The 1989 Mazda Rx7 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 17,800 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the seat belts. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEAT BELTS96V1730001996-09-1617,800 affected
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.
Complaints by component
SEAT BELTS
14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
2
1fires1injuries
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1
1fires1injuries
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
1
Total complaints32
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
“"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…”
“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”
“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”
Defect investigations
InvestigationPE96027 Opened 1996-04-16 · closed 1996-09-30
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1989 Mazda Rx7 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.