Selling a dead, burned or project Mazda RX-7

An RX-7 that has sat for decades, burned, or won't start can still go as one piece. We buy whole non-running and junk cars. Sell the whole car as it sits, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Three generations in the US data

Wikipedia dates RX-7 production from 1978 to 2002, at Mazda's Hiroshima plant. Every version used a twin-rotor engine in a front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Mazda's own history, as Wikipedia tells it, made the rotary "a choice for the sporting motorist" starting with the RX-7 in 1978. The EPA data covers model years 1984 to 1995.

1984-1985: the last first-generation cars

These are Series 3 cars, which Wikipedia says got an updated lower front fascia and, in North America, a different instrument cluster. First-generation engines were the 12A twin-rotor, a turbo 12A and the 1308 cc 13B-RESI.

NHTSA holds only 9 complaints on these two years and no recalls. Three of the five 1984 complaints report a fire.

1986-1991: the FC

Wikipedia says the second generation, the FC, was built from September 1985 to December 1991 as a coupe and from August 1987 to December 1992 as a convertible, 272,027 in all. This RX-7 came with the 13B or the turbo 13B-T, paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic.

This stretch holds 166 complaints, and the early years carry most of the fire reports:

• 1987: 51 complaints, 23 reporting a fire, and 26 naming the fuel system. One reports a death.
• 1988: 24 complaints, 12 reporting a fire, 11 naming the fuel system. Two report deaths.

From 1989 on, the pattern shifts to seat belts: 19 of 30 complaints on the 1989, 18 of 28 on the 1990 and 13 of 22 on the 1991. Recall 96V173 covers those three years. Wear on the automatic shoulder belt's rail can jam the cable that moves the buckle, and then the belt doesn't work. Dealers replace the belts, and Mazda extended warranty coverage on the belt rail. 17,800 vehicles in the campaign.

The 1986 and 1987 share an older recall, 87V160: road salt can build up on the front brake calipers in heavy-salt areas. 17,850 vehicles in the campaign.

1993-1995: the FD

The third generation, the FD, ran from October 1991 to August 2002 with the 13B-REW twin-turbo engine. Wikipedia says its Series 6 (1992-1995) was exported around the world, while the final Series 8 was sold only in Japan. NHTSA's file has no 1992 model-year complaints at all.

The 1993 has 82 complaints, the most of any RX-7. The engine and cooling system lead with 34, then electrical with 16 and the fuel system with 15. Another 23 complaints report a fire. Three recalls cover the FD years:

• 94V094 (1993-1994): the radiator cap's pressure relief valve was set too high, which can push coolant past the design limits of some cooling parts. 12,316 vehicles.
• 95V069 (1993-1994): leftover engine heat can wear out a fuel hose until it leaks, and taking off and refitting a worn hose makes a leak more likely. Dealers add a control unit that runs the electric cooling fan after the engine is shut off. 13,400 vehicles.
• 96V149 (1993-1995): oil mist in the intake air can collect in the brake vacuum check valve and reduce brake power assist. Dealers replace two vacuum hoses, check valve included. 13,900 vehicles.

The 1994 has 18 complaints and the 1995 just 2.

Complaints and recalls by model year

Source: NHTSA complaint records, October 10, 2026. Each year lists its recall campaigns, and a single campaign may reach across more than one year.

Restore it or sell it?

Start by entering your RX-7's VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup to see if any of the five campaigns are still open. On a 1993 or 1994, check for the fuel hose recall, 95V069.

A car that has already burned is covered in fire damage. One that sat for years with old fuel in it is covered in sitting for years. If it's a stalled restoration, old project car lays out the choice between finishing it and selling it as it stands.

Selling the RX-7 in one piece

1. Note the VIN, the mileage and the series if you know it, plus what doesn't work.
2. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008.
3. Tell us where it's stored: a garage, a carport, or a field. Mention whether the wheels turn and the tires are up.
4. Keep the rotary engine and turbos in the car. If parts were already pulled, list them.
5. Keep your photo ID and the title on hand for the driver. After you sell covers plates by state.

Other Mazdas we cover: the MX-5 Miata, the 626, and every Mazda model.