Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 64 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 12.8 times the median RX-7 year — the 1987 model ranks #2 of 17 RX-7 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: fuel system issues account for 55% of all reports (35 of 64), far ahead of engine at 11.
64
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
31
Fires reported
2
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel System | 35 | 55% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 17% | new |
| Electrical System | 8 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 5% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 5% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
IN AREAS OF HEAVY USAGE, ROAD SALT MAY ACCUMULATE AT SURFACES OF COMPONENTS OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS.
Consequence
THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE DISC PAD LINER CORROSIONTHAT WOULD PREVENT FREE MOVEMENT OF DISC PADS RESULTING IN INEFFECTIVE BRAKINGOF THE FRONT BRAKES.
Remedy
REPAIR FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS TO PREVENT ROAD SALT ACCUMULATION.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
“I HAVE A 1987 RX7 NA, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE THE OTHER DAY AND I LUCKILY HAD AN EXTINGUISHER TO PUT IT OUT WITH OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN TOAST. MOST LIKELY A FAULTY PULSATION DAMPER OR A SHORT IN SOME OF THE WIRES, I AM NOT SURE.*AK”
“SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES INTERMITTENTLY. CAUSE OF FAILURE IS STILL UNKNOWN. OWNER HAS (2) VEHICLE WITH SAME FAILURE. 2) ALSO HAVING STEERING FAILURE.”
NHTSA data argues against it: 64 complaints put the 1987 model at #2 of 17 RX-7 years. It is one of the RX-7 years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (35 complaints), engine (11 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1987 Mazda RX-7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RX-7 years to avoid are 1993, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991. The cleanest record among RX-7 years belongs to 1992.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.