1986 Mazda RX-7 - SpecComparePro

1986 Mazda RX-7 GXL 2+2 5MT

All Mazda RX-7 FC trims (1986–1991) → All Mazda RX-7 generations →

The 1986 Mazda RX-7 GXL 2+2 5MT is a 146-hp rotary sports coupe with a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $18,254 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 146 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

Spec	Value
Vehicle
Powertrain	Gas
Price
MSRP	$18,254 ($54,129 *)
Engine
Engine Type	13B-DEI twin-rotor Wankel rotary, naturally aspirated, electronic fuel injection
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque	138 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Valvetrain	Twin-rotor Wankel; DEI variable intake / 6PI
Drivetrain
Drive Type	RWD
Transmission
Transmission	5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City	15 MPG
Highway	22 MPG
Combined	18 MPG
Recommended Fuel	Regular Gasoline
Suspension
Front Suspension	Independent; Dynamic Tracking Suspension System (DTSS)
Rear Suspension	Independent rear (DTSS toe-control hubs); optional Auto Adjusting Suspension
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase	95.7 in
Interior
Headroom Front	37 in
Headroom Rear	33 in
Legroom Front	43 in
Shoulder Room Front	52 in
Hip Room Front	54 in
Hip Room Rear	54 in

* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1986 Mazda RX7. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Oct 14, 1987 · SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:CALIPER

IN AREAS OF HEAVY USAGE, ROAD SALT MAY ACCUMULATE AT SURFACES OF COMPONENTS OF FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS.

Consequence: THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE DISC PAD LINER CORROSIONTHAT WOULD PREVENT FREE MOVEMENT OF DISC PADS RESULTING IN INEFFECTIVE BRAKINGOF THE FRONT BRAKES.

Remedy: REPAIR FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS TO PREVENT ROAD SALT ACCUMULATION.

NHTSA campaign 87V160000

12 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1986 Mazda RX7

Owner Complaints

12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1986 Mazda RX7 (1 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas

Fuel System	7
Gasoline	5
Other	2
Electrical System	1
Engine And Engine Cooling	1
Equipment	1

A complaint can cite more than one area.

Most recent complaints

May 16, 2013 · Electrical System, Fuel/Propulsion System Fire

“PULSATION DAMPER FAILURE LEAKING FUEL ALL OVER THE HOT EXHAUST THAT THE HEAT CAUGHT MY ENGINE ON FIRE! OVERHEATED AND DAMAGED INJECTOR CONNECTERS DUE TO FIRE BURNING THEM. INJECTORS THEM SELF : BURNT…”

Feb 17, 2006 · Fuel System, Gasoline

“FUEL INJECTION PULSATION DAMPENER BEGAN LEAKING. DUE TO IT BEING LOCATED OVER THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH IS RIGHT OVER THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHEN IT LEAKS FUEL RUNS DOWN THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD…”

Aug 6, 2005 · Fuel System, Gasoline

“RECENTLY PURCHASED THE CAR WITH A REBUILT MOTOR, BUT SEVERAL OLD PARTS WERE NOT REPLACED. OCCASIONALLY GAS FUMES ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. LOOKING AT THE PLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PULSATION…”

Feb 22, 2005 · Fuel System, Other Fire

“THE CAR IS A DAILY DRIVER AND HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN BEYOND THE AVG DAILY ABUSE. ONE DAY I RETURN HOME AND IN THE DRIVEWAY THE CAR STALS AND I START IT AGAIN AND IT STALED AGAIN, UPON OPENING THE HOOD…”

Jan 20, 2004 · Fuel System, Other Fire

“FAULTY OOULSATION DAMPNER.. CAUSED ENGINE FIRE.. APROXIMATE REPAIRE OVER 1000 AND THAT WITH USING USED WIRING HARNESS.*AK”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1986 MAZDA RX7. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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