VehicleVerdict

1991 Mazda RX-7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median RX-7 year — the 1991 model ranks #5 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 47% of all reports (14 of 30), far ahead of fuel system at 5.

30

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other RX-7 years?

RX-7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX-7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Mazda RX-7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1447%
Fuel System517%
Lighting310%
Engine310%
Electrical System13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Other13%
Body & Structure13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 1991 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.

“FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE NOT RETRACTING. THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR FRONT PASSENGERS TO WEAR SEAT BELTS. RECALL 96V17000 WAS ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM; HOWEVER, DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE SEAT BELTS BECAUSE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · December 24, 2003

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA RX7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 14, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 MAZDA RX7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, ALL OF THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 14, 2012 · fire

“AS I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE EVENING AT APPROXIMATELY 11:30PM IN MY 1991 MAZDA RX7, MY INTERIOR GAUGE LIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I PULLED OVER TO CHECK THE OTHER LIGHTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF MY CAR. THE PARKING LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS AND ALL SIDE MARKER LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I CHECKED FOR A BLOWN FUSE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 18, 2000

1991 Mazda RX-7 — common questions

Is the 1991 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 1991 model at #5 of 17 RX-7 years. It is one of the RX-7 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 RX-7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (14 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints), lighting (3 complaints).

Does the 1991 Mazda RX-7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 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 1991 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.