2005 Mazda RX-8 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 162 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,245miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Mazda RX-8, 2% of the 162 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,245 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I'm going in today for the third time because my AC continues to make a noise when the fan is blowing. I cant even begin to list all of the problems I've had with this car. Just to name a few I'm on my second engine, new brakes, battery and tires before 40k miles and I was told by three different shops that something is really wrong with the brakes but Mazda claims other wise. I've had a two new radiators and my driver window went out along with everything else from the visor falling off during the hot summer because it just melted. How does a sun visor melt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10249650, filed 2008-11, 6 miles“Most models of the 2005 RX-8 are equipped with hid headlights. In order to prevent accidents, the headlights have a cutoff that prevent blinding oncoming drivers, which I understand is required by law. The headlights on this vehicle have an autoleveling function which is supposed to level the headlights at the proper height dependent on the position of the car's suspension. The headlight levelers are controlled by two sensors, one on the drivers side front and one on the driver side rear wheel hub, connected to the suspension components. …”
NHTSA complaint #10367211, filed 2010-11, 48,000 miles“Water leaks into the rear tail light assemblies. Corrosion affects the operation of the tail lights, turn and stop signals. Mazdausa claims this is normal .”
NHTSA complaint #10281754, filed 2009-08, 26,245 miles“I purchased an 05 Mazda rx8 in jan of this year. Several weeks ago, I was informed by other drivers that my driver's headlight causes them a distraction because it glows brighter, as if the high beam has come on. I have seen this myself when I drove another car in front of mine. I took the car into service at the local Mazda dealer and was informed that the light is functioning properly because the other car on the lot does it also. I believe this issue needs to be looked into because it is a serious distraction and can cause an accident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10136733, filed 2005-09Related service bulletins
- 10154529Mar 15, 2019Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10153332Jan 3, 2019Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10134701Mar 22, 2018Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with…
- 10111011Mar 9, 2017Take caution when cleaning plastic headlight lenses. Damage can occur when using some cleaners that contain strong acid, alkaline cleanser or organic solvent. Damage caused by…
- 10092413Apr 28, 2016Some customers may complain about improper operation of the auto-dimming mirror. This may be caused by an obstruction of the front and/or rear light sensor(s) (e.g. Hanging a…
- 10100888Jan 25, 2016Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/tail-light) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted…
- 10097982Jan 24, 2014Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front or rear combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom…
- 10097941Dec 21, 2012Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front or rear combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom…
- 10037655Dec 23, 2010Mazda: there is condensation and fog in the front and rear combination lights.
- 10021567Apr 13, 2007Water in rear combination light.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Mazda RX-8
54 complaintsEngine cooling
28 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 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 31, 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