52492Wiper motor inoperative - circuit breaker activation.
- 39688Hard shift, r-type transmission.
Every Mazda RX7 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.