TroubleAtlas Score
MAZDA RX-7 (1990–2002) — Verified Specs, Fluids & OBD2
Built 1990–2002 · all production years covered on this single page
1.3L Twin-Rotor Twin-Turbo 13B-REW • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost8.4
Parts & repairability3.9
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support3.5
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002) is powered by a 1.3L Twin-Rotor Twin-Turbo 13B-REW engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
0.9h
€63 – €81
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Easy
1.0h
€70 – €90
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.5h
€35 – €45
ABS Module
Difficulty: Medium
2.0h
€140 – €180
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| ABS Pump | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Brake Booster | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Coolant Flush | 0.9h | € 40–€ 67 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Clutch | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag - Side | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Alternator | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Alternator Belt | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Amplifier | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Antenna | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Pressure Sensor | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Camshaft R&R | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Downpipe | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| EGR Cooler | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EGR Tube | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EGR Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.3h | € 13–€ 22 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
| Fuel Filter | 0.6h | € 27–€ 45 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 3.5h | € 157–€ 262 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| AC Compressor | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Condenser | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Evaporator | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Idler Arm | 1.2h | € 54–€ 90 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 2.3h | € 103–€ 172 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kickdown Cable | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Cable | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Linkage | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Solenoid - Single | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Shift Solenoids - All | 1.7h | € 76–€ 127 |
| Torque Converter | 5.2h | € 234–€ 390 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
📋 RECALLS & TSB (6)
NHTSA 95V069000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 30/03/1995
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.
NHTSA 90E043002
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 29/10/1990
THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA 96V173000
Seat Belts › Front › Webbing
Date: 16/09/1996
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.
NHTSA 94V094000
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Date: 11/05/1994
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.
NHTSA 00E069000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Date: 06/11/2000
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.
NHTSA 96V149000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 02/08/1996
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.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1504
powertrain
MODERATEP1309
powertrain
HIGHP1132
powertrain
MODERATEP1744
powertrain
MODERATEP1260
powertrain
CRITICALP1000
powertrain
LOWP1512
powertrain
LOWP1131
powertrain
MODERATEP1780
powertrain
LOWP1631
powertrain
HIGHP1450
powertrain
MODERATEP1506
powertrain
MODERATEP1443
powertrain
LOWP1507
powertrain
MODERATEP1101
powertrain
MODERATEP1401
powertrain
MODERATEP1605
powertrain
MODERATEP1345
powertrain
CRITICALP1633
powertrain
LOWP1600
powertrain
LOW
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
56 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
i-ACTIVSENSE Fault (Mazda)ADAS
MRCC Fault (Mazda)ADAS
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
i-stop (Mazda)Engine
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
154 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Mazda Rx-7 across model years 1990–2002. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
5 crash reports 29 fires 4 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 199384
Model year 199028
Model year 199122
Model year 199418
Model year 19952
Most reported components (all years)
Engine And Engine Cooling46
Seat Belts31
Fuel System28
Gasoline26
Electrical System21
Unknown Or Other5
Sample reports
FUEL LINES FITTINGS FAILED CAUSING LEAK, PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE RESULTING IN FIRE (95V069000). YH (MY 1993)
DEFECTIVE CHECK VALVE, CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE. *AK (MY 1993)
FUEL PUSTATION DAMPNER SPONTANEOUSLY FAILED AND BEGAN SPRAYING A 6" STREAM OF FUEL UNDER THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THANK GOD I NOTICED THE SMELL OR THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY NASTY ENGINE FIRE. THE FUEL LEAKS DOWN FROM THE FPD AND RU… (MY 1993)
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 (MY 1994)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1990–2002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mazda Rx-7 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 6 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Mazda Rx-7?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Mazda Rx-7?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Mazda Rx-7?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are electrical problems common on the Mazda Rx-7?
Yes — 15 of 128 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHT LIGHT SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD MODULE OVERHEATS AND STARTS FIRE.THE LIGHTS TURN AND OFF INTERMITENTLY WITH NO WARNING.THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE. *AK…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are fuel system problems common on the Mazda Rx-7?
Yes — 22 of 128 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the fuel system. One owner reported: “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 EXTINGU…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Mazda Rx-7?
Yes — 53 of 128 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “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 EXTINGU…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["245/45R19", "225/50R16"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Considering buying a Mazda Rx-7 (1990–2002)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.