- 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.
Engine & cooling
2004 Mazda RX-8 Engine problems
Owners have filed 151 complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 29% of all its complaints, most recently on May 23, 2024. They describe 3 crashes, 9 fires and 3 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 151
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 2004 Mazda RX-8
Engine complaints
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.
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
SEAT BUILTS NEED TIGHTING
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!!!
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.
The motor loose compression to easy, after that ,the car its junk.
Takata recall I received a call regarding an 'escalation' of my recall and when I called back the individual on the phone said they could not find my information. The last time I tried to get my rx8 repaired I was told I have to drive the car over an hour to the shop to get airbag fixed - this is after I received a very graphic postcard showing and telling me how I will be injured or killed if I don't get my car repaired. I am trying to get this car repaired, however I will not drive this car over an hour in...
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heavy traffic in south texas heat and humidity in order to make the required 100% compliance easy for takata there are multiple other recalls on this car, including on the engine that I have replaced 4 times. Dealers were told to install the old engines that were in their inventory and not install the new design. The old engines continued to loose compression over time and even though mazda extended the warranty to 100k on the vehicle, eventually I exceeded 100k - and the 4th engine went bad @102k. Mazda never replaced the engine with an engine that did not have compression issues. The dealers used the same engine and mazda waited for consumers to exceed the 100k mileage and then refused to provide any further assistance. I have a beautiful rx8 that is basically a rolling chasis because it will not run, overheats the fuel system (can explode or catch fire), and airbags that can injure or kill me at any moment. I cant even open the door on this car for fear of injury or death. If the airbags werent an issue, I cant drive the car because the engine looses compression and power and can put the driver in a very dangerous situation in traffic, and finally if all else were functioning, the exhaust can overheat the fuel tank cause explosion and/or fire. At one point the interior of my trunk melted. My car has zero value because of mazda and takata.
Takata recall after responding to numerous notices regarding this recall and the deadly danger of the airbags, mazda still insists that I drive the vehicle an hour away and in heavy city traffic to have the service done to correct the airbag issue. In addition, for years the engine had compression issues and I found out that after replacing the engine 4 times under warranty, mazda was replacing the engine with the same engine that has compression issues after a time. I was told that I could buy a $7,000 gen ii...
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engine that did not have compression problems, or take the replacement with the potential for compression issues as a warranty repair. They were able to deplete their stock of bad engines by using them as replacements, and as soon as my warranty expired I still have a faulty engine which also keeps me from safely driving driving for service work. The engine will loose compression and power in traffic and cause a safety issue. I keep my vehicles well past the 100k mark because I take care of them and keep them on the road. However, that has not been the case with this car, due to a combination of mazda's bad faith method of replacing faulty engines, and the potentially fatal airbag issue. Apparently the car also has issues with the exhaust overheating and causing a fire hazard, which I have never been notified of. Although a beautiful car that I would love to be able to drive, this vehicle is unsafe in more than one way and has a current value of $0. Im even afraid to open the door of the vehicle because according to the notices I have received, there is no way to know when or what might cause the airbag to deploy. I really cannot put a specific date on when the issues occurred, other than the service records for engine replacements up until the 100k mark. At 102k mazda refused to replace another engine that had gone out.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer (modern mazda dodge ram, 68 waterbury rd, thomaston, ct, 06787, 860-283-4304) to be serviced per nhtsa campaign numbers: 17v355000 (suspension), 16v793000 (fuel system), and 17v354000 (fuel system). The contact was informed that the recall repairs would take one day to complete; however, it took four days. The contact retrieved the vehicle and, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the...
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check engine indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that they would repair the failure. One week later, the dealer stated that the contact could retrieve the vehicle, but then diagnosed that the compressor failed and it would only last approximately two more years. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. When the contact retrieved the vehicle again, the vehicle failed to start even with a jump. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures, performed an investigation, and confirmed that the dealer's information was correct. No additional assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000. *Js
Vehicle mileage under 100,000. Has hot start issue, low compression. Engine warranty should be met by mileage and not by years. I am requesting recall be responsible for the above issue. Thank you
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving through a drive-thru window, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed to a parking space. While attempting to start the vehicle, a loud pop sound emerged from the engine compartment. Immediately afterwards, smoke and flames appeared. The fire department extinguished the flames. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not evaluated by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine loses combustion. Initial onset can happen at any time, including while driving. Mazda replaced engine 4 times using original style engine that loses combustion, and extended warranty to 100,000 miles. At 100,000 miles the 5th engine went out and mazda would not replace the engine. Note: mazda replaced these engines with the exact same engine with the exact same loss of compression issues. For about $8,000 they will replace the engine with the gen ii engine that has been redone and does not have the...
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compression issues. This car now has $0 value. I cannot even drive it to have the airbag and other recall work done on it. This has been an ongoing issue, with no solution to fix the problem, just patched it with another faulty engine. Mazda was able to deplete their stock of faulty engines, claim the recall work hours and parts, and still anyone with this faulty engine ends up with a car that doesn't work and is dangerous to drive in traffic because you never know when the engine will go out - you only know that it will.
Engines were recalled for loss of power and compression and was not completed on the car I own. Causes car to stall and will not restart until cooled down, potentially creating a dangerous situation in traffic. Known defect that was not addressed on the car I own. Car loses power after it heats up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (south motors mazda, located at 18010 s dixie hwy miami, fl 33157 305-234-5500) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not offer any further assistance. The failure mileage was 23,000. ...Updated 11/21/17 *bf *tr
Car experienced engine failure. Engine received proper care and oil changes every 3000 miles. Certified mazda mechanic determined the issue was due to engine failure due to faulty apex seals. Because of this the car immediately lost engine power and could not be driven. Was required to buy new engine. The vehicle was stationary at the time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was repaired several times but the failure recurred. No details of the repairs were available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approx. 50,000. Updated 05/03/16*lj *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. When attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving at various speeds, the contact noticed strong exhaust fumes in the vehicle. In addition, while making a left turn at a low speed, the contact heard a loud noise underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to remain in position. The contact had to continuously maneuver the steering wheel in order to make the vehicle remain in position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the...
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vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign numbers: 05v325000 (suspension) and 05v317000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While attempting to start the vehicle during cold weather, the motor flooded which caused the starter to fail. The failure recurred multiple times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The starter was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vin was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle restarted after multiple attempts, but the failure recurred multiple times. The contact stated that the ignition and fuel related components were replaced, but the failure recurred and the engine completely failed and was damaged. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
Horrible in 2004 years of this vehicle air bag light popped up suddenly for no apperant reason. *Tr
I purchased the car in 5/14/2013 after a week or so it started to lose power and misfiring , popping noise, transmission warms up. The gear that I hold and shift just warms up all the time it feels like it might fire up. Then I took the car to a mechanic they couldn't do anything. I took it to mazda mechanic they charged around 900$. Then it didn't fix anything I went another one and they told me loss compression it was 115 that time. I kept driving it and they said I need to rebuild the transmission too.. I paid this car 6500. And now it s all bad. And apparently I need to buy new engine and transmission. I believe it will cost me about 6000$ .Now its on 129,000miles. *Tr
On 2/9/12 my 2004 mazda rx-8 was brought in for engine replacement as part of a recall. Since the engine replacement the clutch is engaging at different places or sticking to the floor. On 3/30/12 the car was taken back to dick edwards manhattan for "...When clutch is engaged there is a funny noise coming from transmission & there is a vibration." It was misdiagnosed and not fixed. The car was taken back to the dealership on 6/26/12 because "when using clutch that the first half of the pedal is empty and the...
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second half engages but if you try to shift in the middle it will get stuck and not come out." It was misdiagnosed & not fixed. On 10/26/12 it was taken to overland park mazda & it was found that "clutch was sticking to the ground and traced to the master and slave cylinder..." It was misdiagnosed & not fixed. On 11/9/12 the car was brought to overland park mazda to "bleed clutch and adjust free play from clutch pedal push rod to make clutch pedal more responsive." The problem was still not fixed. In 8/13 I bought the car in kansas city, mo. Since then I had the clutch diagnosed at rick's performance in california who found "play in the engine crankshaft - the flywheel is moving back and forth over 1/2 inch" & concluded that the engine replaced in the recall on 2/9/12 at dick edwards manhattan was defective and that a part had been left out of the engine during assembly. I took the car to ken harvey's dublin mazda in dublin, ca and they confirmed the diagnosis by rick's performance & recommended mazda replace the engine as it shows signs of internal damage. However, mazda refused to replace the engine as it is outside of the 1 year/12,000 mile warranty even though it had been brought in for service 4 times within the warranty but was never fixed. Also, only 9k miles have been put on the car in that time frame. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. The contact stated that the vehicle sporadically stalled without warning. The failure was recurring. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where it was diagnosed that the motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85000.
Rusted oil cooler lines and fittings on my rx8 driven in ohio where road salting is prevalent in snow months. Filing this complaint since there is a recall issued for my same model year in canada (special program 76) for this exact issue due to snow and salt. Modified lines are available to address issue but mazda is not extending recall coverage to u.S. Repair cost at dealer above $1k. *Tr
Mazda RX-8 engine complaints by year
RX-8 engine problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data