Mazda RX-8 Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 780 consumer complaints across the 7 model years of the Mazda RX-8 (2004–2010) that have at least 5 complaints. 2004 has the most, with 490. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (235 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All RX-8 model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 5 | 50,550 | 4 | 192 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 8 | 39,600 | 4 | 194 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 17 | 67,500 | 5 | 186 | — | Stable |
| 2007 | 38 | 72,000 | 5 | 196 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 60 | 59,250 | 5 | 174 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 162 | 62,000 | 6 | 178 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 490 | 67,822 | 10 | 180 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain235 29%
- Engine cooling138 17%
- Air bags114 14%
- Steering111 14%
- Fuel system70 8.8%
- Engine50 6.3%
- Electrical system45 5.6%
- Other or unknown35 4.4%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2006: “Perry Mazda of santa barbara ca is refusing to repair my recall because the fuel pump currently installed is an aftermarket part. I've contacted Mazda, but the representative I spoke with agreed with the technician that they can't repair my recall. He is looking into another solution so I can get my registration, but I'm making sure their acting legally.”
NHTSA complaint #11195321, filed 2019-04, 179,500 miles2009: “Mazda recalled all 2004-2008 rx8 models for fuel pump and lockring gasket assembly leakage. My 2009 rx8 has the same issue and starting leaking gas on 1-02-2020 while parked in a garage. I called Mazda and was told there were no recalls; however my car has the same problem the 2004-2008 models had. Now I have to pay close to $1,000.00 for repair that should be covered under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11297767, filed 2020-01, 41,000 miles2004: “I sent my Mazda in to the dealership to fix recalls and make a key. In excellent shape. One area with slight body damage. On 3/16/2018 was returned a car that doesn't run. With. Cracked dashboard, torn seats, multiple dents, charged 345 dollars on 6/10 2019. I was sent a tow bill as notification to pick it up.”
NHTSA complaint #11233289, filed 2019-07, 107,000 milesOther Mazda models
3,125 complaintsMazda MAZDA3
2,991 complaintsMazda CX-5
2,469 complaintsMazda MAZDA6
2,232 complaintsMazda Tribute
2,098 complaintsMazda CX-9
1,493 complaintsMazda CX-7
1,133 complaintsMazda Protege
1,074 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology