Mazda RX-8 Complaints

784 consumer complaints on file.

#11770948October 13, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at Valvoline for a scheduled oil change, the contact was informed that fuel was leaking. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic evaluation revealed a fractured fuel system discharge pipe. The contact was informed that the fuel pump required replacement. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), which was completed on the VIN in 2009. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736604May 8, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
No worries — here it is trimmed to under 2,000 characters: I am reporting a recurring safety defect on my 2004 Mazda RX-8 (VIN: [XXX] a repair under NHTSA Recall 1017E (Fuel Pump Ring / Discharge Pipe). Recall 1017E was completed on my vehicle on September 19, 2017. The same fuel leak has since recurred, with fuel vapor now entering the passenger cabin. Only a few thousand miles have been driven since the recall repair. The vehicle is currently at Della Mazda, Queensbury, NY at approximately 72,000 miles. On May 8, 2026, I contacted Mazda Customer Experience Center. Mazda confirmed the dealer submitted a pre-authorization request for recall coverage, which Mazda corporate denied, stating the recall was previously completed and further repairs are my responsibility. I have a chat transcript documenting this. A recall remedy that fails to correct the covered defect should not be considered complete. I am requesting NHTSA review whether Recall 1017E has produced recurring failures, direct Mazda to honor the recall remedy, and advise on available consumer reimbursement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703597December 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safety concerns of Sam Leman Mazda located in blooomington IL installed a radiator from auto zone instead of using Mazda-approved parts. Sam Lemans modified other vehicle components to make the auto zone part fit and initially suggested using zip ties. My vehicle was held from Nov 5-25, 2025 while the dealership attempted to figure out how to alter components to fit the Auto Zone part - my choices were use the (1) Auto Zone part or (2) supply my own. Mazda corporate was then involved due to the unnecessary vehicle modifications due to Sam Lemans using a non approved Mazda part (Auto Zone radiator). Sam Leman compromised safety & my vehicle has been compromised due to component alternations and non Mazda approved parts. The auto zone part was not designed for my specific car and could fail during normal driving conditions. By altering the fan housing to make the unauthorized Mazda part fit, Sam Lemans created a risk of mechanical failure or accident. I am have a video showing the dealership discussing “zip tie” repair to hold the weight of the radiator (but this site will not allow me to upload a .mov video for your review only a photo of the video is there an alternate email I can send the video for review of Sam Leman’s mechanic discussing using zip ties to)? I am requesting NHTSA review this as a safety risk due to the wrong part, alteration of other parts, and non mazda approved part used by an authorized Mazda dealership, even after Mazda corporate was notified.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675012July 21, 2025
AIR BAGS
For a year I have responded to every notice for a recall repair (7 total) Mazda has not repaired my vehicle or scheduled its repair. My recall ID is 016742248 and my Campaign Number is 100409. My car has a DO NOT DRIVE status and Mazda tells me I MUST drive the car 2 hours to get it repaired each way. And they refuse to transport y vehicle even thought I have told them in phone conversations about my cars do not drive status. The latest attempt for filing for a repay was 7-21-25 at 9:40am central time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590479May 23, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The dealer determined that the engine had no compression. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571290February 11, 2024
STEERING
The electric power steering randomly pulls hard to one side while driving. There are brief spasms of forceful jerks each jerk is 1-2 seconds the series of jerks lasts 10-20 seconds and usually stops with power steering failure all while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11549803October 13, 2023
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11531601July 11, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Rx 8. The contact stated after performing NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) while driving at 35 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of smoke in the vehicle, but no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. While the vehicle was being diagnosed, the vehicle caught on fire and burned. The contact did not have any details of the fire. The vehicle was diagnosed and stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11531617July 11, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The incident occurred on 02/08/2023. Prior to this, I brought my car to the dealership due to a recall to fix gas mounting rings, recall number . I do not feel comfortable with their repairs and I do not believe that the dealership performed the repairs properly which caused my car to smoke and stall on the road and then caught on fire at their shop. They claimed that their own business insurance fire fixed the damages but I believe that the car is damaged beyond repair. Furthermore, they held the car since February 2023. Until now, July 2023 the Guam dealership is unable to fix my car. To add, the repairs they claim far exceed the market value of the car and the car is at a total loss. I consider it totaled. I do not feel safe driving this car. 2011 Mazda RX-8 Recall Item Affected: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Date Announced: 09/24/2021Description of Recall: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings. Action Need To Fix It: Dealers will install new fuel pump mounting rings. Dealers will also add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 vehicles. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 23, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5121I.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523434May 23, 2023
ENGINE
The contact's grandson owns a 2006 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle had an oil pressure failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11514483March 29, 2023
ENGINE
Engine naturally wears out especially after 200k miles due to friction in the natural design of the Rotary engine, resulting in losing its overall function such as turning off in the middle of a drive due to loss of compression from worn Apex Seals of the Rotary. The rotary engine requires a replacement of the Apex Seals to continue functioning normally to avoid any unpredictable accidents due to engine failure. An event occurred where my RX-8 went into limp mode in the middle of the freeway as i was commuting due a misfire from poor compression, this is more then likely a common event nowadays for RX-8 owners starting at the S1 2004 models with newer models soon to follow the same incident as me. This is completely unsafe especially traveling at 65 MPH
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498663December 23, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed a strong gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the recall repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with him. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11476049July 27, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Part associated with recall 1017E has failed due to improper installation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11427511August 2, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel fumes are leaking into passenger compartment and leaking from tank. Previous recall failed to fix
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421597June 21, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421371June 18, 2021
STEERING, POWER TRAIN
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11414240April 28, 2021
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG CRACKED DASH AND PUSHED OUT GLOVE BOX.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11405308March 29, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL LEAK AT GAS TANK AREA CAUSED MASSIVE FIRE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11405160March 27, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I NOW HAVE REPLACEDCLUTCH PEDAL THE FORTH TIME. IM WRITING THIS TO SEE IFI CAN STILL GET ONE FACTORY REPAIR OF THE PART THE PEDAL WILL BREAK IN WELD SPOT REGARDLESS OF MY TRYING NOT PUT TO MUCH PRESSURE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11397667February 24, 2021
STEERING
JULY 2017 WHEN I START THE CAR THE STEERING GEAR TURN TOO THE RIGHT ALL THE TIME. FEW MILE THE STEERING GET HARD AND START SHACKING BY IT SELF. NOW THE STEERING IS HARD WITH ABS AND CONTROL TRACTION LIGHT ON. I SEND IT TOO A MECANIC TOO CHECK THE WIRING AND RACK AND PINON AND THE MECANIC INDICATE THAT IS THE TORQUE SENSOR AND I HAVE TOO CHANGE THE RACK AND PINON.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Mazda RX-8