2004 Mazda RX-8 fuel system problems

FUEL/PROPULSION 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: [XXX] 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. 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)

NHTSA complaint #11736604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11498663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11427511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION 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.

NHTSA complaint #11397284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION 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!!!

NHTSA complaint #11233493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION 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

NHTSA complaint #11209211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11183115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

STEERING WHEEL VIOLENTLY SHAKES UPON TURNING AND NOW ON STRAIGHT-AWAY DRIVING. HAS BEEN SMELLING OF EXCESSIVE GAS FOR OVER 4 YEARS UPON START UP, DESPITE DEALER CORRECTING RECALL ISSUE WITH FUEL PUMP DISCHARGE PIPE.

NHTSA complaint #11154225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11092422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PERFORMED NORMALLY PRIOR TO BEING REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V354000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). BROEN AND WOOD BUICK GMC MAZDA (329 GREENVILLE BLVD SW, GREENVILLE, NC) DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000. *BF UPDATED 8/2/18

NHTSA complaint #11036016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11033884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LIBERTY MAZDA (91 W SERVICE RD, HARTFORD, CT 06120), BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE OF THE DIAGNOSTIC RESULTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE, BUT WOULD CHARGE FOR LABOR BECAUSE THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WOULD NEED TO BE REMOVED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL BACK TO ASSIST IN SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 17V354000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,800.

NHTSA complaint #11015238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (KOONS MAZDA OF SILVER SPRING, 3111 AUTOMOTIVE BLVD, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11013993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA RX-8. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAZDA OF GEORGETOWN TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), THE CONTACT NOTICED A LACK OF ACCELERATION. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V354000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO O'REILLY AUTO PARTS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,523. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA complaint #10994371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL PUMP NOZZLE IS CRACKED ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK AND FUEL PRESSURE TO DROP CAUSE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS AND STALLING. MAZDA CLAIMS ITS THE RING AND GASKET ON THEIR RECALL BUT IT'S THE FUEL PUMP CRACKING. MY CAR STARTED BUCKING AND RUNNING ERRATICALLY. INSTALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR ROUGHLY ONE YEAR.

NHTSA complaint #10970008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V354000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V7963000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT AND VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10948694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE FUEL LINE INPUT NIPPLE, ON THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, CRACKS AND CAUSES A LEAK. THE FUEL PUMP LOCK RING IS NOT THE PROBLEM AND CAN BE REUSED. REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY FIXES THE PROBLEM. IT IS VERY COMMON ON ALL 2004-2008 MODELS.

NHTSA complaint #10945570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE CLUTCH PEDAL ASSEMBLY BROKE AS I WAS DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY.

NHTSA complaint #10701638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

VEHICLE HAD STRONG SMELL OF RAW GASOLINE FUMES IN THE CABIN AND OUTSIDE THE CAR. UPON REMOVING THE REAR SEAT TO ACCESS THE FUEL PUMP FOR INSPECTION, A POOL OF GASOLINE WAS FOUND AROUND THE FUEL PUMP AND SURROUNDING AREA TO INCLUDE THE ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE PUMP. IT APPEARS THE LEAK OCCURS FROM A FAULTY PLASTIC NIPPLE ON THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY THAT CONNECTS THE PUMP TO THE MAIN FUEL LINE. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH UNCOVERED THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT WITH THE MAZDA RX8. THE FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ISSUE IS IMMENSE. I WOULD RECOMMEND A FURTHER REVIEW BY THE NHTSA TO ASSESS THE SEVERITY AND SPECTRUM OF THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE IN THE MAZDA RX8.

NHTSA complaint #10616164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I PURCHASED MY 2004 AUTOMATIC RX8 IN SEPTEMBER OF 2011. IT BEGAN GIVING ME TROUBLE WITH THE TYPE OF GAS IT TOOK. I FINALLY FIGURED OUT THAT BP PREMIUM SEEMED TO KEEP IT FROM "COUGHING". I THOUGHT THAT I HAD FIXED THE ISSUES AND IT DROVE FINE FOR A GOOD WHILE. I CHANGED THE OIL RELIGIOUSLY AT ABOUT 3000 MILES OR LESS. IT WOULD DISPLAY THE OIL LIGHT AFTER ONLY ABOUT 1500-2000MILES. I HAD A DEALERSHIP LOOK AT IT AND THEY SAID THE OIL LEVEL WAS FINE AND THEY DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT HAD THE LIGHT ON. THE OIL LIGHT NOW COMES ON AT JUST 300MILES INTO THE LAST OIL CHANGE. IN FEB OF THIS YEAR IS WHEN THE CAR STARTED DETERIORATING AT A RAPID PACE, AND I WAS COMPLETELY DUMBFOUNDED TILL I BEGAN DOING SOME RESEARCH AND SAW THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUES I HAVE HAD. FOR ONE- THE AC NEVER WORKS CORRECTLY. I HAVE TO PLAY WITH THE KNOB FOR A BIT TO MAKE IT COOL, AND STILL EVEN THEN IT DOES NOT WORK. I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO AND FROM THE STORE NOW BECAUSE I AM WORRIED IT WILL NOT START BACK UP. I ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE ENGINE IS WARMED UP AND SOMETIMES JUST LEAVE IT RUNNING INSTEAD OF TAKING THE CHANCE OF TURNING IT OFF. THE ENGINE LIGHT ALSO COMES ON AND RANDOM TIMES, AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE GAS CAP WAS NOT ON TIGHT ENOUGH. THAT IS A LIE, I ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO TIGHTEN IT, AND WHY WOULD THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON AFTER THE OIL LIGHT EVERYTIME IF IT WAS HUMAN ERROR. THE CAR WHINES WHEN AT A STOPLIGHT OR SITTING FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME. IT SOUNDS AS IF IT IS COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE ENGINE IF YOU ARE SITTING IN IT. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THAT NOISE IS EITHER. THIS FAULTY CAR SHOULD COME WITH A WARNING ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT, I AM SCARED TO PUT MY FAMILY IN IT, AND I AM DISGUSTED WITH THE WAY MAZDA DECIDED TO TREAT ME WHEN I CALLED THEM TO INQUIRE ABOUT CERTAIN RECALLS.

NHTSA complaint #10509740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MAZDA RX8. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND SMELLED GASOLINE FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE OIL PAN, THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY, FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 146,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10487191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

04 RX8 REPLACED MAF COIL PACKS PLUG WIRES 2 02 SENSORS SELINOID SHUTTER VALVE ACTUATER MAIN FUEL LINE FROM FRONT TO BACK OF TANK THE CAR WILL NOT STAY RUNNING AT FIRST EARLIER ON IT DIED ON MANY TIMES AN CONTINUED TO GET WORSE ITS BEEN TO SHOPS NO LUCK NO HELP IT NEVER SEEMED TO HAVE GAS NOW PRESENT PULLED UP BACK SEAT AN FOUND GAS LEAKING IS HIS A RECALL THE SHOE THAT DID RUN A TEST STATED HE DIDNT THINK IT WAS ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION PROBABLY MECHANICAL WHERES IS THE FUEL FILTERS COULD THAT BE AN ISSUE I TRY T O CRANK CAR IT SOUNDS BAD LIKE SOMETHING IS GONNA FALL OUT OR DOWN ALSO WAS TOLD IF YOU CLAMP ON SENDING UNIT THAT IT MAY NOT WORK PROPER?????

NHTSA complaint #10459336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AFTER A FUEL FILLUP GO OFF AFTER DRIVEN PROBLEM STARTED LATE 2005 EARLY 2006 IN AND OUT OF SHOP CLEARED CODES REPLACED FUEL CAP, UPPER INTAKE, VACUUM PUMP, LATE 2007 THEY CLEARED CODES CLAIMED TO HAVE TIGHTENED A LOOSE CAP, AND STATED IF IT CAME BACK ON WILL NEED FUURTHER DIAGNOSES AT ADDITIONAL COST. I HAVE 8 INVOICES RANGING FROM PROGRAMMING PCM CLEARING CODES ONE FROM 2006 PRINTED ON THE INVOICE, CUSTOMER STATES CAME BACK ON SAME NIGHT SEEMS TO COME ON AFTER FILLUP. THAT WAS WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. NOW THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON CONTINUOUSLY, AND IT WONT PASS STATE INSPECTION. NOW ITS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A FUEL SENDING UNIT COSTING OVER $600.00 THE PART IS ORDERED AND I INFORMED THEM THAT I WANTED ALL OLD REPLACED PARTS.

NHTSA complaint #10335162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2004 MAZDA RX-8, UNDER 45K MILES. DRIVEN ON A 78 DEGREE DAY FOR 2 HOUR TRIP. STOPPED TO REFUEL AND 30 MIN SHOPPING. GET INTO CAR ONTO HIGHWAY WHERE I NEED MY ENGINE'S SPEED TO ACCELERATE ONTO HIGHWAY. I FEELS LIKE HALF THE POWER IS GONE. IT REMINDS ME OF VAPOR LOCK, IT'S GASPING FOR FUEL OR SPARK. THIS HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED MANY TIMES BEFORE AND NEARLY DANGEROUS WHEN IN BUSY TRAFFIC, AS HAD TO PULL OVER TO BIRM. I KNOW DEALER REPLACED COIL PACKS ONCE OR TWICE SO FAR...ALONG WITH PLUGS. THIS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS CAR I EVER OWNED. THE MOST RE-CALLED CAR I'VE EVER KNOWN OF. RIGHT NOW IT'S RUNNING FINE, MATTER OF FACT HAS POWER TO SPARE AS COMPARED TO IT'S 'WHIMPING OUT SYNDROME ". THERE MUST BE A CORPORATE SOLUTION FROM MAZDA TO ME. I AM READY FOR A LAWYER.

NHTSA complaint #10325330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN WITH THE PROBLEM I HAVE HAD WITH MY 2004 MAZDA RX-8. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE SEPTEMBER 2003 AND IT HAS HAD COUNTLESS ISSUES, PARTS REPLACED AND FAILURES. THE INCIDENT I EXPERIENCED LAST NIGHT PUT ME OVER THE EDGE AND ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE. MY RX-8, WHICH WAS JUST AT THE DEALER 2 WEEKS AGO, HAD AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION WHILE I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN MASSACHUSETTS. THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WENT FROM APPROX 50MPH TO 10MPH IN A MATTER OF A FEW SECONDS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO MAKE MY WAY TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WITHOUT INJURING MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE; HOWEVER, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. EVERY SINGLE PART IN MY RX-8 HAS BEEN REPLACED EXCEPT FOR THE ENGINE MOUNTS AND ENGINE. I HAVE DISHED OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ALREADY AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 44,000 MILES ON IT. NOT ONLY IS THIS A SAFETY HAZARD TO THOSE OF US DRIVING THE VEHICLE, BUT IT IS ALSO A SAFETY HAZARD TO THOSE AROUND US. HAD THE CAR BEHIND ME NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION MY VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUSED A DEADLY CAR CRASH IN THE MIDDLE OF RUSH HOUR ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I HAVE CONTACTED NUMEROUS DEALERSHIPS, THE BBB, AND AM NOW LOOKING INTO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. MAZDA NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE MY CAR WAS PURCHASED IN 2003, BBB WOULDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CASE, HOWEVER I HAVE 57 PAGES OF DETAILED REPAIRS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE TO THIS VEHICLE SINCE I OWNED IT, WHICH I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO SEND TO YOU. TONS OF PEOPLE ONLINE HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES; JUST FROM AUTOMOTIVE.COM THERE ARE 30+ EMAIL ADDRESSES OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS SIMILAR TO MINE. PLEASE HELP US GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS FAULTY ENGINE AND MAKE MAZDA OWN UP TO THEIR MISTAKES. PEOPLE'S LIVES ARE IN DANGER AND THIS IS NEITHER ACCEPTABLE NOR ETHICAL. PS- AN EMPLOYEE OF NHTSA HAS BEEN CONTACTED PRIOR REGARDING THIS SITUATION. HER NAME IS [XXX] AND HER CONTACT INFORMATION IS [XXX]EXT #: [XXX]. I RECEIVED THIS FROM THE AUTOMOTIVE.COM FORUM. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

NHTSA complaint #10318387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

PURCHASED MAZDA RX 8, FEB 28,2009, GULF VIEW AUTO, PORT RICHEY, FL, IMMEDIATELY MOVED TO UPSTATE NY 2 DAYS LATER. GAS GAUGE, INOPERATIVE. FEDERAL RECALL, MAZDA REFUSES TO FIX AFTER RECALL ISSUED DUE TO FIRES.SECTION 30120(1), FAILING TO REPAIR DEFECT, CAN BE PUNISHABLE BY CIVIL FINES.

NHTSA complaint #10283549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

I WANT TO GO ON FILE THAT I HAVE A CONCERN WITH THE SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM WITH OUR 2004 MAZDA RX 8. WE PURCHASED IT USED FROM A REPUTABLE FORD DEALER SEVERAL MONTHS BACK AND HAD AN ISSUE WITH STARTING THE CAR. AFTER SOME ONLINE RESEARCH WE FOUND OUT THE CAR IS PRONE TO GAS FLOODING WHEN NOT ALLOW TO RUN UNTIL THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS HALFWAY. IF SHUT OFF BEFORE THE ENGINE FLOODS WITH GAS. I TOOK IT TO CORY FAIRBANKS MAZDA WHERE THE VIN WAS CHECKED AND THAT THE CAR DID HAVE THE RECALL 4206F ALREADY DONE AND THE ONLY SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IS TO LET THE CAR WARM UP. MY CONCERN IS THE CONSTANT EXCESSIVE FLOW OF GAS DURING START UP, RAW GAS CONSTANTLY FLOWING THROUGH THE CATALYTIC AND THE EXCESSIVE HEAT CREATED BY THESE ENGINES COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND INJURE ALL THOSE IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. I HAVE EMAILED MAZDA ALSO ABOUT MY CONCERNS AND FEEL THE SOLUTION IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10275887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

2004 MAZDA RX8 WAS REPAIRED ON 2/27/09 AT HERNANDO MISTUBISHI THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR GULFVIEW MOTORS, DUE TO THE FUEL GAUGE READING INCORRECTLY AND THE VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF GASOLINE ON A READING OF A 1/2 OF TANK. ON 2/28/09, AFTER VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED , THE 2004 MAZDA BROKE DOWN DUE TO IN ACCURATE FUEL READING, A DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME BACK ON AND HAS CONSISTENTLY STAYED ON. JOHN MORRIS AND LINDA SANFORD WERE BOTH AWARE THAT THIS WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM THAT CLEARLY FAILS THE REQUIRED NYS MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AT MAZDA AND IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GULF VIEW MOTORS. I HAVE DRIVEN TO SYRACUSE, N.Y. OUT OF MY WAY AND PAYING FOR GASOLINE TO SPEAK WITH MR. PAUL COREY, SERVICE MANAGER FOR MAZDA.

NHTSA complaint #10262940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.