RoadVitals

2005 Mazda RX-8 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
162
Latest Oct 13, 2023
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Mazda RX-8, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

37
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

OIL COOLER HOSES RUST OUT AT FITTINGS AND LEAK OIL UNCONTROLLABLY. ONE SEARCH OF ANY RX8 FORUM AND YOU WILL FIND ALL YEARS ARE EFFECTED.

NHTSA ID 11196800 · filed Apr 16, 2019

THE EXTERNAL OIL LINES AND CONNECTION FITTINGS FOR THE ROTORY ENGINE LUBRICATION POINTS AND COOLING HAVE CORRODED AWAY FORM ROAD SALT IN MINNESOTA. DRIVING CAUSES ENGINE OIL TO BE SPRAYED ON FRONT WHEEL AND BRAKES CAUSING FRONT BRAKE FAILURE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE PROBLEMS. THE CORROSION WAS SO BAD THAT EACH ATTEMPT TO FIX AN OIL LEAK ENDED UP BRAKING MORE CORRODED OIL FITTINGS OFF. THE TOTAL REPAIR IN 2017 ENDED BEING OVER $1,000 DOLLARS FOR JUST PARTS PLUS LABOR. MAZDA HAS PREVIOUSLY PAID TO FIX ALL MAZDA RX-8S SOLD TO PEOPLE IN CANADA BECAUSE OF ROAD SALT CORROSION FAILURES OF THESE SAME OIL LINES. WHY DOESN'T THE USA HAVE CONSUMER PROTECTION LIKE CANADIAN CITIZENS HAVE! I PAID A REPAIR SHOP BY ME $1,037.81 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MECHANIC LOST ABOUT ANOTHER $1,000 IN AFTER MARKET FITTINGS AND HOSES PLUS TIME, BUT EACH FIX BROKE MORE FITTINGS. HE FINALLY BOUGHT ALL NEW FACTORY PARTS AND SOLD THEM TO ME FOR COST AND ONLY CHARGED US FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS LABOR. TONY BECK,S AUTO REPAIR IN PINEISLAND MN JUST COULDN'T CHARGE ANYONE WHAT IT REALLY COST HIM. US RX-8 OWNERS ARE GETTING SCREWED BY YOU NOT RECALLING THIS OIL LINE FAILURE PROBLEM. THESE OIL LINES AND FITTINGS GO ALL AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE AND ARE HIGH PRESSURE 1/2 INCH ID HYDRAULIC LINES. HOW CAN OIL SPRAYING FRONT DISC BRAKES AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE! STEVE W. FROM MINNESOTA, WE HAVE LOTS OF ROAD SALT JUST LIKE CANADA, THAT'S WHY THE I-35 BRIDGE FELL DOWN. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH THESE SALT CORROSION CAUSED OIL LEAKS! CAUSED MASSIVE OIL LEAKS THAT CAN ALLOW ENGINE

NHTSA ID 11053886 · filed Dec 11, 2017
All 37 reports naming engine

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

34
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SECOND INCIDENT ON THE SAME VEHICLE/PART. I PREVIOUSLY HAD THE CLUTCH PEDAL IN MY MAZDA RX-8 REPLACED BECAUSE OF A BROKEN BRACKET. THE REPLACEMENT WAS AN IDENTICAL PART WITH NO REDESIGNS. APPROXIMATELY 16 MONTHS LATER IT BROKE YET AGAIN. SAME CONDITIONS, DRIVING ON THE ROAD, SUDDEN LOSS OF RESISTANCE AND CRUNCHING SOUND FROM PEDAL, UNABLE TO SHIFT PROPERLY. INSPECTING THE VEHICLE AFTER PARKING REVEALED THAT THE EXACT SAME SPOT WELD BROKE, LEAVING THE BRACKET TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE FIREWALL AND NOT PROVIDING LEVERAGE FOR THE CLUTCH PISTON INTO THE MASTER CYLINDER. *TT

NHTSA ID 10422343 · filed Aug 28, 2011

ON MY MAZDA 2005 RX8 THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. NOW I'M UNABLE TO PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE. AT THIS POINT, IT'S BARELY DRIVABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10405824 · filed Jun 10, 2011
All 34 reports naming transmission

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID 11549803 · filed Oct 13, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE JUNK YARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, PELVIC, AND RIBS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11186152 · filed Mar 12, 2019
All 22 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The steering wheel sometimes its hard to control sometimes its normal and when going fast the steering is so loose like there's a gaps that you need your two hands on the steering all time and the weels Weigel at high speed 60mph. its hard drive the car on the freeway And everyday use i already spend $2800 at the dealership get fix but never get fix The car no accident to be like that. Car has 80k mileage

NHTSA ID 11421371 · filed Jun 18, 2021

THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY BRACKET BREAKS AT THE SPOTWELDS WHICH ALSO BREAKS THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND LUKILY THIS BROKE WHILE STARTING THE CAR

NHTSA ID 11267976 · filed Oct 11, 2019
All 21 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My cars steering will loosen up and stiffen up randomly also the traction control will randomly engage and the tire pressure lights and another light

NHTSA ID 11421597 · filed Jun 21, 2021

The steering wheel sometimes its hard to control sometimes its normal and when going fast the steering is so loose like there's a gaps that you need your two hands on the steering all time and the weels Weigel at high speed 60mph. its hard drive the car on the freeway And everyday use i already spend $2800 at the dealership get fix but never get fix The car no accident to be like that. Car has 80k mileage

NHTSA ID 11421371 · filed Jun 18, 2021
All 17 reports naming steering

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Part associated with recall 1017E has failed due to improper installation.

NHTSA ID 11476049 · filed Jul 27, 2022

FUEL LEAK AT GAS TANK AREA CAUSED MASSIVE FIRE.

NHTSA ID 11405308 · filed Mar 29, 2021
All 15 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET BROKEN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. I WENT TO PUSH THE CLUTCH IN TO DOWNSHIFT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO OVER TAKE A SLOWER VEHICLE AND IT SNAPPED WITH AN AUDIBLE "POP" AND I COULDNT SHIFT INTO THE LOWER GEAR AND MY RPMS, WENT TO IDLE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. HAD IT BROKEN AT A DIFFERENT TIME, I COULD HAVE BEEN LOCKED INTO A CERTAIN GEAR AND HA TO BREAK FAST OR CRASH RISKING THE LIVES OF MY OCCUPANTS AND THE OCCUPANTS OF ANOTHER VEHICLE

NHTSA ID 11109969 · filed Jul 7, 2018

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, COMING TO A STOP FROM 65 MPH SPEED BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC AHEAD, AND AS SOON AS I PRESS THE CLUTCH PEDAL IT SNAPS. THE CLUTCH PEDAL NOW MOVES FREELY MAKING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. HAD TO CALL A FRIEND TO TOW MY CAR WITH HER TRUCK. AND EVEN THOUGH I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY STOP BY PULLING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF I HAD TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP OR ACCELERATE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10618537 · filed Aug 4, 2014
All 11 reports naming driver assistance

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My cars steering will loosen up and stiffen up randomly also the traction control will randomly engage and the tire pressure lights and another light

NHTSA ID 11421597 · filed Jun 21, 2021

THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY BRACKET BREAKS AT THE SPOTWELDS WHICH ALSO BREAKS THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND LUKILY THIS BROKE WHILE STARTING THE CAR

NHTSA ID 11267976 · filed Oct 11, 2019
All 10 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD MANY RECALLS DONE LAST YEAR. NOW, TODAY, OLIVER AT MAZDA CORPORATE SAID THAT JOE MACHENS DEALERSHIPS AREN'T EQUIPPED TO HAVE DONE THE WORK PROPERLY. RECALLS: 16V793, 17V-354 & 355, FRONT END STEARING FROM INAPPROPRIATE CAULKING OF BALL JOINT , ENGINE REPLACED TWICE, OIL MIXING WITH COOLANT, AGAIN, AND NOW MY ALARM GOES OFF AS SOON AS I START IT. JOE MACHENS TOLD ME TO REMOVE THE BATTERY. A NEW LITHIUM BATTERY IS BEING DEVELOPED BY MAZDA BECAUSE ROTARY ENGINES CAN'T USE A REGULAR BATTERY. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR SIX WEEKS LAST YEAR, AUGUST, AND KEPT YELLING THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE NEW, CORRECT PARTS. MY STEARING IS DIFFICULT AT TIMES AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL CONCERNING THIS. THE SEALS DETERIORATED MAKING ISSUES. NOW THEY ARE MAKING NEW GASKETS, RINGS, ETC. TO BE HEAT RESISTANT. THEY ARE FIGHTING ME, AGAIN, WHILE THEY HAVE ADMITTED MY CAR NEEDS PROPER FIXING WITH PROPER PARTS FROM INAPPROPRIATE WORK DONE LAST YEAR. ONE CORPORATE WORKER SAID MAYBE A NEW ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE WITH PROPER PARTS. YET NOT AT A DEALERSHIP, AT A MECHANICAL SHOP THAT KNOWS HOW TO WORK ON ROTORY ENGINES. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY LOT. I HAD MY OIL CHECKED TO HAVE FLUIDS CHANGED WITH VALVOLINE BECAUSE OF THEIR OFFER FOR 150,000 MILES ON ENGINE IF USING THEIR OIL. I COULDN'T GO FORWARD WITH THIS BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUES . OIL FOAMY, ALARM GOES OFF, FAULTY LIGHT THEY KNEW ABOUT ALSO. IT WORKED BEFORE THEY DID RECALL WORK ON IT. IT IS NOT SAFE FOR FIRE HAZARD, STEARING DIFFICULTY, GOES THROUGH A LOT OF OIL SINCE THEY WORKED ON IT. IGNITION SWITCH RECALL THEY NEVER DID. WERE SUPPOSED TO CONTACT ME WHEN PARTS ARRIVED. I WILL NEED TO FAX YOU PAPERWORK. MANY PAGES. ALSO SHOWS HOW THEY X'D OUT ONE RECALL CONCERNING GASKETS. I COULDN'T CHECK THE BOXES AS I WISHED TO REPORT.

NHTSA ID 11091262 · filed May 1, 2018

**RESUBMIT-DIDN'T GO THROUGH** I WAS DRIVING APPROX 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND FELT A KICK/JOLT AND HAD A LOSS OF POWER. MY SPEED WENT DOWN10-15 MPH AND ALTHOUGH I TRIED TO ACCELERATE IT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND TRIED TO EXIT BUT CAR REFUSED TO GO INTO GEAR. EVERY TIME I FORCED IT INTO GEAR, THE CAR WOULD CONSTANTLY STALL AND DIE. I HAD THE IGNITION COIL AND SPARK PLUG REPLACED BUT NOW THE CLUTCH JUST SINKS TO THE FLOOR. I'VE TRIED TO PUMP THE CLUTCH TO GET IT INTO GEAR BUT THIS IS QUITE DANGEROUS ON THE ROAD. MY VEHICLE HAS TROUBLE CONTROLLING ITS SPEED SINCE THERE'S A LAG SWITCHING FROM 3RD TO 4TH, 5TH TO 6TH SINCE I HAVE TO PUMP MY SUNKEN CLUTCH SEVERAL TIMES AND FIDDLE WITH THE SHIFTER TO ACTUALLY KICK MY CAR INTO THE NEXT GEAR. MY CAR IS NOW OVER 100K MILES AND JUST READ ABOUT THE MAZDA RX8 CLUTCH PEDAL RECALL ONLINE. THIS MALFUNCTION/SAFETY ISSUE WAS NEVER ANNOUNCED PROFESSIONALLY BY MY DEALER. MAZDA HAD NO PROBLEMS CONTACTING ME VIA PHONE, EMAIL ,MAIL REGARDING BILLS BUT FOR SOME REASON FAILED TO GIVE ME A NOTICE REGARDING THIS DEFECT. I'VE BEEN ADVISED THAT REPAIRING THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE EXPENSIVE AND SINCE MY CAR ALTHOUGH LESS THAN 8 YEARS OLD HAS PASSED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BASED ON MILEAGE, I'LL BE STUCK DRIVING THIS CAR WITHOUT PROPER REPAIRS? I FEEL MAZDA SHOULD'VE CONTACTED ALL RX8 OWNERS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER ANY FUTURE DISASTERS. WOULD THERE BE ANY CHANCE TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR THE CLUTCH PEDAL BASED ON MILEAGE OVER 120K? I CAN'T AFFORD TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR AT THIS MOMENT BUT NEED TO STILL COMMUTE TO WORK WITHOUT PAYING FOR REPAIRS THAT WOULD COST ME AN ARM AND A LEG AT THE DEALER? IF THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE, I WOULD FEEL MORE SAFE HAVING AN AUTHORIZED DEALER INSPECT THE PROBLEM RATHER THAN A CHEAP AUTO SHOP THAT ISN'T FULLY AWARE OF SPECIFIC DETAILS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10463900 · filed Jul 1, 2012
All 8 reports naming electrical

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE EXTERNAL OIL LINES AND CONNECTION FITTINGS FOR THE ROTORY ENGINE LUBRICATION POINTS AND COOLING HAVE CORRODED AWAY FORM ROAD SALT IN MINNESOTA. DRIVING CAUSES ENGINE OIL TO BE SPRAYED ON FRONT WHEEL AND BRAKES CAUSING FRONT BRAKE FAILURE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE PROBLEMS. THE CORROSION WAS SO BAD THAT EACH ATTEMPT TO FIX AN OIL LEAK ENDED UP BRAKING MORE CORRODED OIL FITTINGS OFF. THE TOTAL REPAIR IN 2017 ENDED BEING OVER $1,000 DOLLARS FOR JUST PARTS PLUS LABOR. MAZDA HAS PREVIOUSLY PAID TO FIX ALL MAZDA RX-8S SOLD TO PEOPLE IN CANADA BECAUSE OF ROAD SALT CORROSION FAILURES OF THESE SAME OIL LINES. WHY DOESN'T THE USA HAVE CONSUMER PROTECTION LIKE CANADIAN CITIZENS HAVE! I PAID A REPAIR SHOP BY ME $1,037.81 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE MECHANIC LOST ABOUT ANOTHER $1,000 IN AFTER MARKET FITTINGS AND HOSES PLUS TIME, BUT EACH FIX BROKE MORE FITTINGS. HE FINALLY BOUGHT ALL NEW FACTORY PARTS AND SOLD THEM TO ME FOR COST AND ONLY CHARGED US FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS LABOR. TONY BECK,S AUTO REPAIR IN PINEISLAND MN JUST COULDN'T CHARGE ANYONE WHAT IT REALLY COST HIM. US RX-8 OWNERS ARE GETTING SCREWED BY YOU NOT RECALLING THIS OIL LINE FAILURE PROBLEM. THESE OIL LINES AND FITTINGS GO ALL AROUND THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE AND ARE HIGH PRESSURE 1/2 INCH ID HYDRAULIC LINES. HOW CAN OIL SPRAYING FRONT DISC BRAKES AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT NOT BE A SAFETY ISSUE! STEVE W. FROM MINNESOTA, WE HAVE LOTS OF ROAD SALT JUST LIKE CANADA, THAT'S WHY THE I-35 BRIDGE FELL DOWN. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH THESE SALT CORROSION CAUSED OIL LEAKS! CAUSED MASSIVE OIL LEAKS THAT CAN ALLOW ENGINE

NHTSA ID 11053886 · filed Dec 11, 2017

DASHBOARD OVER AIRBAG BEGAN TO CRACK OVER THE AIRBAG ON 01/102010. AS THE MONTHS WENT ON, IT GOT MUCH BIGGER. I HAVE CONTACT MY LOCAL DEALER AND ALSO MAZDA USA. THEY SEEM TO DODGE THE WHOLE THING, OR SAY ITS JUST COSMETIC.I'M AFRAID FOR MY FAMILYS SAFTEY, WITH THE WHOLE AIRBAG MAYBE COMING OUT.I'M GLAD THAT I HAVE AN EXTRA WARRANTY BECAUSE SO MANY THINGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TT

NHTSA ID 10414660 · filed Jul 22, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. THERE IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THESE SENSORS WHICH CAUSES THE HEADLIGHT LEVELERS TO MALFUNCTION, AIMING THE HEADLIGHTS EITHER TOO LOW (WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN THE RX-8) OR TOO HIGH (WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BY BLINDING ONCOMING TRAFFIC). THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR LOCATED BENEATH THE CAR AT EACH SENSOR THAT MOISTURE CAN GET INSIDE, CAUSING CORROSION. THIS CAUSES THE SENSORS TO FAIL AND THE HEADLIGHTS WILL AUTO-AIM THEMSELVES IN ANY ORIENTATION, AND THIS CANNOT BE OVERRIDDEN...I KNOW, I HAVE TRIED REPEATEDLY TO MANUALLY RE-AIM THEM MYSELF. MANUALLY RESETTING THE HEADLIGHTS WILL ONLY CAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS TO MIS-AIM THEMSELVES AGAIN WHEN THE CAR IS RESTARTED AND THE SENSORS RETURN FAULTY SIGNALS. CURRENTLY, MY HEADLIGHTS ARE AIMED FAR TOO HIGH FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND I ROUTINELY GET "FLASHED" BY OTHER DRIVERS. DRIVING MY CAR AT NIGHT IS UNSAFE FOR MYSELF AND OTHER DRIVERS DUE TO THIS DEFECT. AS PREVIOUSLY NOTED, THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THERE HAVE BEEN APPARENTLY ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT THAT MAZDA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON THIS DEFECT, AND THE LEVELERS HAVE BEEN RE-ENGINEERED TO USE MORE HEAVY-DUTY CONNECTORS. I WOULD URGE THE NHTSA TO EVALUATE THIS ISSUE AND COMPEL MAZDA TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT ASAP. THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION! LINK TO TECHNICAL BULLETIN: HTTP://WWW.FINISHLINEPERFORMANCE.COM/PDF/RX8/BULLETIN/09-008-07-1729A.PDF. *TR

NHTSA ID 10367211 · filed Nov 22, 2010

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". *TR

NHTSA ID 10281754 · filed Aug 25, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAXDA RX-8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELT WAS INSERTED INTO THE REAR SEAT RECEIVER BY A TEN YEAR OLD CHILD. THE CHILD BECAME TRAPPED IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE HARNESS WAS REMOVED FROM THE DOOR SO THAT HE WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER HIS BODY OUT OF THE SEAT BELT AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ID 10525774 · filed Jul 19, 2013

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ONE YEAR AGO. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE STATING THAT THE WORK HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, AND HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 8,000.*AK

NHTSA ID 10187130 · filed Apr 5, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD MANY RECALLS DONE LAST YEAR. NOW, TODAY, OLIVER AT MAZDA CORPORATE SAID THAT JOE MACHENS DEALERSHIPS AREN'T EQUIPPED TO HAVE DONE THE WORK PROPERLY. RECALLS: 16V793, 17V-354 & 355, FRONT END STEARING FROM INAPPROPRIATE CAULKING OF BALL JOINT , ENGINE REPLACED TWICE, OIL MIXING WITH COOLANT, AGAIN, AND NOW MY ALARM GOES OFF AS SOON AS I START IT. JOE MACHENS TOLD ME TO REMOVE THE BATTERY. A NEW LITHIUM BATTERY IS BEING DEVELOPED BY MAZDA BECAUSE ROTARY ENGINES CAN'T USE A REGULAR BATTERY. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR SIX WEEKS LAST YEAR, AUGUST, AND KEPT YELLING THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE NEW, CORRECT PARTS. MY STEARING IS DIFFICULT AT TIMES AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL CONCERNING THIS. THE SEALS DETERIORATED MAKING ISSUES. NOW THEY ARE MAKING NEW GASKETS, RINGS, ETC. TO BE HEAT RESISTANT. THEY ARE FIGHTING ME, AGAIN, WHILE THEY HAVE ADMITTED MY CAR NEEDS PROPER FIXING WITH PROPER PARTS FROM INAPPROPRIATE WORK DONE LAST YEAR. ONE CORPORATE WORKER SAID MAYBE A NEW ENGINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE WITH PROPER PARTS. YET NOT AT A DEALERSHIP, AT A MECHANICAL SHOP THAT KNOWS HOW TO WORK ON ROTORY ENGINES. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY LOT. I HAD MY OIL CHECKED TO HAVE FLUIDS CHANGED WITH VALVOLINE BECAUSE OF THEIR OFFER FOR 150,000 MILES ON ENGINE IF USING THEIR OIL. I COULDN'T GO FORWARD WITH THIS BECAUSE OF THE SAME ISSUES . OIL FOAMY, ALARM GOES OFF, FAULTY LIGHT THEY KNEW ABOUT ALSO. IT WORKED BEFORE THEY DID RECALL WORK ON IT. IT IS NOT SAFE FOR FIRE HAZARD, STEARING DIFFICULTY, GOES THROUGH A LOT OF OIL SINCE THEY WORKED ON IT. IGNITION SWITCH RECALL THEY NEVER DID. WERE SUPPOSED TO CONTACT ME WHEN PARTS ARRIVED. I WILL NEED TO FAX YOU PAPERWORK. MANY PAGES. ALSO SHOWS HOW THEY X'D OUT ONE RECALL CONCERNING GASKETS. I COULDN'T CHECK THE BOXES AS I WISHED TO REPORT.

NHTSA ID 11091262 · filed May 1, 2018

CLUTCH BRACKET SNAPPED WHILE AT STOP SIGN. UNABLE TO GET CAR INTO GEAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10607825 · filed Jul 2, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WENT TO MOVE MY DRIVERS SIDE SUN-VISOR TO BLOCK THE SUN AND IT SPLIT AND PARTIALLY CAME APART HITTING MY HEAD AND CUTTING MY SKIN. MORE URGENTLY, IT BLOCKED MY VIEW OF THE ROAD AND I HAD TROUBLE MOVING IT OUT OF THE WAY. FOR SEVERAL LONG SECONDS, I WAS TRAVELING 65 MILES PER HOUR, FIGHTING WITH THE VISOR, UNABLE TO ROTATE IT OUT OF THE WAY BECAUSE IT WAS BROKEN, WITH NO FORWARD VIEW OF THE ROADWAY. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE AND HOLD IT THERE WITH MY LEFT HAND WHILE I TRAVELED TO MY DESTINATION. ONCE I ARRIVED I REMOVED IT WITH A SCREW DRIVER. UPON INSPECTION OF THE PASSENGER SIDE VISOR, IT IS STARTING TO SPLIT ALSO. *TR

NHTSA ID 10326520 · filed Apr 19, 2010

THE MAZDA RX-8 IS HAVING AN ISSUE THAT IS COMING UP MORE FREQUENTLY NOW FROM A FAULTY A/C SWITCH OR HEATING SYSTEM FAILURE. THE HEAT DOES NOT COME INTO THE VEHICLE WHEN THE HEAT IS TURNED ON AND ONLY COLD AIR COMES INTO VEHICLE. THE FAILURE HAPPENS IN THE BEGINNING ONLY RANDOMLY UNTIL THE UNIT COMPLETELY FAILS. THE A/C MODULAR IS A ELECTRONIC SWITCH THAT CHANGES VENTS AND A/C OR HEAT. THE VENT MECHANISM STILL FUNCTIONS BUT THE HEAT IS NEVER TRANSFERRED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONSEQUENCES FROM THIS ITEM FAILING, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER TIME, THE WINDSHIELD CANNOT BE DEFROSTED AND DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WAY HUMAN EXHAUSTION WILL CAUSE THE WINDOW FOG UP IMPAIRING DRIVER'S VISION. AS WELL AS COLD TEMPERATURES WITHIN THE VEHICLE THAT DO NOT SUFFICE WHILE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10299859 · filed Jan 15, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. I'VE HAD THE SHIFTING PADDLES REPLACED BECAUSE THEY JUST DIDN'T WORK AND I DON'T EVEN REALLY USE THEM, THE GAS CAP LOCK BROKE AND I HAD TO PRY IT OPEN SINCE THE EJECT NO LONGER WORKED... I THINK YOU GET THE POINT AND I DIDN'T EVEN MENTION SOME OF THE BI ITEMS. I'VE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A CAR IN MY LIFE. I CANT WAIT UNTIL I CAN SELL IT OR MAYBE ILL GET LUCKY AND IT WILL IMPLODE. IT WOULDN'T SURPRISE ME AT THIS POINT. THIS CAR IS JUNK!!! I'M GOING BACK TO HONDA. *TR

NHTSA ID 10249650 · filed Nov 24, 2008

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW SET OF POTENZA'S ON THE DEC 7. I HAD THEM MOUNTED ON IN THE AFTERNOON DEC 8. WENT STRAIGHT HOME 10 MILES AWAY. ON DEC 9, I NOTICED MY CAR WOULD SWERVE A BIT I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY, I SPUN OUT SIX OR SEVEN TIMES AT 45 MPH. WHEN I PULLED OVER I SAW THAT I WAS DRIVING ON MY RIM, MY TIRE ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE WASN'T ON. I RETRIEVED THE TIRE. THE TREAD AND WALL TORE AWAY FROM EACH OTHER. EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT HIT ANYONE/ANYTHING FROM THE SPIN OUT, MY CAR, A 2005 MODEL, IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL WRECK FROM ALL THE DAMAGES THAT RESULTED FROM THE TIRE LOSS. *NM

NHTSA ID 10175800 · filed Dec 11, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I BOUGHT A USED MAZDA RX8 (2005 WITH ABOUT 60 THOUSAND MILES) WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS OF DAILY DRIVING (NO RACING OR HARD SHIFTING) MY CLUTCH PEDAL BROKE WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE PEDAL IN PLACE BROKE DUE TO ITS VERY THIN METAL DESIGN. UPON RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY RX-8 OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE INSTALLED A REINFORCED BRACKET AT MY OWN EXPENSE AND STILL NEED TO MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS BECAUSE IT HAS UNALIGNED THE GEARS IN THE TRANSMISSION. IF THIS BREAK WOULD HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY OTHER TIME I BELIEVE IT COULD EASILY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THE HIGHWAY GETTING TO SCHOOL AND I BELIEVE THAT AT 65 MPH THIS BREAK WOULD HAVE AT LEAST DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED AND A RECALL MUST BE IMPLEMENTED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10297060 · filed Dec 27, 2009

2005 MAZDA RX8: UPON DRIVING I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD CRACK. THE CLUTCH PEDAL ON MY CAR FELT 'LOOSE' AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO DISCOVER THAT THE WELDS ON MY CLUTCH PEDAL HAD BROKEN. FORTUNATELY I WAS ALMOST HOME BUT I HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING AND HAD TO BE CAREFUL AS THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS MAKING ITS WAY TOWARDS THE BRAKE PEDAL. (IF IT BROKE ANY MORE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT TO APPLY THE BRAKE) THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DISASTROUS UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10286497 · filed Oct 6, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT WARMER OF THE VEHICLE STAYS ON AND GET TOO HOT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERNS THAT THIS COULD BECOME A FIRE HAZARD. UPDATED 7/11/2006- THE SET BECOMES SO HOT THAT IT'S UNBEARABLE. THERE IS ONLY ONE TEMPERATURE, NO TEMPERATURE SELECTION. *NM

NHTSA ID 10160839 · filed Jun 27, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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