VehicleVerdict

1990 Mazda RX-7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median RX-7 year — the 1990 model ranks #4 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 61% of all reports (19 of 31), far ahead of engine at 4.

31

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other RX-7 years?

RX-7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX-7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Mazda RX-7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1961%
Engine413%
Fuel System26%
Brakes26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Electrical System13%
Other13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 1990 Mazda RX-7 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

90E043002AirbagsOctober 29, 1990 · 88 units

Defect

THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.

Consequence

INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASES TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HAD RECEIVED RECALL 996V173000 OVER 3MONTHS AGO & CONTACTED DEALER. BEEN CHECKING OFF & ON FOR 3MONTHS. CALLED LAST WEEK & WA S INFORMED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRS TO AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT. MANUFACTURER ONLY DID A SMALL AMOUNT, AND WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS LEAKING CARBON MONOXIDE INTO THE CABIN OF VEHICLE, CAUSING A HEALTH HAZARD. DEALER IS AWARE OF DEFECT. CONSUMER CLAIMS HE IS AWARE OF OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MODEL THAT HAVE THIS DEFECT. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“THE ABS HAS NOT FAILED, BUT IT LEAKS PROFUSLY. I NEED TO REPLACE ABOUT 1 OZ OF BRAKE FLUID PER WEEK. THE DEALER'S PRICE FOR A REPLACEMENT ABS UNIT (THEY WON'T REBUILD IT) IS A CRIME AT $2745!! IF THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM (AND IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS), THEY SHOULD BE MORE REASONABLE $!*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE PULSATION DAMENER ON THE PRIMARY FUEL RAIL FAILED, SPRAYING FUEL OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE BAY, WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE OF THE COMPARTMENT, WHICH WAS QUICKLY EXTINGUISHED VIA HANDHELD FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE PART WAS REPLACED, AT A HIGH COST, DUE TO THE FACT THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 17, 2005 · fire

1990 Mazda RX-7 — common questions

Is the 1990 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 1990 model at #4 of 17 RX-7 years. It is one of the RX-7 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 RX-7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (19 complaints), engine (4 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1990 Mazda RX-7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 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 1990 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.