VehicleVerdict

1989 Mazda RX-7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.4 times the median RX-7 year — the 1989 model ranks #3 of 17 RX-7 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: seat belts issues account for 59% of all reports (19 of 32), far ahead of engine at 5.

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other RX-7 years?

RX-7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted111 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 13 complaints1987: 64 complaints1988: 27 complaints1989: 32 complaints1990: 31 complaints1991: 30 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 111 complaints1994: 26 complaints1995: 4 complaints
RX-7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX-7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Mazda RX-7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1959%
Engine516%
Visibility & Wipers413%
Seats13%
Fuel System13%
Electrical System13%
Brakes13%

Does the 1989 Mazda RX-7 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

96V173000Seat BeltsSeptember 16, 1996 · 17,800 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · December 1, 2005

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 9, 2008 · fire

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 12, 1998

“FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF VALVE; PUTS TOO MUCH PRESSURE NOT ALLOWING PRESSURE TO BACK OFF FLOODING ENGINE PREVENTING STARTING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

“FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF VALVE; PUTS TOO MUCH PRESSURE NOT ALLOWING PRESSURE TO BACK OFF FLOODING ENGINE PREVENTING STARTING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats

1989 Mazda RX-7 — common questions

Is the 1989 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 1989 model at #3 of 17 RX-7 years. It is one of the RX-7 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 RX-7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (19 complaints), engine (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (4 complaints).

Does the 1989 Mazda RX-7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Mazda RX-7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Mazda RX-7 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mazda RX-7 years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.