2005 Mazda RX-8

Do not drive

Owners filed 162 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 6 times.

Not among the Mazda RX-8 years to avoid. Which Mazda RX-8 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
62,000 milesMedian miles at failure

124 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2005 Mazda RX-8 problems

48 of the 162 complaints (30%) are about the transmission.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission22
000
Air Bags · airbags21
303
Power Train · transmission16
001
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine13
000
Steering12
000
Engine8
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration7
100
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system7
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine6
000
Electrical System6
000

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V404000Do not drive
Filed Jun 15, 20184,184 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-2009 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 17V-011 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 17V-011.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V402000Do not drive
Filed Jun 15, 2018308,591 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module17V474000Do not drive
Filed Jul 26, 2017308,992 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1417G. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-382.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump17V354000
Filed Jun 1, 201769,447 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles. Heat from the engine and the exhaust may cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.

Risk. If the fuel pump pipe cracks, fuel may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump filter kit, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1017E.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump16V793000
Filed Oct 31, 201669,447 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured April 10, 2003, to February 18, 2008. The affected vehicles have fuel pump sealing rings that may deteriorate due to exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.

Risk. The deteriorated seals may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump sealing ring set and add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0516J.

Engine and Engine Cooling05V317000
Filed Jul 7, 200552,000 vehiclesMazda North American Operations

Defect. IF CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE PARKED AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATED AT HIGH RPM'S FOR AN EXCESSIVE LENGTH OF TIME, SOME OF THE PARTS AROUND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN MELT AND PRODUCE A VARIETY OF MALFUNCTIONS. PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD-UP CAN RANGE FROM INOPERATIVE OXYGEN SENSOR, NEUTRAL SWITCH AND BACK UP LIGHTS, PROBLEMS WITH THE PARKING BRAKES, MALFUNCTIONS OF THE GAS GAUGE AND/OR POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKS RESULTING FROM HEAT DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK.

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Oct 13, 2023AZ

See attached document for complaint

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 27, 2022MI

Part associated with recall 1017E has failed due to improper installation.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 21, 2021KS

My cars steering will loosen up and stiffen up randomly also the traction control will randomly engage and the tire pressure lights and another light

Steering
Filed Jun 18, 2021TX

The steering wheel sometimes its hard to control sometimes its normal and when going fast the steering is so loose like there's a gaps that you need your two hands on the steering all time and the weels Weigel at high speed 60mph. its hard drive the car on the freeway And everyday use i already spend $2800 at the dealership get fix but never get fix The car no accident to be like that. Car has 80k mileage

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Mar 29, 202174,000 milesNH

FUEL LEAK AT GAS TANK AREA CAUSED MASSIVE FIRE.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 11, 2019110,200 milesTX

THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY BRACKET BREAKS AT THE SPOTWELDS WHICH ALSO BREAKS THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND LUKILY THIS BROKE WHILE STARTING THE CAR

Engine
Filed Apr 16, 2019102,325 milesMD

OIL COOLER HOSES RUST OUT AT FITTINGS AND LEAK OIL UNCONTROLLABLY. ONE SEARCH OF ANY RX8 FORUM AND YOU WILL FIND ALL YEARS ARE EFFECTED.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 12, 2019150,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE JUNK YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, PELVIC, AND RIBS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Steering
Filed Feb 12, 2019115,000 milesMD

MY STEERING WHEEL TURNS ON ITS OWN WHILE IN MOTION ON THE BELTWAY AND SOMETIMES IT DIFFICULT TO STEER AT ALL WHILE IN MOTION IN TRAFFIC. I PURCHASED NEW TIRES THINKING THAT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT IT DIDN'T.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 6, 2018110,000 milesKY

TAKATA RECALL MAKING A COMPLAINT ABOUT NOT DOING RECALL IN A TIMELY MANOR

Power Train
Filed Jul 7, 2018150,000 milesCA

CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET BROKEN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. I WENT TO PUSH THE CLUTCH IN TO DOWNSHIFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO OVER TAKE A SLOWER VEHICLE AND IT SNAPPED WITH AN AUDIBLE "POP" AND I COULDNT SHIFT INTO THE LOWER GEAR AND MY RPMS, WENT TO IDLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. HAD IT BROKEN AT A DIFFERENT TIME, I COULD HAVE BEEN LOCKED INTO A CERTAIN GEAR AND HA TO BREAK FAST OR CRASH RISKING THE LIVES OF MY OCCUPANTS AND THE OCCUPANTS OF ANOTHER VEHICLE

Electrical System
Filed May 1, 201894,000 milesMO

I HAD MANY RECALLS DONE LAST YEAR. NOW, TODAY, OLIVER AT MAZDA CORPORATE SAID THAT JOE MACHENS DEALERSHIPS AREN'T EQUIPPED TO HAVE DONE THE WORK PROPERLY. RECALLS: 16V793, 17V-354 & 355, FRONT END STEARING FROM INAPPROPRIATE CAULKING OF BALL JOINT , ENGINE REPLACED TWICE, OIL MIXING WITH COOLANT, AGAIN, AND NOW MY ALARM GOES OFF AS SOON AS I START IT. JOE MACHENS TOLD ME TO REMOVE THE BATTERY. A NEW LITHIUM BATTERY IS BEING DEVELOPED BY MAZDA BECAUSE ROTARY ENGINES CAN'T USE A REGULAR BATTERY. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR SIX WEEKS LAST YEAR, AUGUST, AND KEPT YELLING THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE NEW, CORRECT PARTS. MY STEARING IS DIFFICULT AT TIMES AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL CONCERNING THIS. THE SEALS DETERIORATED MAKING ISSUES. NOW THEY ARE MAKING NEW GASKETS, RINGS, ETC. TO BE HEAT RESISTANT. THEY ARE FIGHTING ME, AGAIN, WHILE THEY HAVE ADMITTED MY CAR NEEDS PROPER FIXING WITH PROPER PARTS FROM INAPPROPRIATE WORK DONE LAST YEAR. ONE CORPORATE WORKER SAID MAYBE A NEW ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE WITH PROPER PARTS. YET NOT AT A DEALERSHIP, AT A MECHANICAL SHOP THAT KNOWS HOW TO WORK ON ROTORY ENGINES. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY LOT. I HAD MY OIL CHECKED TO HAVE FLUIDS CHANGED WITH VALVOLINE BECAUSE OF THEIR OFFER FOR 150,000 MILES ON ENGINE IF USING THEIR OIL. I COULDN'T GO FORWARD WITH THIS BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUES . OIL FOAMY, ALARM GOES OFF, FAULTY LIGHT THEY KNEW ABOUT ALSO. IT WORKED BEFORE THEY DID RECALL WORK ON IT. IT IS NOT SAFE FOR FIRE HAZARD, STEARING DIFFICULTY,

Steering
Filed Feb 21, 2018109,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED APPROXIMATELY 20 TIMES BEFORE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN FULL CONTROL. THE DEALER (MIDLANDS MAZDA, 655 BROAD RIVER RD, COLUMBIA, SC 29210) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS KNOWN FOR HAVING A BALL JOINT ISSUE AND IT COULD POSSIBLY BE DUE TO THE RACK AND PINION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 18, 201787,466 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A FUEL ODOR EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL ODOR WAS ALL AROUND THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED AND FUEL LEAKED UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KUHN MAZDA (3934 W KENNEDY BLVD, TAMPA, FL 33609, PHONE: (877) 225-9956), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE TAKEN DOWN TO FIND WHERE THE FAILURE WAS COMING FROM AND THERE WOULD BE A FEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR FEES. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,466.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 11, 2017MN

THE EXTERNAL OIL LINES AND CONNECTION FITTINGS FOR THE ROTORY ENGINE LUBRICATION POINTS AND COOLING HAVE CORRODED AWAY FORM ROAD SALT IN MINNESOTA. DRIVING CAUSES ENGINE OIL TO BE SPRAYED ON FRONT WHEEL AND BRAKES CAUSING FRONT BRAKE FAILURE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE PROBLEMS. THE CORROSION WAS SO BAD THAT EACH ATTEMPT TO FIX AN OIL LEAK ENDED UP BRAKING MORE CORRODED OIL FITTINGS OFF. THE TOTAL REPAIR IN 2017 ENDED BEING OVER $1,000 DOLLARS FOR JUST PARTS PLUS LABOR. MAZDA HAS PREVIOUSLY PAID TO FIX ALL MAZDA RX-8S SOLD TO PEOPLE IN CANADA BECAUSE OF ROAD SALT CORROSION FAILURES OF THESE SAME OIL LINES. WHY DOESN'T THE USA HAVE CONSUMER PROTECTION LIKE CANADIAN CITIZENS HAVE! I PAID A REPAIR SHOP BY ME $1,037.81 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MECHANIC LOST ABOUT ANOTHER $1,000 IN AFTER MARKET FITTINGS AND HOSES PLUS TIME, BUT EACH FIX BROKE MORE FITTINGS. HE FINALLY BOUGHT ALL NEW FACTORY PARTS AND SOLD THEM TO ME FOR COST AND ONLY CHARGED US FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS LABOR. TONY BECK,S AUTO REPAIR IN PINEISLAND MN JUST COULDN'T CHARGE ANYONE WHAT IT REALLY COST HIM. US RX-8 OWNERS ARE GETTING SCREWED BY YOU NOT RECALLING THIS OIL LINE FAILURE PROBLEM. THESE OIL LINES AND FITTINGS GO ALL AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE AND ARE HIGH PRESSURE 1/2 INCH ID HYDRAULIC LINES. HOW CAN OIL SPRAYING FRONT DISC BRAKES AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE! STEVE W. FROM MINNESOTA, WE HAVE LOTS OF ROAD SALT JUST LIKE CANADA, THAT'S WHY THE I-35 BRIDGE FELL DOWN. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH THESE SALT C

Air Bags
Filed Nov 30, 201790,000 milesTX

HELLO. HOW ARE YOU? I HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOING WELL FOR YOU. I AM AN OWNER OF 2005 MAZDA RX8. I WAS A FACULTY OF ONE UNIVERSITY AT TEXAS BY 2016. HOWEVER, I LEFT USA LAST FALL AND CURRENTLY SETTLED DOWN IN KOREA. I ALSO TOOK MY CAR (2005 MAZDA RX8) FROM USA TO KOREA. IN TERMS OF SAFETY RECALL NOTICES, I ASKED MAZDA USA TO SOLVE TWO SAFETY RECALL ISSUES (MAZDA RECALL #: 1017E—FUEL TANK LEAK AS WELL AS 9416E—TAKATA RECALL) FOR MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE NO MAZDA DEALER SHOPS IN KOREA, SO I ASKED TO MAZDA USA TO SEND THE PARTS VIA THE MAIL TO REPLACE BAD PARTS FOR MY CAR. HOWEVER, THEY REJECTED MY REQUESTS AND THEY SAID ONLY MAZDA (CERTIFIED) MECHANIC SHOULD COMPLETE THE REPAIRS. I AM WONDERING IF I CAN SOLVE THESE SERIOUS SAFETY RECALL ISSUES. AM I NOT A CUSTOMER OF MAZDA BECAUSE IM NOT STAYING IN THE US ANYMORE? SHOULD I JUST WAIT AND SEE MY CAR RESULTS IN FIRE AND SERIOUS DAMAGE FROM TAKATA AIRBAG? VIRTUALLY, MY MAZDA RX8 HAS CURRENTLY FUEL TANK LEAKING ISSUE (PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED PHOTO). I REALIZE THAT MY REQUEST MAY BE AN IMPOSITION GIVEN YOUR OTHER COMMITMENTS, BUT I WOULD APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH IF YOU CAN HELP ME SOLVE THESE TWO SAFETY RECALL ISSUES. ALTHOUGH IM NOT STAYING IN THE US ANYMORE, I STILL BELIEVE IM A CUSTOMER OF MAZDA. IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION, I WOULD BE GLAD TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION (E.G., MY AUTO INSURANCE RECORDS IN THE US, ETC.). IM LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING YOUR ATTENTION. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 16, 2017NY

GOOD MORNING, I HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS LETTERS INFORMING ME THAT I HAVE A RECALL ON MY MAZDA. IT IS THE "FUEL LEAK AT FUEL PUMP RINGS AND FUEL PUMP DISCHARGE PIPE 1017E" RECALL. I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING THEM FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO. EVERY TIME I CHECK THE NHTSA WEBSITE OR THE MAZDARECALLINFO.COM WEBSITE, IT SAYS "REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE". I AM CONCERNED WITH MY SAFETY AT THIS POINT AND AM WONDERING JUST WHY THERE IS NO "REMEDY" YET AVAILABLE? IT SEEMS TO BE AN IMPORTANT RECALL, IN MY OPINION.

Steering
Filed Aug 15, 2017125,000 milesMA

POWER STEERING GOES OUT UNEXPECTEDLY, MULTIPLE FIXES HAVE BEEN TRIED. EVERY FORUM OPTION RESEARCHED AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS, LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF POWER STEERING GOING OUT FOR SIMILAR REASONS ON RX8CLUB.COM. THE POWER STEERING WILL BE WORKING ONE MOMENT, CUT OUT, THEN OVERSTEER CAUSING THE DRIVER TO QUICKLY MAKE UP FOR THE JERK. MAZDA PLEASE RECALL. ALL THE EVIDENCE IS THERE, AND YOUR TECHNICIANS AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE ALL AWARE OF HOW PREVALENT THIS PROBLEM IS. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR LEAKING COOLANT OVER THE STEERING HARNESS IS A DESIGN FLAW. PLEASE CORRECT THIS.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 7, 2017MI

TAKATA INFLATORS: NHTSA RECALL # 17V-011 HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FUEL PUMP FAULTY: NHTSA RECALL # 16V-793 HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 5, 201743,269 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM), THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE LOCAL DEALER (PARETTI MAZDA 4000 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD METAIRIE, LA 70002) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE, BUT FAILED TO RETURN THE CONTACT'S PHONE CALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT BE REACHED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,269.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 17, 2017IL

VEHICLE TAKEN TO ANDERSON OF CRYSTAL LAKE 60039 TO REPAIR THE DEFECT VIA RECALL CAMPAIGN 16V-354. THEY DID NOT INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT AIR PROPERLY CAUSING THE DASH TO CRACK, THE NEW AIR BAGS SAFETY IS JEOPARDIZED DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION,

Air Bags
Filed Mar 10, 201714,000 milesCA

CLUTCH PEDAL KEEPS BRAKING EVERY 20,000 MILES. :-/ THIS IS THE 4RTH REPLACEMENT I AM LOOKING AT, CURRENTLY IS BRAKING GRADUALLY. AIR BAGS SENSORS KEEP FAILING EVERY 30,000 MILES AND PASSENGER AIRBAG IS CRACKING.

Engine
Filed Mar 3, 201750,000 milesMO

I PURCHASED A USED 2005 MAZDA RX-8 FROM A DEALER. SIGNED A WARRANTY ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NOT A BUYERS GUIDE OR A USED CAR STICKER DISPLAYED ANYWHERE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ORIGINALLY BELONGED TO MAZDA BOMMARITO AS EVIDENCED BY THE FADED RESIDUAL IMPRINT OF THE BOMMARITO LETTERING THAT HAD BEEM REMOVED LIKELY DUE TO BEING UNWANTED INVENTORY. I KNEW AHEAD OF TIME THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAS A ROTARY ENGINE THAT REQUIRES STANDARD MAINTENANCE AND CARE WHICH I HAVE BEEN PERFORMING AND DOCUMENTING ALONG WITH ALL RECALLS. THESE INCLUDE- LET THE ENGINE WARM UP, REGULARLY TOPPED OFF ALL FLUIDS DECARBED AND CLEANED SENSORS ETC INTERNAL MAINTENANCE CARE/BREAK IN PERIOD AND REPLACED SPARK PLUGS/ LEADS WITH FACTORY GENUINE OEM FIRST HAND. AFTER OWNING IT LESS THAN A YEAR, WITH ONLY 50K MILES ON IT, IT BEGAN TO RUN VERY POORLY. I HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND HAVE DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS OF WORK FROM SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS, SHOPS AND OFFICIAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP(BOMMARITO WHERE IT WAS ORIGINALLY TRANSPORTED FROM TO THE NEIGHBORING DEALER) IM PAYING $8,000 FOR AT IT AND DROVE IT FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND IN SPITE OF REGULAR UPKEEP IT LOST COMPRESSION IN ITS REAR ROTOR. II HAVE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTICE FROM MAZDA THAT COVERS ROTARY ENGINE CORE REPLACEMENTS. HOWEVER SINCE ITS "USED" IT MIGHT NOT BE COVERED BY MY STATES LEMON LAW. THERE ARE 1000'S OF OWNERS DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUES ON BEHALF OF MAZDA. I MAILED THE SUBSEQUENT OWNERSHIP NOTIFICATION TO THE MAZDA IMPORTER TO

Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2017NJ

I BELIEVE SAFETY AND EMISSIONS RECALL 0516J IS CAUSING MY CAR TO TURN OFF WHILE IN MOTION, IT CAN BE IN NEUTRAL OR IN GEAR. I CALLED MAZDA CORP AND TOLD THEM THE VEHICLE TURNS OFF WHILE IN MOTION AND BELIEVE IT'S CAUSE BY THE RECALL; THEY SAID THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A SOLUTION AT THE MOMENT AND DID NOT SUGGEST ANYTHING BUT WAIT. THIS IS A DAILY DRIVING CAR AND I CAN NOT AFFORD TO CALL OUT OF WORK BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. I WOULD SUGGEST A COURTESY VEHICLE WHILE THIS RECALL IS BEING FIXED.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 24, 2017AZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 2, 2017KS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE AND PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 04/19/17 *LJ *CN

Steering
Filed Jan 4, 2017TX

ON THE FIRST DRIVE OF THE DAY AND ESPECIALLY ON COLD MORNINGS, WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, IT OVER AND UNDER COMPENSATES FOR MY INPUTS. THIS LEADS TO IT SHAKING AND TURNING THE WHEELS TOO MUCH AND TOO LITTLE. IT DOES APPEAR TO HAVE A BIAS ON ONE DIRECTION BEING HARD TO TURN AND THE OTHER TOO EASY. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING, IT USUALLY GOES AWAY UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THE CAR IS MOVING OR NOT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 31, 201654,000 milesFL

AIRBAG IS CAUSING CRACKS IN MY PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD

Air Bags
Filed Dec 30, 2016MT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, PROPULSION), 15V382000 (AIR BAGS), AND 16V354000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 29, 2016105,450 milesAL

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DOOR, PART NUMBER FEY157K5X, HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND IS CRACKED WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS. THIS CREATES A HAZARD AS THE BRITTLE PIECES OF VINYL WILL BECOME PROJECTILES IN THE EVENT OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. THIS IS CLEARLY THE FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURER AND SHOULD BE REMEDIED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 5, 2016FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V354000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 2016OH

I'VE RECEIVED SEVERAL NOTICES THAT MY AIRBAGS NEED FIXED, AND MOST RECENTLY THAT I SHOULDN'T HAVE PASSENGERS IN THE FRONT, BUT EVERY NOTICE STATES PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

Power Train1 injured
Filed Jul 21, 201695,003 milesPA

DRIVING MY MAZDA RX8 LAST NIGHT ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY SHIFTING FROM FIFTH TO SIXTH GEAR THE CLUTCH PEDAL GAVE WAY AND DOING 65MPH AND STUCK ITSELF UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND HIT THE E BRAKE TO STOP. LUCKY IM NOT DEAD.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 10, 2016130,000 milesIL

THE FUEL PUMP OUTLET PIPE CONNECTOR WAS LEAKING FOR SOMETIME. IT EVENTUALLY CAUSED STARTUP PROBLEM IN VERY HOT WEATHER. THIS LEAKED VERY SLOWLY AND ALL RX-8 SHOULD BE RECALLED TO REPLACE THE 12" FLEXIBLE PIPE/TUBING WITH A RELIABLE CONNECTOR THAT DOES NOT LEAK. THIS CONNECTOR MUST HAVE BEEN A ISSUE, NOT A LOT OF CARS USED THIS SINCE MID 2000. VERY HARD TO FIND REPLACEMENT PARTS. AND COUPLED WITH OVERHEATED CAT EMISSIONS ITS A FIRE WAITING TO HAPPEN.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 25, 2016NV

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V345000 AND 15V382000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 7, 2016TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V345000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V382000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND WENT TO THE DEALER TWICE, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR .THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 10, 2016TN

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2016100,000 milesFL

MY STEERING WHEEL IS TURNING TO THE LEFT ON ITS OWN AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO TURN TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THE PROBLEM. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND I AM DISAPPOINTED IN THE QUALITY OF PARTS. ISSUE 2: AFTER THE FIRST RECALL ON MY VEHICLE, MY MOTOR IS GIVING ME ISSUES AGAIN AFTER BEING REPLACED 40,000 MILES LATER. IT TURNS OFF AT IDLE AND HAS PROBLEMS STARTING. I FEAR THIS MIGHT BE A SAFETY ISSUE.

Engine
Filed Oct 21, 2015123,000 milesFL

THERE IS A FLAW IN THE MAZDA RX8 ENGINE. IT IS WHY THEY STOPPED MAKING THEM IN 2011. THE ENGINES HAVE BAD APEX SEALS. AS A RESULT - THE SEALS BLOW AROUND 70 THOUSAND MILES AND THE ENGINE IS USELESS. MAZDA REPLACED MY ENGINE IN 2011. HOWEVER - IT DOES NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE STILL SHUTS DOWN IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WHEN YOU ARE COMING TO A STOP OR SLOWING DOWN THE ENGINE WILL JUST SHUT OFF. IT HAS ALSO SHUT OFF WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PASS IN THE LEFT LANE WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT ALSO HAS SOMETHING CALLED A HOT NON-START - THIS MEANS - IT WILL NOT START WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT. YOU HAVE TO WAIT 20 MINUTES FOR THE CAR TO COOL BEFORE IT CAN START. IF THERE IS NO EMERGENCY LANE WHEN YOUR CAR SHUTS DOWN - YOU ARE IN TROUBLE AND IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION,. I HAVE BEEN STUCK NUMEROUS TIMES IN TRAFFIC AND THEN THE CAR UNABLE TO START. ALSO AS A RESULT OF THIS HOT NON-START- YOU HAVE TO FUEL YOUR CAR WITH IT RUNNING OR YOU WILL HAVE TO SIT AND WAIT AT THE GAS PUMP FOR 20 MINUTES BEFORE IT CAN START. THIS HAS OCCURRED BEFORE THEY REPLACED MY ENGINE FROM 2009 THRU 2011 AND NOW WITH A NEW ENGINE FROM 2012 THRU 2015 THEY ALSO NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR FRAUD. I LEASED MY CAR FOR 3 YEARS. I THEN PURCHASED IT AND FINANCED IT FOR 5 YEARS IN 2008. MAZDA KNEW THESE ENGINES WERE FLAWED - BUT THEY WERE STILL SELLING THEM TO PEOPLE WHEN THIS ENGINE ISSUE HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE 2005. THE CAR IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. ALSO - THE APEX SEALS CAN BLOW WHEN YOU ARE

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 13, 2015164,000 milesVA

CLUTCH BRACKET BROKE. CLUTCH GOT STUCK TO FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 10, 2015GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Steering
Filed Apr 1, 201595,000 milesTX

STEERING WAS JERKING AND NOW POWER STEERING HAS STOP. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 23, 201575,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V773000 (AIR BAGS) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V344000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 16, 2015110,000 milesFL

AT ANY GIVEN TIME IT WILL STEER ALL THE WAY TO THE RIGHT. THE WHEEL WILL START TO SHAKE THEN IT WILL RIP OUT OF YOUR HANDS AND GO ALL THE WAY TO THE STEERING LOCKS TO THE RIGHT. IT HAS NOW BEEN AT MAZDA FOR 3 MONTH AND $8,336 LATER THEY STILL CANT SAY WHY OR HOW THIS HAPPENS NOR CAN THEY SAY IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.... *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 19, 2015FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 201553,000 milesTN

THERE IS A MATERIAL DEFECT WITH THE DASH PANEL OVER THE PASSENGER AIR BAG, NOW WITH THE WEATHER GETTING COLDER THERE ARE CRACKS IN THE DASH PANEL AND EVERY MORNING THE CRACKS GET LONGER OR NEW ONES START. WITH THE WAY IT'S CRACKING IF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYS THE PANEL WILL NOT JUST SPLIT OPEN BUT MAY COULD UP THROWING CHUNKS OF PLASTIC AT THE OCCUPANTS. CONTACTED MAZDA DIRECTLY BUT SINCE SHE DIDN'T SEE ANY BULLETINS OR RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE SHE PRETTY MUCH DIDN'T CARE. I WISH MORE PEOPLE WOULD FILE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM IN ALMOST ALL OTHER RX8'S I'VE BEEN IN. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 22, 201498,000 milesMI

OIL COOLER COUPLING SEVERELY ROTTED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE (HOSES LOOKED FINE JUST THE COUPLING AREAS). WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER PARTS AND MAZDA HAS RECALLED IN CANADA (SPECIAL SERVICE #76), WHICH IS 30 MILES FROM MY HOME BUT WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME IN THE STATES. REPAIR COST IS OVER $1300 FOR NEW LINES. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 4, 201487,000 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, COMING TO A STOP FROM 65 MPH SPEED BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC AHEAD, AND AS SOON AS I PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL IT SNAPS. THE CLUTCH PEDAL NOW MOVES FREELY MAKING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. HAD TO CALL A FRIEND TO TOW MY CAR WITH HER TRUCK. AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP BY PULLING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP OR ACCELERATE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 2, 201480,000 milesFL

CLUTCH BRACKET SNAPPED WHILE AT STOP SIGN. UNABLE TO GET CAR INTO GEAR. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 4, 201482,480 milesCA

AS I'M DRIVING MY CLUTCH PEDAL GETS STUCK WHEN IT HITS THE FLOOR AND WOULDN'T UP BACK UP ON ITS OWN AND I WOULD HAVE TO USE MY FOOT TO TAP IT UNDER TO GO BACK UP. CLUTCH PEDAL SEEMS TO BE LEAKING OIL ALSO. ALSO AT TIMES WHEN I'M WANTING TO CHANGE GEARS THE SHIFT KNOB WOULD GRIND GEARS. IF I'M GOING AT A FAST SPEED IT OFTEN KEEPS ME FROM SHIFTING TO FIFTH GEAR AND I WOULD HAVE TO JUMP TO SIXTH INSTEAD. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 162, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20114320Do not drive
20105400Do not drive
20098400Do not drive
200817510Do not drive
200738510Do not drive
200660500Do not drive
2005 — this page162610Do not drive
200449010100Do not drive

Compare every RX-8 year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 15, 2018. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.