- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle collision, the occupant would not be adequately restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1989 Mazda RX7 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 1989 Mazda RX7 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (19) and the engine & cooling (5). Those complaints describe 2 fires and 2 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in September 1996 for the webbing. For comparison, the 1988 has 24.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical RX7 year, for its age
#46 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 Mazda RX7 problems
Share of all 31 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 Mazda RX7 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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31 complaints about the 1989 Mazda RX7
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
I own a 1989 mazda rx 7. I recently saw a recall on the ford recall web site for nhtsa campaign # 96v173000, front webbing for rx's manufactured between 12/24/88 to 05/31/91. I have this particular problem on my seats. I contacted a local dealer and was told that my rx was not in the group for the recall. The dealer did this by vin # , [[redacted]] , and stated my car did not fall in the recall. The dealer provided a print out showing my rx was manufactured, 01/10/89. I feel that the problem is within the range...
Read the full complaint
of the recall, my vehicle is an rx7, and manufactured in the range of the recall. I am requesting help in resolving this problem. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr updated 07/08/11.*Jb
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 quickly healed I have not currently had the car repaired im seeking a best estimate for the repair. *Tr
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 nothing else they could do. *Ak updated 1/23/2006 - *nm
"Headlight harness" melted and knocked out "headlight switch"...Known problem and common, not recognized by mazda as worthy of being fixed. Takes out driving lights, and interior lights, which is very unsafe at night in dark regions. Contacted local mazda dealer, was told it was never recalled or anything. Nlm
This is a known common problem among the 1987-1991 rx-7 owners. Speed adjuster for the windshield only operate at the top speed. Rendering it impossible to use in the light sprinkle; have to keep turning it on and off while driving. *Ak
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
ENGINE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).
The consumer has received a recall letter for automatic shoulder belts. Since receiving the letter, no parts has been available. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted. Recall number 96v173000. *Ak
Windshield wiper switch only works on 1 speed. Wipers do not stop in the down position.
Owner states that recevied a recall notice for shoulder belts, but has been unable to get work done because of no parts. Also dealer pulled his seat belt apart and did not complete work because of no parts. 96V173000. *Ak
Owner received recall notice #96v17300 for automatic shoulder belts. Took to dealer & had repairs done; problem w/shoulder belt has reoccurred a short time later; dealer will not repair again. *Ak
Windshield wiper switch defective, causing poor visibility.
No parts for shoulder bel, tmanufacturer told customer that they did not know when more parts would be coming in. *Ak
PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR INOPERATIVE.
The passenger's side automatic shoulder belt is inoperative. The seat belt will not retract towards the body when the door is closed. *Ak
Failure on the driver's side automatic shoulder belt, the shoulder belt was in the midway position prior to recall (96v-173). *Ak
Driver's side motorbelt failed to move in forward position due to stripped track.
MOTORIZED SEAT BELT RETRACTOR INOPERATIVE.
Consumer was driving and the abs brake light came on , took to dealer the oil was leaking . Please describe .*Ak
Failure of the driver's and passenger's side automatic seat belt retractors, the seat belt is in the retracting position, pe96-027.*Ak
ENGINE REPLACED DUE TO DEFECT. *SD
The motor has blown in car while driving. Please describe. Tt
The automatic seatbelt for the driver does not go up and down the track. Please describe. Tt
Lap/shoulder belt on driver side failed due faulty cable that broke. Tt
The driver side seat belt retractor the cable came out. Tt
Mazda RX7: every year compared
All RX7 years1989 Mazda RX7 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Mazda RX7 | 31 | 1 | F | |
| 1989 Mazda 626 | 42 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda 323 | 38 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda 929 | 37 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda MX6 | 28 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda MPV | 23 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda B2200 | 3 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda Protege | 2 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1989 Mazda Mazda | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1989 Mazda RX7
Does the 1989 Mazda RX7 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1989 Mazda RX7: webbing (September 1996). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1989 Mazda RX7?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (19), engine & cooling (5), visibility & wipers (4).
How many complaints has the 1989 Mazda RX7 had?
31 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 13, 1994 and the latest on June 8, 2010. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 Mazda RX7 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 8 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mazda RX7 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Mazda RX7 years have the most complaints?
1987 (50), 1989 (31), 1988 (24). See every Mazda RX7 year compared.
What should I do if my 1989 Mazda RX7 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data