2006 Mazda RX-8 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 10%of 60 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2006 Mazda RX-8, 10% of the 60 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“Takata recall the vehicle was stuttering as I was driving home it wasn't hot or overheating or low on oil, I drove it home and shut it off I then later tried to start it it wouldn't start it just cranked and cranked it wouldn't even start or try to , the apex seals on this car went out which is due to the loss of compression which ultimately caused the sputtering, Mazda is well aware of this issue as it was recalled almost a year ago but I didn't have the issue so I didn't see a need to get it replaced ! This issue is unacceptable as now I'm without a car please help me out !”
NHTSA complaint #11149977, filed 2018-11, 95,000 miles“The vehicle experienced a starting issue unexpectedly. One day it no longer wanted to start I towed it in to Mazda they said the vehicle was flooded. Again in february 2015 the vehicle started experiencing the same issue having difficulty starting eventually it was taken in again to midas the issue again was due to flooding. I paid for the services and took the vehicle home. The next day the vehicle had trouble starting but eventually turned one as I was driving the vehicle in to Mazda it shut down unexpectedly leaving me stranded mid intersection. Half an hour later the vehicle started. …”
NHTSA complaint #10682858, filed 2015-02, 65,000 miles“My vehicle experienced a defect known to Mazda to the extent of them issuing a recall (or ssp) in the canadian market due to use of corrosives and excessive wet seasons causing build up on and corrosion of the oil cooler lines. Mazda clearly stated in the canadian ssp (#76) that extensive corrosion could cause a leak and/or loss of pressure, and knowing that a loss of pressure or a significant amount of oil while the car was in operation would cause drastic mechanical engine failure by way of burning out the seals/rotors/bearings and eventual seizure or total loss of compression in the motor. …”
NHTSA complaint #11089022, filed 2018-04, 75,000 miles“The contact's grandson owns a 2006 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle had an oil pressure failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11523434, filed 2023-05Related service bulletins
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Mazda RX-8
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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