2011 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.

The incident occurred on 02/08/2023. Prior to this, I brought my car to the dealership due to a recall to fix gas mounting rings, recall number . I do not feel comfortable with their repairs and I do not believe that the dealership performed the repairs properly which caused my car to smoke and stall on the road and then caught on fire at their shop. They claimed that their own business insurance fire fixed the damages but I believe that the car is damaged beyond repair. Furthermore, they held the car since February 2023. Until now, July 2023 the Guam dealership is unable to fix my car. To add, the repairs they claim far exceed the market value of the car and the car is at a total loss. I consider it totaled. I do not feel safe driving this car. 2011 Mazda RX-8 Recall Item Affected: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Date Announced: 09/24/2021Description of Recall: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings. Action Need To Fix It: Dealers will install new fuel pump mounting rings. Dealers will also add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 vehicles. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 23, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5121I.

NHTSA ID

11531617

Incident

Feb 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Rx 8. The contact stated after performing NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) while driving at 35 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of smoke in the vehicle, but no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. While the vehicle was being diagnosed, the vehicle caught on fire and burned. The contact did not have any details of the fire. The vehicle was diagnosed and stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11531601

Incident

Feb 28, 2023

Mileage

55,000 mi

THE RING/ASSEMBLY HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR CRACKED WITH NORMAL USE (PUTTING THE VISOR DOWN (NO EXCESS FORCE WAS USED) AND THE VISOR FELL INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF VISION, OBSCURING VISION. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PUT THE VISOR BACK UP AGAIN. THE RING FELL OUT OF THE CAR INTERIOR.

NHTSA ID

11114136

Incident

Jul 10, 2018

Mileage

48,500 mi

ON MAY 7, 2013, I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO PARETTI MAZDA OF METAIRIE BECAUSE A FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM SOMEWHERE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THEY WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT AND DIRECTED ME TO ENTERPRISE RENTAL FOR A RENTAL CAR. ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER I OBTAINED THE RENTAL CAR, THE SERVICE TECH CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY FAILED AND WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE UPPER SEAL AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK HAD ALSO FAILED, BUT WAS NOT LEAKING THAT MUCH FLUID. HE TOLD ME THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE AND ASKED THAT I RETURN THE RENTAL CAR AND PICK UP MY MY VEHICLE, WHICH I DID. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME HE WAS ORDERING THE REAR SHOCKS. ON MAY 9, 2013, I RECEIVED AN AUTOMATED CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT MY PARTS HAD ARRIVED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I CALLED THE SERVICE TECH, WHO ASKED IF I COULD DROP THE CAR OFF ON MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013, FOR THE REPAIRS. I EXPRESSED CONCERN TO THE SERVICE TECH THAT WHEN I DROVE OVER THE SLIGHEST IMPERFECTION IN A ROAD, THE REAR END WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE, WHICH WAS REAR END SUSPENSION BOTTOMING OUT. THE SERVICE TECH ASSURED ME THAT THE CAR WAS FINE, AND THAT I COULD DRIVE IT OVER THE WEEKEND. LATER THAT EVENING, AROUND 8 P.M., I DROVE INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOUSE AND THE DRIVER'S LOWER SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED AND SHEERED OFF WHERE THE STRUT CONNECTS TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THE STREET AND FULLY INTO THE DRIVEWAY. *TR

NHTSA ID

10515010

Incident

May 9, 2013

Mileage

17,000 mi

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.