MotorDeets

Mazda RX-8 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every RX-8 from 2004 to 2011: 783 owner complaints and 42 recalls across 8 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (489), 2005 (162), 2006 (60). Best fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (2011).

Mazda RX-8
Photo: Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain235
Engine & cooling138
Airbags114
Steering111
Engine50
Fuel & propulsion48
Electrical45
Other / unknown36

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
20041048918
2005616218
200656019
200753819
200851719
20094819
20104519
20113419

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Mazda RX-8.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Mazda RX-8?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2004 (489), 2005 (162), 2006 (60).

How many recalls has the Mazda RX-8 had?

Across 2004–2011, NHTSA lists 42 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).