1982 Mazda Rx7 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. IN CERTAIN HIGH SALT AREAS, THE IDLER ARM IS EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT WHICH CAUSES THE DUST SEAL TO DETERIORATE RESULTING IN IDLER ARM PIN CORROSION. THIS CAUSES THE PIN TO FREEZE AND BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BROKEN IDLER ARM PIN COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE PIN WITH ONE OF IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANT QUALITY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1982 RX7.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mazda dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 85V108000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING
Summary: IN CERTAIN HIGH SALT AREAS, THE IDLER ARM IS EXPOSED TO ROAD SALT WHICH CAUSES THE DUST SEAL TO DETERIORATE RESULTING IN IDLER ARM PIN CORROSION. THIS CAUSES THE PIN TO FREEZE AND BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A BROKEN IDLER ARM PIN COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE PIN WITH ONE OF IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANT QUALITY.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. SYSTEM: STEERING.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (1), Wheels / tires (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
09/11/2009 · Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1982 MAZDA RX7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH SHE LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD CAUSE A CRASH. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL# 85V108000, STEERING; THEREFORE, SHE WAS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REP…
04/22/1997 · Wheels / tires
WHEEL FELL OFF, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)