Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1982 RX-7.
The 1982 Mazda RX-7 predates the 1990–1995 RX-7 complaint-tracking window, yet its own reliability record is spare: just two owner complaints, one recall, and steering flagged as the top complaint area. Against the broader model history, in which complaints peaked at 98 in 1993 and dropped to 4 in 1995, that low-complaint profile places the 1982 model at the quiet end of the documented timeline. For researchers, it is less a point of comparison with the later, better-represented years than a baseline entry showing minimal reported issues in this dataset.
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the RX-7 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | GSL-SE Hatchback Coupe 1.3L R2 | 7.80 sec | 15.90 sec | 135 hp | RWD |
| 1979 | Hatchback Coupe 1.1L R2 | 8.90 sec | 17.10 sec | 100 hp | RWD |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 1982 Mazda RX‑7 is recorded as having one steering complaint and one wheel complaint, with zero crash‑related and zero fire‑related complaints. The federal complaint data supplied for later model years (1990‑1995) shows a wide range of total complaints—from none in 1992 to a peak of 98 in 1993—indicating fluctuating issue frequency across that span. Because the year‑by‑year record does not include 1982, we cannot place its overall complaint volume within that trend or assess whether its low steering and wheel counts reflect a below‑average problem rate. The absence of recall, investigation, or TSB figures for 1982 further limits a definitive reliability comparison. Consequently, while the available data does not highlight major safety concerns for the 1982 model, the lack of comprehensive federal records means a purchase should be predicated on a thorough pre‑purchase inspection.
All 2 complaints on record, top 2 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… Remedy: REPLACE PIN WITH ONE OF IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANT QUALITY.
Showing 4 of 4 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00398 | 1998-07-16 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING OIL LEAK AT REAR STATIONARY GEAR O-RING / ON - CAR REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *YC |
| 008/97 | 1997-05-19 | Equipment | USE OF A/C TRACER DYE. *TW |
| 001/97G | 1997-04-08 | Electrical System | MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY - DIAGNOSTIC AND CHARGING PROCEDURE. *TW |
| 003/97G | 1997-01-19 | Electrical System | WIPER MOTOR INOPERATIVE - CIRCUIT BREAKER ACTIVATION. *TW |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.