VehicleVerdict

1993 Mazda RX-7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 111 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 22.2 times the median RX-7 year — the 1993 model ranks #1 of 17 RX-7 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 42 reports (38% of the total).

111

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

37

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other RX-7 years?

RX-7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all RX-7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Mazda RX-7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4238%
Fuel System2321%
Electrical System2119%
Body & Structure55%
Transmission44%
Tires & Wheels33%
Airbags22%
Brakes22%
Other22%
Speed Control22%
Steering22%
Lighting11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 1993 Mazda RX-7 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00E069000Latches & LocksNovember 6, 2000 · 16 units

Defect

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: MAZDA SPEED RESINOUS HOODS, DESIGNED AND SOLD AS ACCESSORY PARTS FOR MODEL YEAR 1992-1995 RX7 VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 1, 1997, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19, 2000.

Consequence

A HOOK ON A HOOD STRIKER FOR THE RESINOUS HOOD MAY SEPARATE FROM A BASE PLATE AT THE WELDED PORTION DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WELDING STRENGTH. THE HOOD MAY SUDDENLY OPEN DURING OPERATION, LOSING FRONT VISIBILITY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

MAZDA WILL NOTIFY THE RX7 VEHICLE CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO A MAZDA DEALER TO HAVE THE HOOD STRIKER REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED ONE.

96V149000BrakesAugust 2, 1996 · 13,900 units

Defect

OIL MIST CONTAINED IN THE ENGINE INTAKE AIR CAN COLLECT OVER TIME IN THE BRAKE VACUUM CHECK VALVE PREVENTING THE CHECK VALVE FROM OPENING AT THE SPECIFIED PRESSURE REDUCING POWER ASSIST TO THE BRAKES.

Consequence

BRAKE PERFORMANCE CAN BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE TWO VACUUM HOSES, INCLUDING THE CHECK VALVE, WITH MODIFIED HOSES.

95V069000Fuel SystemMarch 30, 1995 · 13,400 units

Defect

RESIDUAL ENGINE HEAT CAN CAUSE PREMATURE DETERIORATION OF THE FUEL HOSE CAUSING THE HOSE TO LEAK. ALSO, REMOVING AND REINSTALLING THE DETERIORATED FUEL HOSES INCREASES THE LIKELIHOOD OF A LEAK.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL CONTROL UNIT FOR THE ELECTRIC COOLING FAN. THE FAN WILL THEN ACTIVATE AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE COOLANT EXCEEDS A SPECIFIED TEMPERATURE. THE FUEL HOSES WILL ALSO BE REPLACED WITH REVISED HOSES.

94V094000EngineMay 11, 1994 · 12,316 units

Defect

THE RADIATOR CAP PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE RELEASE PRESSURE IS SET TOO HIGH. THIS CAN CAUSE THE COOLANT TO REACH TEMPERATURES THAT EXCEED THE THERMAL DESIGN LIMITS OF SOME COMPONENTS OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, ENGINE COOLANT CAN LEAK COLLECT ON TOP OF THE ENGINE.

Consequence

IF ENGINE COOLANT LEAKS ONTO THE HOT ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE CAN RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF ANY VEHICLE EXHIBITS COOLANT LEAKAGE OR IF THE COOLANT LEVEL HAS DROPPED TO THE POINT WHERE THE COOLANT LOSS WOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO TRIGGER THE COOLANT LEVEL WARNING SYSTEM, COMPONENTS POTENTIALLY SUBJECT TO DETERIORATION FROM OVERHEATING WOULD BE REPLACED. THESE PARTS INCLUDE THE WATER PUMP BEARING HOUSING, THE WATER LEVEL SENSOR AND RADIATOR UPPER HOSE, THE THERMOSTAT GASKET, AND ALL WATER HOSES LOCATED ABOVE THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, ALL VEHICLES IN WHICH THOSE COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED WOULD ALSO HAVE THE COOLING SYSTEM AND OTHER SYSTEMS THAT CARRY FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS CHECKED TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT ENGINE OVERHEATING HAD NOT CAUSED ANY PROBLEMS IN THOSE SYSTEMS. ANY IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS WILL BE REPAIRED. THE RADIATOR CAP, FILLER CAP, AND FILLER CAP BODY OF ALL RECALLED VEHICLES WILL BE REPLACED BY NEWLY DESIGNED PARTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DROVE ON HIGHWAY AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. PULLED OFF AN EXIT, OPENED HOOD AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CAR IS SITTING AT A GARAGE WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. THIS IS THE THE 3RD ENGINE IN THE CAR, ALL RESULTING FROM OVERHEATING OR FIRE. 6/2001- ANTIFREEZE FIRE- ISSUED A USED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 2, 2012 · fire

“THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK THAT LED TO A FIRE, MECHANIC SAID A SCREW CAME LOOSE, ALLOWING GAS TO LEAK ONTO MANIFOLD, WHICH A CAUSED FIRE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 7, 2000 · fire

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND LEFT IDLING, UPON RETURNING THERE WAS FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE AREA AROUND THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WIRING. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 21, 2005 · fire

“VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT STALLING/CLUTCH SLIPPING/JERKING/BUCKING EVEN AFTER TURBO WAS REPLACED/DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOOR HANDLES LOOSENED/CLUNKING NOISE WHEN WINDOW COMES DOWN/GLOVE BOX OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY/MIDDLE CONSOLE MATERIAL PEELS OFF AND SQUEAKING NOISE FROM UNDER HOOD.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 1, 1997

“VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT STALLING/CLUTCH SLIPPING/JERKING/BUCKING EVEN AFTER TURBO WAS REPLACED/DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S DOOR HANDLES LOOSENED/CLUNKING NOISE WHEN WINDOW COMES DOWN/GLOVE BOX OPENS UNEXPECTEDLY/MIDDLE CONSOLE MATERIAL PEELS OFF AND SQUEAKING NOISE FROM UNDER HOOD.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 1, 1997

1993 Mazda RX-7 — common questions

Is the 1993 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 111 complaints put the 1993 model at #1 of 17 RX-7 years. It is one of the RX-7 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 RX-7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (42 complaints), fuel system (23 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints).

Does the 1993 Mazda RX-7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 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 1993 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.