Vehicle safety record

2004 Mazda RX-8 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 515 complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (157) and the engine & cooling (151). Those complaints describe 23 crashes, 10 fires and 20 injuries. It is covered by 10 recalls, the latest in October 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2005 has 168.

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NHTSA data checked yesterday

2/100Safety Index

FFar more problems than a typical RX-8 year, for its age

#26 most complained-about 2004 vehicle

Complaints: 515
Recalls: 10
Crashes: 23
Fires: 10
Injuries: 20
Deaths: 0

Most common 2004 Mazda RX-8 problems

Share of all 515 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2004 Mazda RX-8 recalls 10

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

19V781000Oct 31, 201947,006 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V130, 14V362, 14V773 and 15V869.

Air bags: inflator module

18V402000Jun 15, 2018308,591 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.

Air bags: inflator module

17V474000Jul 26, 2017308,992 vehicles affected

Do not drive

The problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
The risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1417G. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-382.

Suspension: lower arm

17V355000Jun 1, 201735,332 vehicles affected

The problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004 Mazda RX-8 vehicles. The ball joint socket on the front suspension lower control arm may crack and the ball joint may separate from the socket.
The risk: If the ball joint separates, steering control may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1117E.

Fuel system: fuel pump

17V354000Jun 1, 201769,447 vehicles affected

The problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles. Heat from the engine and the exhaust may cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.
The risk: If the fuel pump pipe cracks, fuel may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump filter kit, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1017E.

Fuel system: fuel pump

16V793000Oct 31, 201669,447 vehicles affected

The problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured April 10, 2003, to February 18, 2008. The affected vehicles have fuel pump sealing rings that may deteriorate due to exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.
The risk: The deteriorated seals may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump sealing ring set and add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0516J.

Suspension: lower ball joint

05V325000Jul 20, 200527,800 vehicles affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles, due to improper forging of the lower control arm, cracks may occur in the ball joint socket.
The risk: In severe driving conditions, the ball may separate from the ball joint socket and a loss of steering may occur, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the control arms. The recall began on august 30, 2005. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Engine and engine cooling

05V317000Jul 7, 200552,000 vehicles affected

The problem: If certain passenger vehicles are parked and the engine is operated at high rpm's for an excessive length of time, some of the parts around the exhaust system can melt and produce a variety of malfunctions. Problems caused by the excessive heat build-up can range from inoperative oxygen sensor, neutral switch and back up lights, problems with the parking brakes, malfunctions of the gas gauge and/or possible fuel leaks resulting from heat damage to the fuel tank.
The risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace parts. The recall began on august 30, 2005. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Power train: manual transmission

04V075000Feb 17, 200412,000 vehicles affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles with manual transmissions, the heat insulator may be cracked causing abnormal noise.
The risk: Continued operation of the vehicle can cause the insulator to come off and could pose a hazard to following vehicles.
The fix: Dealers will replace the heat insulator. The recall began march 5, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

Air bags: frontal

04V074000Feb 17, 200429,300 vehicles affected

The problem: As a result of an ncap test, certain passenger vehicles are being recalled for improperly wired front passenger seat air bags.
The risk: The air bag will not provide adequate protection when the vehicle is involved in a frontal crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new wiring harness in the front passenger seat air bag system. The recall began march 5, 2004. Owners should contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

What owners say

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515 complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 21.

Fuel system

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at Valvoline for a scheduled oil change, the contact was informed that fuel was leaking. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic evaluation revealed a fractured fuel system discharge pipe. The contact was informed that the fuel pump required replacement. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA...

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Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), which was completed on the VIN in 2009. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Fuel system

No worries - here it is trimmed to under 2,000 characters: I am reporting a recurring safety defect on my 2004 Mazda RX-8 (VIN: [[redacted]] a repair under NHTSA Recall 1017E (Fuel Pump Ring / Discharge Pipe). Recall 1017E was completed on my vehicle on September 19, 2017. The same fuel leak has since recurred, with fuel vapor now entering the passenger cabin. Only a few thousand miles have been driven since the recall repair. The vehicle is currently at Della Mazda, Queensbury, NY at approximately 72,000 miles....

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On May 8, 2026, I contacted Mazda Customer Experience Center. Mazda confirmed the dealer submitted a pre-authorization request for recall coverage, which Mazda corporate denied, stating the recall was previously completed and further repairs are my responsibility. I have a chat transcript documenting this. A recall remedy that fails to correct the covered defect should not be considered complete. I am requesting NHTSA review whether Recall 1017E has produced recurring failures, direct Mazda to honor the recall remedy, and advise on available consumer reimbursement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Airbags

For a year I have responded to every notice for a recall repair (7 total) Mazda has not repaired my vehicle or scheduled its repair. My recall ID is 016742248 and my Campaign Number is 100409. My car has a DO NOT DRIVE status and Mazda tells me I MUST drive the car 2 hours to get it repaired each way. And they refuse to transport y vehicle even thought I have told them in phone conversations about my cars do not drive status. The latest attempt for filing for a repay was 7-21-25 at 9:40am central time.

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The dealer determined that the engine had no compression. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Steering

The electric power steering randomly pulls hard to one side while driving. There are brief spasms of forceful jerks each jerk is 1-2 seconds the series of jerks lasts 10-20 seconds and usually stops with power steering failure all while driving.

Engine & cooling

Engine naturally wears out especially after 200k miles due to friction in the natural design of the Rotary engine, resulting in losing its overall function such as turning off in the middle of a drive due to loss of compression from worn Apex Seals of the Rotary. The rotary engine requires a replacement of the Apex Seals to continue functioning normally to avoid any unpredictable accidents due to engine failure. An event occurred where my RX-8 went into limp mode in the middle of the freeway as i was commuting due...

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a misfire from poor compression, this is more then likely a common event nowadays for RX-8 owners starting at the S1 2004 models with newer models soon to follow the same incident as me. This is completely unsafe especially traveling at 65 MPH

Fuel system

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed a strong gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the recall repair failed to...

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fix the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with him. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Fuel system

Fuel fumes are leaking into passenger compartment and leaking from tank. Previous recall failed to fix

Airbags

Front passenger airbag cracked dash and pushed out glove box.

Other & unknown

I now have replacedclutch pedal the forth time. Im writing this to see ifi can still get one factory repair of the part the pedal will break in weld spot regardless of my trying not put to much pressure.

Steering

July 2017 when I start the car the steering gear turn too the right all the time. Few mile the steering get hard and start shacking by it self. Now the steering is hard with abs and control traction light on. I send it too a mecanic too check the wiring and rack and pinon and the mecanic indicate that is the torque sensor and I have too change the rack and pinon.

Fuel system

Recently purchased the car from someone else and noticed that the cabin smells like fuel. I thought maybe he spilled some inside it but it's been a week and the smell is still there. I don't know why and I'm worried about the car catching fire or me getting carbon monoxide poisoning.

Transmission & drivetrain

CLUTCH PEDAL BROKE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD

Steering

STEERING TURN ALONE

Other & unknown

Passenger dash cover has lost integrity/cracked along the lines where the airbag deploys and am concerned that the force of potential airbag deployment could be affected and not work as designed or deploy with too much force to cause injury or death to the occupant if the airbag cover should fly off upon deployment. This is an issue with the dash of many mazda vehicles and should at a minimum be reviewed. The car has not been in any accidents and the airbags recall has recently been performed by a mazda dealer.

AirbagsCrash1 injury

On 10/19/19 the vehicle was involved in a crash when swerving to avoid a deer on the road. Two trees were hit and the vehicle was flipped on its side. No airbags deployed during this accident as I was expected. Pictures show the front damage and interior.

Body, doors & structureBrakesEngine & cooling

SEAT BUILTS NEED TIGHTING

Steering

While driving my 2004, mazda rx8 the electric power steering module failed, and jerked the car aggressively to the left into the oncoming lane of traffic. The force was so strong that it caused momentary loss of control. Fortunately, there wasn't any oncoming traffic at that moment on that particular stretch of road. When reviewing the mazda forum there were several other owners that experienced the same loss of control or failure. Additionally, mazda had power steering assist recalls for the same problems, ref. Mazda3/mazda5 power steering recall notification 6010h.

Steering

My power steering intermittently goes out from time to time. I have taken it to the shop 4 times. There is something seriously wrong with this design and the vehicle is very dangerous.

Body, doors & structure

SEVERE OUTSIDE PAINT DEGREDATION WITH 54,000 MILES.

Driver assistanceEngine & coolingFuel system

Multiple trouble codes all at once after not having any trouble codes after a long period. As of now 56,000 original miles. Traction control improperly functioning causing vehicle,s maximum speed to 3 mph. Multiple misfire,s with new spark plug, new spark plug coil packs and new spark plug wires. Gasoline leak not yet narrowed down to specific location. No engine power after shifting to 2nd gear. Check engine light is constantly on however will go out for no more than 2 days. Very strong gasoline odor inside of the vehicle after startup. Loss of engine compression. Goodness knows what is next!!!

Body, doors & structureEngine & cooling

I sent my mazda in to the dealership to fix recalls and make a key. In excellent shape. One area with slight body damage. On 3/16/2018 was returned a car that doesn't run. With. Cracked dashboard, torn seats, multiple dents, charged 345 dollars on 6/10 2019. I was sent a tow bill as notification to pick it up.

Engine & cooling

The motor loose compression to easy, after that ,the car its junk.

SteeringFuel system

While driving on the highway,the power steering of the vehicle failed snd 2 made it extremely hard to steer. I've heard others have this same problem but mazda has not addressed it

Airbags

The passenger air bag is affecting the dash causing it to crack. If the air bag is to deploy the dash could splinter from the cracks and cause serious bodily enjury.

Mazda RX-8: every year compared

5152004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Fires	Top problem	Grade
2008	17	5	0	1	Airbags	B
2007	38	5	2	1	Airbags	C
2006	60	5	1	0	Airbags	D
2005	168	6	6	1	Transmission & drivetrain	F
2004	515	10	23	10	Transmission & drivetrain	F

All RX-8 years

2004 Mazda RX-8 vs rivals

Vehicle	Complaints	Recalls	Crashes	Grade
2004 Mazda RX-8	515	10	23	F
2004 Mazda MAZDA6	185	7	17	D	Compare
2004 Mazda Tribute	182	7	21	D	Compare
2004 Mazda MAZDA3	170	3	24	D	Compare
2004 Mazda MPV	96	5	8	D	Compare
2004 Mazda B-Series	49	0	9	D	Compare
2004 Mazda Miata MX-5	33	0	6	D	Compare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

Questions about the 2004 Mazda RX-8

Does the 2004 Mazda RX-8 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2004 Mazda RX-8: inflator module (October 2019); inflator module (June 2018); inflator module (July 2017); lower arm (June 2017) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda RX-8?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (157), engine & cooling (151), steering (81).

How many complaints has the 2004 Mazda RX-8 had?

515 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 7, 2003 and the latest on October 13, 2026. Of these, 23 describe a crash and 10 a fire, and together they report 20 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2004 Mazda RX-8 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 2 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Mazda RX-8 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Mazda RX-8 years have the most complaints?

2004 (515), 2005 (168), 2006 (60). See every Mazda RX-8 year compared.

What should I do if my 2004 Mazda RX-8 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked yesterday. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

2004 Mazda RX-8 Problems, complaints & recalls

Most common 2004 Mazda RX-8 problems

2004 Mazda RX-8 recalls 10

What owners say

515 complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8: every year compared

2004 Mazda RX-8 vs rivals

Own a 2004 Mazda RX-8? Share your experience.

Questions about the 2004 Mazda RX-8