2005 Mazda RX-8 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 17%of 162 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,684miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2005 Mazda RX-8, 17% of the 162 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,684 miles. 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.
“Oil cooler coupling severely rotted to the point of failure (hoses looked fine just the coupling areas). Warranty will not cover parts and Mazda has recalled in canada (special service #76), which is 30 miles from my home but will not do anything to help me in the states. Repair cost is over $1300 for new lines.”
NHTSA complaint #10627632, filed 2014-08, 98,000 miles“My 2005 rx8 continually leaked oil to the point of the engine oil light coming on. Since rx8's consume oil in the combustion process, at first this seemed somewhat normal. After a few days of adding oil only to have the light come back on, I took my car to the dealer. The mechanic brought me out to the car to show me that the oil cooling lines had been rusted out and as he put it were spraying oil . …”
NHTSA complaint #10363885, filed 2010-11, 66,600 miles“I have had so many problems with my 2005 Mazda RX-8. Starting with cold air coming from heater. Now the biggest problem is my car needs a new catalytic converter and a new starter according to the Mazda guys. If it's not one thing it's another with this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10374986, filed 2011-01, 46,000 miles“I have a 2005 Mazda rx8, at 104,000 miles on the engine the compression went out. My warranty expired at 100,000 miles. I noticed other rx8 owners are having the same problem. I had a Mazda rx7 which had over 170,000 miles before the engine gave up.”
NHTSA complaint #10396784, filed 2011-04, 104,241 miles“Hi, I purchased my 2005 rx8 new in december of 2005. I have 38000 miles at present time. My vehicle has been towed three times due to stalling. I have had my vehicle in for all recalls and it has passed all test. I am still having problems with engine stalling while driving. My vehicle also back fires at times blowing black smoke from tail pipes. I have serious concerns over the safety of my vehicle due to the known fires caused by the rotary engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10242922, filed 2008-09, 11,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V317000Jul 7, 2005If certain passenger vehicles are parked and the engine is operated at high rpm's for an excessive length of time, some of the parts around the exhaust system…Covers: Mazda RX-8 2004–2005
Related service bulletins
- 10251387Feb 12, 2024Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10208556Feb 23, 2022Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10201777Sep 24, 2021Ethanol is becoming a common additive in gasoline. Gasoline containing ethanol is likely available at your local gasoline station. Typical blends of ethanol include E10 and E85…
- 10200933Aug 24, 2021This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce…
- 10186693Jan 21, 2021Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10173097Mar 12, 2020Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as…
- 10169540Dec 19, 2019If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the…
- 10165676Sep 30, 2019If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the…
- 10154879Mar 20, 2019In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS…
- 10153311Jan 9, 2019On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Mazda RX-8
54 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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