2004 Mazda RX-8 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 3%of 490 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,800miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the visibility of the 2004 Mazda RX-8, 3% of the 490 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,800 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have an RX-8 and the drivers side sun visor just fell off. And I rarely use. It appears to have separated around the edges or came unglued. The Mazda dealer will not replace because my is an 04' with 32,000 miles is not under warranty, even though it on the TSB.”
NHTSA complaint #10281461, filed 2009-08, 32,000 miles“Ac and general cabin temperature problems. I am having a combination of problems with the heating and cooling of the car. In the summer when it is very hot there is a noticeable pulsing or on/off symptom of the cold air generated by the AC. I timed it and very cold air comes out of the vent for about 30 - 45 seconds. Then it is followed by about the same duration of regular air (the AC seems to shut off) so on hot days you get a pulse of cold followed up by a pulse of warm air. The effect is that the cabin heats up and the AC cannot keep up with it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10208916, filed 2007-11, 3,000 miles“My son was involved in an accident while driving the 2004 Mazda RX-8 I had recently purchased. The collision occurred at night in a left turn situation. The RX-8 turned left in front of an oncoming vehicle. My son emphatically states that he did not see the oncoming vehicle. He was of course cited for failing to yield the right of way. It was the second time he had driven the vehicle. He is an experienced driver, with over 11 years of driving experience. It is my opinion that the design and position of the rearview mirror in the RX-8 may have been a contributing factor in the accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10146195, filed 2005-12, 18,000 miles“The part number of the item is Mazda part #fe03-51-21yd and #fe03-51-22yc. This part is installed in the Mazda's vehicle the rx8. The part started to fail at around 57,000 miles within just less than two months after the warranty expired and 7,000 miles after the vehicle's manufacturer warranty expired. This part should be considered a safety component because it presents a dangerous threat to both drivers and passengers occupying the vehicle during failure and Mazda is claiming that it is not. …”
NHTSA complaint #10279506, filed 2009-08, 57,000 miles“Driver's side sun visor has broken for the second time in 3 months. The top seam splits rendering the visor completely unusable. It loosely hangs directly in the driver's line of sight. This is a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10166293, filed 2006-08, 15,250 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11035599Jul 29, 2026This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative…
- 10243569Sep 13, 2023Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10198691Jun 7, 2021Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10198574Jun 1, 2021Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building. This may be caused by the suns reflection. If a building creates enough of a curve with…
- 10091393Mar 30, 2016This article provides hvac heater/defroster operating tips using mode selector dial. This includes the use of intermediate positions.
- 10091263Mar 30, 2016This article provides hvac heater/defroster operating tips using mode selector dial. This includes the use of intermediate positions.
- 10018140Sep 1, 2004Grease oozing from audio switch.
- 10018139Sep 1, 2004Phantom fan speed indicator.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Mazda RX-8
154 complaintsEngine cooling
106 complaintsSteering
80 complaintsAir bags
50 complaintsFuel system
39 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsSuspension
17 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 28, 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