Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Mazda RX-8 Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns across the Mazda RX-8, 2004–2011. Owners have filed 783 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 8 model years with settled counts, the 2004 drew the most (489) and the 2011 the fewest (4).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls14campaignsCovering 2004–2011 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints783filedOwner reports across 8 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy19mpg combined2011 model, best configurationSource: EPA

Mazda RX-8 complaints by model year

783 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

10489 6162 560 538 517 48 45 34
20042005200620072008200920102011
2004489 2005162 200660 200738 200817 20098 20105 20114
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2011 · 4 complaints
  • 2010 · 5 complaints
  • 2009 · 8 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2004 · 489 complaints
  • 2005 · 162 complaints
  • 2006 · 60 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2004–2011. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Mazda RX-8 owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component20042005200620072008200920102011
Power train 154541391310
Engine and engine cooling 10628121000
Air bags 502217168010
Steering 8017644000
Engine 339602000
Fuel/propulsion system 2112642201
Electrical system 338220000
Unknown or other 187423011

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Mazda RX-8 recalls (14)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one RX-8 model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Mazda RX-8
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
21V744000Sep 24, 2021Fuel May Leak From Fuel Pump Mounting Rings2009, 2010, 201123.6%
19V781000Oct 31, 2019Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode200437.8%
19V488000Jun 24, 2019Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2010, 201141.9%
18V402000Jun 15, 2018Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2004–20119.5%
18V404000Jun 15, 2018Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2005–200911.2%
18V403000Jun 15, 2018Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2009, 201023.4%
17V474000Jul 26, 2017Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture2004–200813.8%
17V354000Jun 1, 2017Fuel Pump Pipe May Crack or Leak2004–200828.1%
17V355000Jun 1, 2017Ball Joint may Separate from Control Arm200423.9%
16V793000Oct 31, 2016Fuel Pump Sealing Rings may Leak Fuel2004–200831.2%
05V325000Jul 20, 2005LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS2004—
05V317000Jul 7, 2005THERMAL DAMAGE/HIGH ENGINE RPMS2004, 2005—
04V074000Feb 17, 2004MAZDA/AIR BAG2004—
04V075000Feb 17, 2004MAZDA/TRANSMISSION HEAT INSULATOR CRACKS2004—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Fuel economy by model year

200418 mpg
200518 mpg
200618–19 mpg
200718–19 mpg
200818–19 mpg
200918–19 mpg
201018–19 mpg
201118–19 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2011 Mazda RX-8 report4 complaints · 3 campaigns →2010 Mazda RX-8 report5 complaints · 4 campaigns →2009 Mazda RX-8 report8 complaints · 4 campaigns →Every Mazda modelMazda models →

Mazda RX-8 FAQ

How many recalls has the Mazda RX-8 had?

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns that cover at least one Mazda RX-8 model year from 2004 to 2011. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Mazda RX-8 year has the most complaints?

Among the last 8 model years with settled counts, the 2004 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (489) and the 2011 the fewest (4). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Mazda RX-8 problems?

Across the 2004–2011 model years, owners most often name the power train, engine and engine cooling, air bags in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Mazda RX-8 get?

EPA rates the 2011 Mazda RX-8 at 18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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