2008 Mazda RX-8 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 6%of 17 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Mazda RX-8, 6% of the 17 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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 was driving to work and as I was shifting gears I felt the car did not have any acceleration. The top speed I got to was 55mph. When I was about to get off the car, I saw smoke coming from under the hood and from inside where the shift know is located. I checked under the car for a possibly fire, and there it was. Apparently the catalytic converter had clogged up and that's what started the fire. Its not safe to drive around with a car that barely has 55,000 and already has problems like a fire. What if I the car caught in fire with my family inside. Cant imagine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10483668, filed 2012-11, 55,000 milesRelated 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…
- 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…
- 10206002Dec 8, 2021Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an…
- 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…
- 10136777Apr 2, 2018Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing ATF. Using the wrong ATF may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission…
- 10097348Mar 11, 2013Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing atf. Using the wrong atf may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the…
- 10024588Apr 18, 2008Mazda special program (msp16) - engine lack of power -pcm reflash. Vehicles produced from april 10, 2003 through nov. 9, 2007. Vin range jm1fe17**40100053 - 80215462. *nj updated…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Mazda RX-8
8 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSeats
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 30, 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