2008 Mazda Rx-8 problems
The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda between 2003 and 2012. It was first shown in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is the direct successor to the RX-7. Like its predecessors in the RX range, it is powered by a rotary Wankel engine. The RX-8 was available for the 2003 model year in most parts of the world.
The Mazda RX-8 utilizes a rotary Wankel engine, and the non-reciprocating piston engine uses a triangular rotor inside a near oval housing, producing from 141 kW (189 hp) and 164 lb⋅ft (222 N⋅m) of torque, to 177 kW (237 hp) and 159 lb⋅ft (216 N⋅m) of torque from launch. A myriad of various drivetrains are available in the Mazda RX-8.
The RX-8 was discontinued for the 2012 model year without a successor. It was removed earlier from the European market in 2010 after the car failed to meet emissions standards. Due to falling sales from Europe coupled with rising Yen prices, Mazda could not justify the continued sale of the RX-8 in other markets. 192,094 units were produced during its 9-year production run.
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Common 2008 Mazda Rx-8 problems
The Mazda RX-8, a sleek and sporty model with a 1.3 litre engine and a futuristic shape, has been reported to have several common problems. These issues include faulty starter motors, power steering problems, catalytic converter failure, ignition coil failure, and engine problems.
Faulty starter motors are a known issue in the Mazda RX-8. The simplest way to notice this problem is if you are having trouble starting your car. The ignition system in the RX-8 is also said to be poor, particularly in cold weather, which only increases the pressure on the already weakened starter. Mazda announced a recall for this problem in 2006, but older models are still susceptible to this issue.
Power steering problems are also common in the Mazda RX-8. Various reports detail that their RX8’s power steering randomly goes in and out, even though all of the connections seem to be clean and tight. Although a low-risk DIY solution has been said to help many owners fix the RX8 power steering issues, it is always recommended to visit a local mechanic when having issues with your vehicle.
Catalytic converter failure is another common problem in the Mazda RX-8. Common symptoms of catalytic converter failure include struggling to accelerate, a sluggish engine performance, dark exhaust fumes, and you might even notice a rotten egg smell coming from your exhaust. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it could likely be caused by catalytic converter failure. A catalytic converter replacement costs on average £257.02 on a Mazda when booked with WhoCanFixMyCar.
Ignition coil failure is also a reported issue in the Mazda RX-8. The ignition coils are there to convert battery power into a high voltage that can jump the spark plug gap and ignite the fuel. When the ignition coils fail, the car may have trouble starting, misfire, or stall. Mazda has recalled certain affected RX-8 models for ignition coil failure.
The Mazda RX-8’s most commonly reported problem is with the model's engine. The RX-8 comes with a unique rotary-style engine, which is widely reported to be unreliable. Your Check Engine warning light on the dashboard is a key indicator that you’ve got a faulty engine. If you are unfortunate enough to have engine problems, it can spell big issues for your car, and the most likely solution to this problem is getting an engine repair or replacement engine fitted.
RX-8s also suffer from a weak ignition system. Ignition problems include an underpowered starter engine, coil packs prone to failure, and plugs and wires that require replacement often. Worn-out ignition coil packs leave unburnt fuel and oil, which in turn clogs the catalytic converter. A clogged catalytic converter is one of the most common RX-8 problems and leads to reduced performance, bad emissions, and eventually a check-engine light.
RX-8s are subject to some significant recalls. For example, every model year of RX-8 was involved in the Takata airbag recall, in which dangerous airbags were discovered in many vehicles across multiple manufacturers. Mazda offered to replace these airbags free of charge. Mazda also recalled 2004 RX-8s to replace the control arms in the vehicle’s front suspension and the fuel pump.
RX-8s suffer from carbon deposits building up on the engine’s oil injectors. Blocked injectors only spray oil on the sides of the engine rotors and cause the engine to wear out rapidly. Automotive critic Doug Demuro calls the RX-8 “a fun car you probably shouldn’t buy” and cites the difficulty of finding a mechanic experienced with the unique engine.
With an engine designed for race cars, the RX-8 demands more maintenance than most modern drivetrains. For its 2008 redesign, Mazda addressed some of the model’s most glaring flaws, but second-gen RX-8s may still suffer from reliability problems.
What is the common problem in Mazda RX-8?
Engine Problems
One of the most reported RX8 problems revolves around its engine. Its unique high-performance rotary-style engine has proven to be more unreliable than expected, particularly after 60,000 miles.
What years to avoid Mazda RX-8?
Avoid the 2004-2006 cars. Mazda also tried to sell the Rx8 as a "normal" car with "normal" service intervals, which wasn't really adapted to the needs of a rotary engine!
What is the weakness of the RX-8?
What makes the RX8 so special is also it's one 'weakness'. Namely the nature of the rotary motor in a daily driver. The Renesis motor in the RX8 is a naturally aspirated rotary motor that tends to stop enjoying it's place in life around the 100k mile mark.
How do I know if my RX-8 engine is bad?
Hot start problems (signs of poor compression). Growling noise and loss of power (sticking SSV or tune valves). Engine Management Light flashing whilst driving (real-time detection of engine misfire). Rattling Exhaust (catalyst damaged with ceramic in the rear section of exhaust).
2008 Mazda Rx-8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Rx-8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Steering problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Mazda Rx-8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2008 Mazda Rx-8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Mazda Rx-8.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-28
- VIN: JM1FE173X80
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I TOOK MY RX IN TO GET POWER STEERING ISSUES FIXED JUST TO FIND OUT THAT THE OIL COOLER LINES WERE RUSTING OUT WHICH IS ALSO A RECALL IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD BUT NOT THE US. IN THE UPPER STATES THIS CAN BE A MASSIVE PROBLEM IF OIL STARTS SPRAYING ALL OVER THE MOTOR AND THE GROUND IT COULD CAUSE ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SAFETY HAZARDS TO OTHER PEOPLE ON THE ROAD. IF GONE UNNOTICED IT COULD EASILY CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AND POTENTIAL FIRES FROM THE MOTOR WHILE ON THE ROAD WHICH NO ONE WANTS, THERE'S NO REASON THIS RECALL SHOULD NOT APPLY TO THE US, ATLEAST THE NORTHERNMOST STATES.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-24
- VIN: JM1FE173X80
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON DAY DURING A TURN THE POWER STEERING PARTIALLY WENT OUT MAKING THE TURN VERY DIFFICULT TO HOLD AND TO STRAIGHTEN OUT AFTER. UPON LEAVING WORK THE STEERING WORKED FINE UNTIL THE NEXT DAY WHEN MAKING A TURN ON MY WAY HOME THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE POWER STEERING BUT STILL NO LIGHT INDICATING A PROBLEM. I THEN DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR IN BUT THE WHOLE DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP IT WOULD CREAK AND NOT ALWAYS WANT TO TURN COMPLETELY MAKING THE TRIP TAKE LONGER TRYING TO AVOID HIGHWAYS AND TO MANY SHARP TURNS IN FEAR OF IT LOCKING UP. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS ASPECIALY COMING OUT OF WINTER SEASON AND GOING INTO SPRING WITH ALL THE RAIN. THIS SHOULD BE A RECAL IN THE US SINCE IT IS A RECAL IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-20
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I AM TRYING TO GET THE AIRBAGS REPLACED BUT I CANNOT FIND A PLACE WHO WILL SERVICE OUR CAR. WE ARE TRYING TO AVOID DRIVING IT UNTIL THE AIRBAG PROBLEM IS FIXED.
AIR BAGS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-10
- VIN: JM1FE173380
- Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE SIDE, OF THE 101 FREEWAY OFF THE WEST LAKE VILLAGE EXIT GOING SOUTH, AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP AFTER FINDING OUT OF THE RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP AND AIR BAGS ON THE MAZDA WEBSITE. AFTER 3 DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND BEING CHARGED 3 HOURS OF $115.00 HOUR THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR MY CAR OR REPLACE THE RECALL. THEY SUGGESTED FOR ME TO BUY A NEW ENGINE THAT WOULD COST ME $7000.00
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-10-07
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: ON SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2017 I TOOK MY 2005 MAZDA RX8 TO THE GUNTHER MAZDA DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT 1800 SOUTH STATE ROAD 7 (441), FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33317 FOR RECALL WORK OF THE FUEL PUMP SEALS. THE NEXT DAY I FILLED THE TANK AND WENT TO WORK, I DRIVE FORM HOLLYWOOD TO BOCA RATON DAILY. THE SMELL OF GASOLINE WAS STRONG AND MY TANK WASN'T LASTING AS LONG AS USUAL. I CALLED GUNTHER MAZDA AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR IN ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 7, 2017. THE SERVICE PERSON, RON, SAID HE STRONGLY SMELLED THE GASOLINE AND SAID IT WAS A CARBON BUILD UP ON THE THROTTLE AND THAT HIS FOREMAN WOULD LOOK AT THE CAR. I SIGNED PAPERWORK, BUT DIDN'T RECEIVE A COPY. I GOT THERE ABOUT 10:30, AT ABOUT 11:50, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I FILLED THE TANK WITH GAS AND MY MECHANIC TOOK THE BACK SEATS OFF. THE FUEL PUMP SEAL WAS FILLED WITH GASOLINE, THE CAR WAS LEAKING GASOLINE AND FUMES IN THE CABIN WERE OVERWHELMING. WHEN I CALLED GUNTHER MAZDA TO SPEAK WITH RON, I WAS HUNG UP ON 3 TIMES. WHEN MY HUSBAND CALLED HE WAS MET WITH EXTREME RUDENESS AND TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ABOUT $130 FOR THEM TO REEXAMINE THE CAR. IT IS ABSOLUTELY UNCONSCIONABLE THAT THE GUNTHER MAZDA LOCATED AT 1800 SOUTH STATE ROAD 7 (441), FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33317 WOULD LET ME DRIVE AWAY FROM THEIR DEALERSHIP KNOWING THAT THE FUEL PUMP SEAL WAS FAULTY. MY CAR COULD HAVE BLOWN UP KILLING ME AND MAYBE OTHERS. MY MECHANIC REMOVED THE ASSEMBLY TO REPAIR AND SAID THE INSTALL WAS INCORRECTLY DONE. HE WILL BE SENDING ME ADDITIONAL PICTURES OF WHAT HE FOUND.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-21
- VIN: JM1FE173680
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. I PURCHASE THE CAR ON JULY 21 2017. THE AC HAS NOT BEEN WORKING PROPERLY SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. NOW THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP WANTS ME TO PAY FOR THIS TO GET FIX. I WAS WONDERING IF SOME CAN HELP ME OUT WITH THIS. BEFORE I GIVE THIS CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY CAN KEEP THE CAR. I'M NOT PAYING 1.900.00 TO HAVE THE CAR FIX. THANK YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO TO GET THIS FIX!
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-25
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: THE DASH IS ALL CRACKED AROUND THE PASSENGER DASH SIDE. IS EXACTLY WHERE THE AIR BAD SITS 4 LARGE CRACKS ALL THE WAY AROUND IT ..ALSO THE DRIVER SEAT RIGHT SIDE LOWER LUMBAR IS SHIFT UP AND DOWN...POOR MANUFACTURING
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-04
- VIN: JM1FE173180
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE DASHBOARD THAT COVERS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS BEEN CRACKING IN THE OUTLINE OF THE AIRBAG SINCE PRIOR TO 10/4/2012. MAZDA SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPLACEMENT. I'VE ATTACHED MY 10/4/2012 REQUEST FOR AN ESTIMATE OF REPAIR, BUT I DID NOT GET IT REPAIRED. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS DEFECT. I'VE ALSO ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THE DASHBOARD AS OF TODAY. I AM AFRAID IT IS GOING TO BURST OPEN AND INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-01
- VIN: JM1FE173080
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILED AT ONLY 85000 MILES, ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH WITH MY TWO TODDLERS IN THE BACK SEATS!!! NOW IT IS GOING TO COST ME OVER 2K TO FIX IT, I AM A MILITARY WIFE, IN GERMANY, AND ALMOST CRASHED DUE TO MAZDA'S LACK OF QUALITY!!!!
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-04
- VIN: JM1FE17N450
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-01
- VIN: JM1FE173X80
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE DASH COVER FOR THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS IS CRACKING AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY MAZDA.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-23
- VIN: JM1FE173980
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE PLASTIC CASING ON MY DRIVERS SIDE DASHBOARD THAT ENCASES THE AIR BAG IS PUSHING IT'S WAY THROUGH THE DASHBOARD. IT IS THE EXACT SHAPE OF A RECTANGLE WHICH THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IS THE PLASTIC CASING. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR AND ALSO DANGEROUS BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-20
- VIN: JM1FE173580
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA RX-8.THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-01
- VIN: JM1FE173680
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V344000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-03
- VIN: JM1FE173380
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: OIL COOLER LINES ON THE RX 8 WILL RUST AN CORRODE DUE TO SALT ON THE ROADS IN THE WINTER MONTHS IN THE UPPER STATES.. LINES RUST AND CORRODE CAUSING OIL TO SPRAY OVER THE ENGINE BAY ,TIRES AND BRAKES. CAUSING A LOSS TRACTION. AND EVEN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.. OIL OVER THE ROAD.THIS BECOMES A HAZARD TO DRIVERS BEHIND YOU.. MAZDA HAS A RECALL CANADA DUE TO THIS ISSUE.. BUT WILL NOT HONOR THE US AT ALL.. THIS IS SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-19
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STARTED TO INTERMITTENTLY PULL SLIGHTLY IN ONE DIRECTION. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF THIS, THE POWER STEERING FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY POWER STEERING WAS GONE AS I WAS DOING 65MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE, THE CAR WOULD RANDOMLY START TO PULL TO ONE DIRECTION. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE. I LOWERED MY SPEED TO THE MINIMUM OF 55MPH (IN INDIANA, THE 45MPH IN ILLINOIS) AND STILL HAD THE SAME ISSUES FOR THE REST OF THE DRIVE. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS PROBLEM IS FAIRLY COMMON IN THE RX-8S. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-29
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1FE173X80
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND AS I WAS SHIFTING GEARS I FELT THE CAR DID NOT HAVE ANY ACCELERATION. THE TOP SPEED I GOT TO WAS 55MPH. WHEN I WAS ABOUT TO GET OFF THE CAR, I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FROM INSIDE WHERE THE SHIFT KNOW IS LOCATED. I CHECKED UNDER THE CAR FOR A POSSIBLY FIRE, AND THERE IT WAS. APPARENTLY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAD CLOGGED UP AND THAT'S WHAT STARTED THE FIRE. ITS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AROUND WITH A CAR THAT BARELY HAS 55,000 AND ALREADY HAS PROBLEMS LIKE A FIRE. WHAT IF I THE CAR CAUGHT IN FIRE WITH MY FAMILY INSIDE. CANT IMAGINE. I CALLED AN AGENCY THAT TOLD ME THE CAR HAD A SAFETY RECALL, AND HAD ASKED ME IF THE DEALER HAD PROVIDED WITH AN INSPECTION STICKER WHICH WAS NOT IN THE WINDSHIELD. I WISH I COULD HAVE MY DOWN PAYMENT I GAVE BACK BECAUSE I WOULD NOT FEEL SECURE AND SAFE DRIVING A CAR (WITH MY CHILD AND WIFE) WITH A CAR THAT TURNED ON FIRE. *TR
2008 Mazda Rx-8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2008 Mazda Rx-8.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2008 Mazda Rx-8 car reviews
Positive 2008 Mazda Rx-8 car reviews
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I hope you're enjoying your new car! It sounds like you made a great choice. The interior is sporty and the Bose sound system is fantastic. It's impressive how quick it is for such a small motor, and it's definitely a great value for the money.
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I've owned three RX 8s so far - a 2006 Shinka, a 2007 GT RX8, and now the 2008 40th Anniversary Edition. People always stop and admire the car, even those driving Porsches and other sports cars. The handling on this one is great, much better than my 2007. As for gas mileage, as many before me have said, when you buy a sports car, you don't expect great gas mileage. I've been driving rotary engine cars since the 76 RX4, and I never tire of it. All you have to do is drive one, and you'll know you've gotten into something special.
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This is a great car! I love the power it has when the revs are high. I haven't had to take it in for service at all. I change the oil myself and have run octane boost through it once to clean it out, and it has been nothing but reliable. The paint does seem to chip easily, though, which is a shame since the look is my favorite part of the car. The gas mileage could be better, but overall, I'm really happy with it!
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I really love this car! The only drawback is that you only get about 250 miles on a tank of gas (14 gallons). However, I drove it from Palm Springs to Oak Harbor, WA and back effortlessly. The car practically drives itself!
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I've had this vehicle for nine months now and I still get compliments as if it's brand new. I travel for work and have already put 21000 miles on it, but I only had to take it in once to get the catalytic converter replaced. It handles so well at high speeds. I'm really happy that I got this sports car, especially one that's loaded. I took a sneak peek at the 2009 model and I may upgrade in another year - they're only getting better!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Mazda Rx-8 problems:
Most Common Mazda RX-8 Problems - GT Automotive
Mar 11, 2024 ... 5 Common Mazda RX8 Problems ... The power steering is one of the first things owners tend to experience issues with. Various reports detail that ...
Mazda RX-8 Common Issues
Common Mazda RX-8 Issues include: · Hot start problems (signs of poor compression). · Growling noise and loss of power (sticking SSV or tune valves). · Engine ...
What are the most common engine problems with a Mazda RX8 ...
Jan 8, 2016 ... Ignition coils that cause a misfire that can cause a clogged catalytic converter which leads to compression loss. · Failed coolant seals in rear ...
Common RX-8 problems? - RX8Club.com
Feb 18, 2006 ... Sunroof can rattle (there's a part that needs some lube now and then or it squeaks). Good luck finding the trunk release without looking in the ...
Reliability of a Mazda rx-8? : r/cars
Aug 4, 2014 ... Reliability of a Mazda rx-8? So I've been looking into getting a method of four-wheeled transportation. I'm looking for something that's.
Other years of Mazda Rx-8
Are you having problems with your 2008 Mazda Rx-8?
Darien Johnston 2024-10-21
I love everything about the car - its looks and handling - except for the total lack of torque. It takes quite a bit of effort to get it moving. I should have gone for a V8!
Marty Boehm 2024-04-16
I've had my RX8 for 2 years now and overall, it's not a bad car. As a sports car, it's pretty average, but it does handle great on curvy roads. The rotary engine lacks torque, so you really have to rev it into high RPMs to accelerate. Unfortunately, the rotary engine is also terrible in terms of gas mileage, getting only between 15-19mpg. Even my old V8 Corvette and Mustang got better gas mileage than the rotary engine. Additionally, the rotary engine burns a lot of oil, with me generally having to fill between ½ to 1 quart each tank fill. The interior is outdated and could use a facelift.