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Air bagsPart report

2008 Mazda RX-8 Air bags Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
47%of 17 total for the year
Median mileage
67,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 Mazda RX-8, 47% of the 17 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,500 miles. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

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.

“The plastic casing on my drivers side dashboard that encases the air bag is pushing it's way through the dashboard. It is the exact shape of a rectangle which the dealership says is the plastic casing. I feel this is a defect in the car and also dangerous but I was told that this is not a warranty issue.”

NHTSA complaint #10780493, filed 2015-10, 62,000 miles

“The dashboard that covers the passenger airbag has been cracking in the outline of the airbag since prior to 10/4/2012. Mazda said they would not cover the replacement. I've attached my 10/4/2012 request for an estimate of repair, but I did not get it repaired. I believe they should be paying for this defect. I've also attached a picture of the dashboard as of today. I am afraid it is going to burst open and injure or kill someone.”

NHTSA complaint #10986337, filed 2017-05, 45,437 miles

“Takata recall, my car suddenly stopped on the side, of the 101 freeway off the west lake village exit going south, and would not turn on. I had my car towed to the Mazda dealership after finding out of the recall on the fuel pump and air bags on the Mazda website. After 3 days at the dealership and being charged 3 hours of $115.00 hour they were not able to repair my car or replace the recall. They suggested for me to buy a new engine that would cost me $7000.00”

NHTSA complaint #11045867, filed 2017-11, 73,000 miles

“I am trying to get the airbags replaced but I cannot find a place who will service our car. We are trying to avoid driving it until the airbag problem is fixed.”

NHTSA complaint #11080368, filed 2018-03, 78,000 miles

“The dash is all cracked around the passenger dash side. Is exactly where the air bad sits 4 large cracks all the way around it ..also the driver seat right side lower lumbar is shift up and down...poor manufacturing”

NHTSA complaint #10991723, filed 2017-05

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2010120%
2008847%
20071642%
20061728%
20052214%
20045010%

Other parts of the 2008 Mazda RX-8

Steering
4 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Engine
2 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 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