1986 Mazda Rx7 problems

Common 1986 Mazda Rx7 problems

The Mazda RX-7, produced in 1986, is a beloved sports car known for its sleek design and impressive performance. However, like any vehicle, the RX-7 is not without its faults. Real RX-7 owners have reported several common car problems, ranging from minor annoyances to major repairs.

One common issue that Mazda RX-7 owners may face is an oil leak developing at the rear stationary gear seal and O-ring. This seal and O-ring are located in the engine and are responsible for preventing oil from leaking. However, the seal and O-ring can become worn or damaged over time, causing oil to leak out of the engine. This issue is reported to affect model years from 1990-1995. If left untreated, this oil leak can lead to engine damage or even failure. Therefore, RX-7 owners must be vigilant and address any oil leaks as soon as they are detected to avoid more serious issues.

Another common issue reported by Mazda RX-7 owners is intermittent no-start, particularly in the turbo models. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM). The ECM controls various aspects of the engine's operation. When the ECM malfunctions, it can prevent the engine from starting even though it is cranking normally. Other possible causes of intermittent no-start can include fuel, ignition, or starter issues. Diagnosing and fixing this issue can be challenging and may require the assistance of a qualified mechanic. However, addressing this problem promptly is crucial to avoid getting stranded unexpectedly or causing further damage to the engine.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is an important safety feature in any car, including the Mazda RX-7. However, some RX-7 owners have reported that the ABS light can illuminate intermittently, even when there are no problems with the braking system. According to RepairPal, this issue can be caused by a faulty ABS control module or sensor. The faulty sensor can trigger the warning light to turn on even when there is no problem with the brakes. It is important for Mazda RX-7 owners to address this issue promptly. Malfunctioning ABS can compromise the car's braking performance. This can potentially lead to dangerous situations. A qualified mechanic can diagnose the root cause of the problem and determine the appropriate course of action to resolve the issue and ensure the ABS is functioning correctly.

The Mazda RX-7's clutch can also fail, causing the car to surge forward or judder as the clutch pedal is released. This issue can be resolved by replacing the clutch with a new one. A problem with the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) can cause poor idling, where the revs do not remain constant. This issue can be resolved by removing the TPS, cleaning it, and then refitting it to the vehicle. A knocking noise coming from the suspension can be caused by the rear suspension bushes failing. This issue can be resolved by replacing the rear suspension bushes. The trim around the inside of the door is prone to breaking, particularly the door handles and storage pockets. This issue can be resolved by replacing the broken parts.

The FC's lifespan was punctuated by a couple of coupe-based special editions that are also worthy of note. The 10th Anniversary edition cars mark a decade since the debut of the original RX-7 SA22. They are easily identifiable by their Crystal White bodywork and matching wheel rims. Only 1500 were ever made, but from a mechanical perspective, there’s nothing to separate the anniversary models from a regular 180hp turbo car. A bit more thought did go into the GTUs special edition though. Scarcer than the 10th Anniversary model, the GTUs was kept down to just 1100 units. It was designed to celebrate Mazda’s successes in the American IMSA sports car championship. Using the facelifted base car as a starting canvas, Mazda reverted back to a manual window crank and deleted the rear wiper. They also added the suspension usually found on the turbocharged variant; as well as upgraded brakes, speed-sensitive power steering, and subtly revised front aero. So, what you ended up with was a slightly rawer, but slightly more athletic RX-7.

In general, the FC RX-7 is the least sporty of the three RX-7 generations. It’s more of a cruiser with some sporting personality sprinkled on top. That said, after a bit of fettling, the Mazda RX-7 FC can make for a rewarding driver’s car. However, the FC RX-7 has several common problems, including broken apex seals, low compression rate, faulty interior electrics, abused rear differential, faded/peeling paintwork, or rust. The interior of the Mazda RX-7 FC looks exactly as you would expect of a Japanese car from the eighties. There’s plenty of cheap plastics involved that are probably looking their age. Plus, as the materials are quite brittle, you might be looking at some broken switchgear. If the car in question was fitted with leather upholstery, that too is likely to be looking a bit worse for wear by now. Electrics are another weak point. The solder used within the FC’s circuit boards was never of the highest quality, and as the decades have gone by there’s been many cases of it simply cracking. So, if you notice that the FC’s digital instruments or horn aren’t working, failed circuit boards are likely to be the issue.

The Mazda RX-7 FC's sunroof can trap water in its sills, so make sure there's no rust there. Rainwater can also wreak havoc with the metal frame that surrounds the glass of the rear hatch, and the base of the antenna is prone to rusting as well. Finally, aside from obvious zones like wheel arches, you should open up the bonnet and look down towards the front bumper. The reinforcing metals behind the bumper corrode for fun. Most FC RX-7s will have undergone some sort of visual modification, so if it isn't to your taste, be sure to factor in the cost of putting it right when haggling on price.

In summary, the Mazda RX-7, produced in 1986, is a beloved sports car known for its sleek design and impressive performance. However, like any vehicle, the RX-7 is not without its faults. Real RX-7 owners have reported several common car problems, ranging from minor annoyances to major repairs. These issues include oil leaks, intermittent no-start, faulty ABS, clutch failure, TPS problems, suspension issues, and broken interior parts. It is important for RX-7 owners to be aware of these issues and address them promptly to avoid more serious problems.

How reliable is an RX-7?

It requires a lot of maintenance and with a lot of care, you will not have a problem with it. Due to its high-performance engine, its maintenance requirements are nothing compared to daily-use cars. People need to take even more care of it, but the truth is that this car may not be as durable as others.

Why are RX-7 illegal?

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 engine is in a 1986 Mazda RX-7?

Although the 1.3-liter turbo rotary engine was pretty much a carryover from the previous gen, it received some changes that increased power to 146 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. That doesn't sound like much in today's world, but the Mazda's light weight makes the car feel potent and punchy.

What to know before buying FC RX-7?

Buyer beware

If not continually monitored and topped up, they will run dry and cause huge issues. With the FC RX-7, the oil needs to be fully replenished every six months or 3000-6000 miles, so check this regime has been adhered to. Check the history of the car and take a test drive to see how smooth the engine is.

1986 Mazda Rx7 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Rx7 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Fuel system problems
• Gasoline problems
• Other problems
• Equipment problems
• Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Mazda Rx7 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.