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Engine coolingPart report

2004 Mazda RX-8 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
106about this part
Share
22%of 490 total for the year
Median mileage
45,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 106 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Mazda RX-8, 22% of the 490 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 7 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Rusted oil cooler lines and fittings on my rx8 driven in ohio where road salting is prevalent in snow months. Filing this complaint since there is a recall issued for my same model year in canada (special program 76) for this exact issue due to snow and salt. Modified lines are available to address issue but Mazda is not extending recall coverage to u.s. Repair cost at dealer above $1k.”

NHTSA complaint #10575017, filed 2014-03, 110,000 miles

“I am the original owner of a 2004 rx8. My engine floods regularly, I am afraid to valet my car due to this constant problem. My driver's side visor failed, I had to replace out of pocket, now the dealer is saying my car has low compression and suggest I trade it in as soon as possible. They do not want to replace my engine as I am over the warranty period. This is my first and last Mazda.”

NHTSA complaint #10216281, filed 2008-01, 20,000 miles

“I own a 2004 Mazda rx8 with 67,900 miles. The entire engine needs to be replaced because of an internal fault failure. I am being charged 8,500 to have the engine replaced. I am very frustrated with a 3 year old car with mid mileage needing an engine replacement. I am a teacher and don't have the salary to replace a car every 3 years or at 67,900 miles. According to the dealer there is potential for fire.”

NHTSA complaint #10205753, filed 2007-10, 67,900 miles

“I bought my 2004 RX-8 used with 48,000 miles on it. One month after purchasing the engine started to run rough, especially noticeable while at a stop light or sitting at an idle. Was told I had a compression variance in the engine and that it would have to be replaced. Undisclosed to me at the time of purchase was the fact that this car had already had the engine replace previously. I now have a car that is on its 3rd engine in 52,000 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10227914, filed 2008-05, 49,000 miles

“I'm having problems with my 2004 Mazda rx8 I had a replace engine on my car and the car had a engine flooded before and now last night doesn't want 2 start and there's are a few recalls for this car and I want 2 take actions with Mazda.”

NHTSA complaint #10249482, filed 2008-11, 51,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200816%
200725%
200612%
20052817%
200410622%

Other parts of the 2004 Mazda RX-8

Transmission and drivetrain
154 complaintsSteering
80 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsFuel system
39 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Mazda RX-8

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology