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1990 Mazda RX-7 problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Mazda RX-7 is seat belts. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical RX-7 model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
28
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
9
Worst area
Seat belts
Fuel economy
17-18mpg

The worst 1990 Mazda RX-7 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Seat belts
    18
  • Engine
    4
  • Brakes
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 1

Seat belts: front: webbingReported September 16, 1996 · 17,800 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 96V173000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1990 Mazda RX-7

Defect investigations

Mazda rx7 automatic seat belt failureOpened April 16, 1996, closed September 30, 1996

Malfunction of the automatic seat belt system

PE96027

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Mazda RX-7 9

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1990 Mazda RX-7 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.3L 2‑cylRWD1521-2317-18

What 1990 Mazda RX-7 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 21, 2015 · Seat belts · 151,426 miles · SC

There was a recall issued for my car for the automatic shoulder belt on 02-17-1997, campaign # 68702. Mine was originally repaired on 05-23-2006. It has since failed again and my local mazda dealer, # 23963, ran a report showing that the status was closed because it was fixed once. As a safety issue, I thought that this recall covered the problem for the car's lifetime, at least for the original owner which I am. I would like your help resolving this issue as the automatic shoulder belt on the driver's side, the one previously repaired, is not working again. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Feb 12, 2009 · Seat belts · 81,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1990 mazda rx7. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front driver's and passenger side automatic shoulder belt retractors were inoperative. The malfunctions occurred from excessive wear and prevents the webbing from being extracted. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v173000 (seat belts,front;webbing), although the failures were identical. The authorized dealer was notified of the failures and the vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000 and current mileage was 82,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2009 · Seat belts · 81,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 1990 mazda rx7. The contact stated that the front driver's and passenger side automatic shoulder belt failed to retract. The shoulder belt was inoperative. The authorized dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 96v173000 (seat belts:front,webbing), although the failures were identical. The failure mileage was 81,000 and current mileage was 82,000. Updated 3/16/09 *cn updated 03/19/09.

Filed Oct 3, 2005 · Fuel system · 153,000 miles · IL · fire

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 the whole fuel rail must be replaced to correct the problem.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Seat belts · 30,000 miles · TX

Dealership refused to honor the automatic shoulder belt recall 96v173000. The defect already occurred, but the dealership indicated that it was not the same failure as stated in the recall.

Filed Jul 11, 2002 · Fuel system · MN

Pusation dampner on primary fuel delivery rail diaphram failure. Gasoline leakage in large quantities right above hot engine. Very serious fire hazard.. Seems to be a common problem on rx-7's in general. Perhaps mazda should have plaed the pd away from the engine. Excessive heat may have hardened diaphram to point of breakage. Fualty design.

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Seat belts · NV

The passenger side belt retractor is jammed in the rail and the cable is exposed, the consumer took vehicle to dealer, who then stated that the repair cost would be $100, consumer then informed the dealer that this is a recall item (96v173000) with a lifetime warranty, consumer states the dealers attitude then change, the dealer then stated that the vehicle needed to remain at the dealer the entire day.

Filed Nov 4, 2000 · Brakes · OR

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 $!

Filed Oct 2, 2000 · Engine, Tires · NY

Consumer replaced engine in 1995, now five years later the engine needs to be replaced again because the apex seal is partial collapsed causing the vehicle to stall. Nlm

Filed Jun 20, 2000 · Seat belts · VA

The federal safety agency campaign id number: 96v173000. I contacted both my local mazda dealer and mazda themselves. They informed me that the recall was over and had already been done on the vehicle in 1996 and was not applicable for recall now. They quoted me a price over $1000 to fix it, which at this time is not feasable. From what I understand from this recall is it is a lifetime recall not a 1 time deal??

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Mazda RX-7 before you buy

Compare the 1990 Mazda RX-7

Other model years

19901991199319941995

Questions about the 1990 Mazda RX-7

Is the 1990 Mazda RX-7 reliable?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 1990 Mazda RX-7, 1.3 times a typical RX-7 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Mazda RX-7?

Seat belts, with 18 complaints. Next is engine (4).

How many recalls does the 1990 Mazda RX-7 have?

1 recall, covering seat belts.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Mazda RX-7 seat belts?

Yes, 1 recall: 96V173000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mazda RX-7 have the most seat belts problems?

The Mazda RX-7 model years with the most seat belts complaints are 1990 (18 complaints) and 1991 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Mazda RX-7 get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Mazda RX-7 range from 17 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.3L 2-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 21-23 highway.

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