2010 Mazda RX-8

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Safety concerns of Sam Leman Mazda located in blooomington IL installed a radiator from auto zone instead of using Mazda-approved parts. Sam Lemans modified other vehicle components to make the auto zone part fit and initially suggested using zip ties. My vehicle was held from Nov 5-25, 2025 while the dealership attempted to figure out how to alter components to fit the Auto Zone part - my choices were use the (1) Auto Zone part or (2) supply my own. Mazda corporate was then involved due to the unnecessary vehicle modifications due to Sam Lemans using a non approved Mazda part (Auto Zone radiator). Sam Leman compromised safety & my vehicle has been compromised due to component alternations and non Mazda approved parts. The auto zone part was not designed for my specific car and could fail during normal driving conditions. By altering the fan housing to make the unauthorized Mazda part fit, Sam Lemans created a risk of mechanical failure or accident. I am have a video showing the dealership discussing “zip tie” repair to hold the weight of the radiator (but this site will not allow me to upload a .mov video for your review only a photo of the video is there an alternate email I can send the video for review of Sam Leman’s mechanic discussing using zip ties to)? I am requesting NHTSA review this as a safety risk due to the wrong part, alteration of other parts, and non mazda approved part used by an authorized Mazda dealership, even after Mazda corporate was notified.

NHTSA ID

11703597

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

THERE IS ALREADY A PRIOR RECALL ON LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR EARLIER MADE MAZDA RX-8S. WHY ARE THE LATER MODELS ALSO NOT INCLUDED? IS IT BECAUSE THE MODEL I HAVE THERE WERE NOT AS MANY MADE, SO NOT AS MANY LEFT ON THE ROAD? YOU CAN HEAR A DULL POP WHEN TURNING THE CORNER TIME. FAMILY MEMBER IS A MECHANIC, HE ADVISED WHAT THIS WAS, AND TO CHECK FOR RECALL . . .WELL THERE IS ONE, JUST FOR 2004-2008 MODELS, WHY DOESN'T THE RECALL INCLUDE 2009 & 2010 ALSO? *TR

NHTSA ID

11330941

Incident

Jun 25, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED TWO YEARS AGO. SINCE THEN, THE AIR BAGS HAVE BEGUN TO PUSH OUT OF THE DASHBOARD. HILEY MAZDA OF FORT WORTH (9000 WEST FWY, SUITE B, FORT WORTH, TX 76108, (817) 367-4000) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,400. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED A REFERENCE NUMBER, BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11192194

Incident

Dec 1, 2018

Mileage

40,000 mi

CLUTCH PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET SNAPPED AT THE BOLT WHICH RESULTS IN CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY. THE ISSUE RENDERS THE CAR USELESS UNTIL REPAIRED. IT OCCURRED TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS FORCED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED.

NHTSA ID

11063125

Incident

Jan 14, 2018

Mileage

61,100 mi

MY STEPDAUGHTER PLACED HER INFANT/CARSEAT IN THE REAR SEAT OF OUR 2010 MAZDA RX-8. SHE REACHED FOR THE CLOSEST SEATBELT (THAT TURNED OUT TO BE THE FRONT SEATBELT) AND LATCHED THE CAR SEAT IN PLACE. AFTER SHE SAT DOWN IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, SHE REALIZED HER MISTAKE. THREE PEOPLE ATTEMPTED TO PRESS THE BELT RELEASE HOWEVER ALL OF US FAILED. ALSO, THE BELT ROLLED IN AS IT'S DESIGNED TO SO I COULD NOT GATHER ENOUGH SLACK TO TAKE THE INFANT OUT WHILE IN THE CARSEAT. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, WE WERE ABLE TO REMOVE HER INFANT FROM THE CARSEAT, AND THEN I FORCIBLY REMOVED THE CAR SEAT. THE SEATBELT IMMEDIATELY ROLLED BACK AGAIN AS IT'S DESIGNED TO DO SO NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED, I COULD NOT GET THE SEAT BELT RELEASED. I TOOK THE MAZDA TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THEY WOULD HAVE TO BREAK THE SEAT BUCKLE IN ORDER TO FREE THE BELT. I WOULD THEN HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW BUCKLE SINCE IT WAS OPERATOR ERROR RELATED. I COUNTERED BY ASKING WHY THE DESIGN OF THE FRONT AND REAR BUCKLES WERE SO SIMILAR CITING A PROBABLE SAFETY ISSUE. IN FACT, THE INFANTS MOTHER WAS TRAVELING AS A PASSENGER AND ONLY REALIZED THE PROBLEM WHEN SHE REACHED BACK FOR HER PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. SHOULD SHE HAVE BEEN THE DRIVER, SHE MAY NOT HAVE REALIZED THE PROBLEM UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE. THEY DID NOT HAVE AN ANSWER AND REMAINED STEADFAST WITH THEIR DECISION. THEY BROKE THE BUCKLE , AND IT WAS REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID

10371808

Incident

Jun 10, 2010

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio reception issues or terminal tabs pulled from the rear window glass. Follow the diagnostic and repair procedures included in this service information to inspect and service rear defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns or broken terminal tabs.

This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.

This 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 recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).

If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.

When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.