1994 Mazda Rx-7 problems
The Mazda RX-7 is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, rotary engine-powered sports car that was manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1978 until 2002 across three generations, all of which made use of a compact, lightweight Wankel rotary engine.
The first-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the SA (early) and FB (late), is a two-seater 2-door hatchback coupé. It featured a 12A carbureted rotary engine as well as the option for a 13B rotary engine with electronic fuel injection in later years.
The second-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the FC, was offered as a 2-seater coupé with a 2+2 option available in some markets, as well as in a convertible body style. This was powered by the 13B rotary engine, offered in naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms.
The third-generation RX-7, sometimes referred to as the FD, was offered a 2+2-seater coupé with a limited run of a 2-seater option. Some markets were only available as a 2-seater. It featured a sequentially-turbocharged 13B REW engine.
More than 800,000 RX-7s were manufactured over its lifetime.
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Common 1994 Mazda Rx-7 problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are some common problems with the Mazda RX-7 1994 based on complaints from owners:
- Rotary Engine Maintenance:
The rotary engine in the Mazda RX-7 requires specific maintenance to ensure reliability. Regular compression tests are recommended to assess engine health and longevity . - Limited Storage Space:
The 1994 Mazda RX-7 is noted for its limited storage room and lack of legroom, as it is designed as a pure sports car without many storage features like cup holders.
- Unique Engine Maintenance:
The Mazda RX-7's rotary engine has unique maintenance requirements that may not be standard for piston engines, requiring specialized care and attention to ensure longevity and performance . - Reliability Concerns:
While the Mazda RX-7 is praised for its performance and driving experience, some owners have highlighted the need for regular maintenance and care to keep the car reliable over time.
These common problems provide insights into the specific issues that Mazda RX-7 owners may encounter with their vehicles, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and care to ensure the longevity and performance of this iconic sports car.
Why is RX-7 engine bad?
Rotary engines are known for incomplete combustion, oil consumption, and high emissions, relegating the RX-7 to project car status rather than daily drivers. As Hagerty reports, somewhere around 13,879 third-generation RX-7s were sold in the U.S. between 1993 and 1995.
Why was the RX-7 banned?
Any Mazda RX-7 produced after 1995 is not allowed or is banned in the United States. This is because of the left-hand driving configuration of the vehicle. This means that if you want to own one, you have a couple of options. One is to find a used RX-7 in the United States that is a 1995 year model or older.
What is the problem with the RX-7 FC?
Mazda RX-7 FC Top 5 common problems
- Broken apex seals.
- Low compression rate.
- Faulty interior electrics.
- Abused rear differential.
- Faded/peeling paintwork, or rust.
Why is the RX-7 a good car?
The twin-rotor rotary engine was mounted just behind the front axle, coining the phrase “front mid-engined.” This imbued the RX-7 with near-perfect 50/50 front/rear weight balance and a low center of gravity, making the car handle more sweetly and faithfully.
1994 Mazda Rx-7 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Rx-7 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Suspension problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Mazda Rx-7 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Mazda Rx-7 complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Mazda Rx-7.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-27
- VIN: JM1FD3337R0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MAZDA 1994 RX7 FD3S PULSATION DAMPENER FAILURE. CAUSED LOSS OF FUEL AND DAMAGE TO WIRE HARNESS. THE FUEL LEAKED ONTO AND INTO THE WIRE HARNESS AND CAUSED THE HARNESS TO BECOME SATURATED, DAMP AND BRITTLE. I ALSO HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE AND INSTALL NEW PULSATION DAMPENER, WIRE HARNESS, INTAKE GASKET AND A FEW OTHER PARTS DO TO THE PULSATION DAMPENER FAILURE. I ALSO HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR. TOTAL WAS AROUND $1600.00 USD. I AM NOT HAPPY AND I HEAR THIS DAMPER FAILS ALL THE TIME FOR MY LOCAL DEALER. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-15
- VIN: JM1FD3331R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES: THE COOLING FANS DO NOT COME ON AFTER THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE OVER HEATS UNLESS THE PARKING LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. IT GET TO HOT BEFORE THE FANS COME ON. *NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-01
- VIN: JM1FD3333R0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THIS IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF ENGINE FIRES. THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *JB ***DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****770782
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-01
- VIN: JM1FD333XR0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE FOR THIS CAR. NOT ONLY IS IT AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, BUT FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THIS 'PULSATION DAMPER' FAILURE HAS LEAD TO MANY FIRES IN THIS CAR. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN AND I HOPE I DON'T HAVE TO PAY ANOTHER $500 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AGAIN. I THINK THAT BECAUSE IT IS SO DANGEROUS AND SO COMMON IN THIS CAR, MAZDA SHOULD ACCEPT SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITY. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-10
- VIN: JM1FD333XR0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I CAME EXTREMELY CLOSE TO AN ENGINE FIRE. MY ENGINE BAY WAS SOAKED WITH FUEL. NOW HALF THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TAKEN OUT IN ORDER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I SHOULDNT HAVE TO FIX THIS. THE RX-7 HAS BEEN AROUND LONG ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH A SUITABLE FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. I DONT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN AGAIN. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. WHY IS THIS NOT ON THE FUEL SYSTEM RECALL FIX LIST. IT IS KNOW TO FAIL.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1FD3331R0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: COMMON FAILURE OF FUEL PLUSATION DAMPER RESULTS IN FUEL LEAK UNDER HOOD AND ENGINE FIRE. SHOULD ISSUE RECALL AND DESIGN STRONG PART.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-15
- VIN: JM1FD3330R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERE WAS COOLANT LEAK FROM VEHICLE ONTO ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 94V094000. DEALER HAS REPLACED WATER PUMP, RADIATOR HOSES AND GASKETS. *AK *SLC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-18
- VIN: JM1FD3338R0
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: STRICKER THAT LATCHES TO HOOD LATCH BROKE OFF FROM HOOD ASSEMBLY. CONSUMER FELT THAT HOOD MAY FLY UP WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER HAS SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 00E069000; BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1FD3333R0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: RECALL 00 E 069 000. STRICKER HAS SEPARATED CAUSING HOOD TO STAY OPEN. RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR AFTER MARKET PARTS ONLY.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JM1FD3336R0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: PULSATION DAMPER ON FUEL RAIL LEAKS FUEL ONTO ENGINE AND WIRING. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-22
- VIN: 1YVGE31D3R5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MANUFACTURER'S HEADQUARTERS HAD ADVISED CONSUMER THAT FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE COIL SPRING WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FROM JAPAN UNTIL 2 WEEKS AFTER ORDERING IT. CONSUMER FELT THAT TOO MUCH TIME WAS SPENT ORDERING A PART.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-15
- VIN: JM1FD3339R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCES INTERMITTENT STALLING WHILE DRIVING OR AT A STAND STILL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN / OUT OF DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEMS STILL OCCURRING, WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON THE PROBLEM IS MORE SEVERE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-10
- VIN: JM1FD3336R0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CURRENTLY HAVING THE 4TH ENGINE INSTALLED DUE TO SEAL FAILURES. MANUFACTURER IS UNCOOPERATIVE. PREVIOUS RX7 HAD ENGINE FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1FD3336R0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK, DRIVING UNDER VERY NORMAL CONDITIONS. I HAD THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES ON AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. HEATER, RADIO, REAR DEFROSTER, AND MAYBE THE HEADLIGHTS. I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I PULLED OVER TURNED OFF THE CAR AND SLOWLY OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THE MAIN FUSE BOX (CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY) ON FIRE. THERE WERE FLAMES ABOUT 4-5 INCHES HIGH. I WAS ABLE TO BLOW THE FIRE OUT. I THEN LET THE CAR REST FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES. AFTER THAT I STARTED THE CAR AND DROVE IT HOME. AFTER THE FIRE, ANY TIME ANY ELECTRICAL ACCESSORY IS TURNED ON (BLINKER, LIGHTS, HEATER, A/C, BRAKES) THE "CHARGE" AND "ABS" WARNING LIGHTS COME ON, AND SO DO THE WARNING LIGHTS BUILT INTO THE OIL PRESSURE, FUEL LEVEL, AND WATER TEMP GAUGES. THE FIRE DAMAGED THE ONE END OF THE FUSE BOX WITH THE 120 AMP FUSE AS WELL AS SOME SURROUNDING WIRES AND CONNECTORS, AND THE UNDERHOOD INSULATION WHICH WAS BURNED BY THE FLAMES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-14
- VIN: JM1FD333XRO
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET MADE OUT OF CARDBOARD NEW ONE METAL REPAIRMAN SAID "90% OF THESE CARS HAVE THIS PROBLEM" AND I WAS TOLD BY PETER FARREL RACING THAT THIS IS A NORMAL OCCURENCE AT 60 OR 70 THOUSAND MILES THIS PART IS OBVIOSLY FAULTY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-01
- VIN: JM1FD3332R0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKES DONT WORK UNTIL CAR WARMS UP.IN ADDITION, IN ADDITION, VACUUM LINES AND CHECK VALVE WERE REPLACED A SPER RECALL (96V-149.000).
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
- VIN: JM1FD3332R0
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: EGR VALVE FAILED TWICE, ALSO REPLACED REAR SHOCK/OILPRESSURE SENSOR. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JN1FD3332R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WENT OVER A CLIFF, HIT SOME TREES AND THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JN1FD3332R0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WENT OVER A CLIFF HIT SOME TREES AND THE PASSENGERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TT
1994 Mazda Rx-7 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1994 Mazda Rx-7.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: MAZDA (NORTH AMERICA),INC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
Negative 1994 Mazda Rx-7 car reviews
Positive 1994 Mazda Rx-7 car reviews
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This is a no-compromise sports car that may not be the most practical for everyday use. It has a rough and noisy ride, and the interior can feel cramped. It's not the best option for long trips, and it can be scary to drive on wet pavement. The engine is extremely complex, so it's important to find a qualified mechanic to work on it. However, if you take care of it properly, it can provide Japanese Ferrari-level performance. Maintenance costs can be high, at around $35,000 over 16 years, and expect to pay around $100/hr for maintenance. Despite all of this, I absolutely love this car and would never sell it.
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A poor mans Z06. Great car. But, if you're not mechanically inclined, don't worry! Learning about its quirks and working on it can be half the fun of owning it.
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From the first day I fish-tailed out of the dealer's lot to ten years later, I have had nothing but joy driving this racer on my daily commute. The acceleration through the first three gears is intoxicating and causes me to laugh. No other car provides this feeling, with the exception of my brother's 2003 supercharged Cobra Mustang.
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I'm so glad you found a car you love! It sounds like it's really powerful and fun to drive. The way it pulls on the road must be an incredible feeling. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
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I love this car! It has been almost 4 years of daily driving/racing without any issues. Just make sure to keep up with the maintenance and you're good to go. The styling is also impressive, as it still turns heads even though it's a 10-year-old car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Mazda Rx-7 problems:
What are common problems with the 3rd gen. RX7's?? - RX7Club ...
Dec 16, 2002 ... Turbo rotary fails usually because of blown apex seals due to detonation and o-ring failure due to overheated. So two things you CAN NOT have is ...
How unreliable really is an RX7? : r/RX7
Jan 21, 2022 ... No engine core issues with 131k on the original motor. So reliability, it's fine. I still wouldn't recommend dailying and RX-7 or RX-8 if you're ...
Q&A: Common Mazda RX7 Problems & Solutions | 85 Mazda RX7 ...
Jun 15, 2008 ... I just bought an 85 Mazda Rx7. I am having problems with the dashboad gauges. When I turn the car on none of the - Answered by a verified ...
1994 Mazda RX-7 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1994 Mazda RX-7 repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Mazda mechanics near you.
Why do people not recommend the Mazda rx7, are the engines ...
Jan 13, 2019 ... The 2009+ ones fixed many of the issues that were prevalent on the earlier cars. Here are a few of the common failure points on RX-8s, and how ...
Other years of Mazda Rx-7
Are you having problems with your 1994 Mazda Rx-7?
Terrence Toy 2024-02-22
I had some issues with flooding and poor fuel economy, but overall my experience with the car was positive. I would consider buying it again in the future, but only when I have the financial means to address any potential problems. Unfortunately, I did have to spend $1,200 NZ just to have it looked at by a mechanic. I ended up selling it to a car dealer. I would caution against purchasing a red Batmobile with black 17 inch Enkeii rims, as this particular car may have had a transmission change. However, I do not regret my time with the car.
Fern Lueilwitz 2024-01-18
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I've loved this car from the day that I bought it....