Owners have filed 74 complaints
about the 2006 Mazda RX-8 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2023.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the Mazda RX-8. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 7
1.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 45
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
11.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
58.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
58.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
915.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1525.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1321.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1118.3%
150,000+ miles
11.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2006 Mazda RX-8 4-DR. w/SAB
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—
—
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2006peak 5May 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Mazda RX-8
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
EA15001Opened 24 Feb 2015Still openAIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE14016Opened 11 Jun 2014Closed 2 Mar 2015AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field fai...
PE09045Opened 23 Sep 2009Closed 19 Aug 2010POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET FAILURE
On September 23, 2009, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation to investigate allegations of the clutch pedal bracket failures in MY 2004 - 2006 Mazda RX8 vehicles.In response to an information request letter sent by ODI, Mazda stated that the failure mechanism may be related to an improper fastener attachment sequence to the body.The improper sequence may create a distortion of the pedal bracket and create a stress amplitude during pedal usage that may go beyond the wear out limit of the bracket.Mazda stated that the percentages of vehicles experiencing the d...
Recalls on the 2006 Mazda RX-8
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194964,460 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the passenger-front airbag inflator or airbag module replaced. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected. Additional note: This recall supersedes recalls 2014-245 (Mazda Recall 7714F), 2018-038 (Mazda Recall 2018A) and 2018-584 (Mazda Recall 2018A). Vehicles repaired under the previous recalls do not require repair under this recall.
Recall 20180385,251 units in Canada
Airbag
Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2019496. Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2019496">recall 2019496</a> for more information. On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2016-259 (Mazda Recall 9416E) and 2017-011 (Mazda Recall 0617A) for RX-8 models only. RX-8 model vehicles completed under those two recalls do not need to be completed under recall 2018-038 (Mazda Recall 2018A).
Recall 201803638,909 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall supersedes recall 2015-247 (Mazda Recall 8215F). Vehicles completed under 2015-247 do not need to be completed under recall 2018-036.
Recall 20172896,788 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel pump discharge pipe may crack and cause a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel filter body with an improved part.
Recall 20170118,853 units in Canada
Airbag
Note: The recall for the 2005-2008 RX-8 models has been superseded by recall <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018038">2018038 (Mazda Recall 2018A)</a>, and the recall for the 2005-2006 MPV models has been superseded by recall <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018578">2018578 (Mazda Recall 2618F)</a>. On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag inflator. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Additional note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 20165686,788 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel pump sealing rings may deteriorate from being exposed to heat from the engine and exhaust pipe. Over time, this could cause the fuel pump rings to crack, which could result in a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel pump rings with new parts and add additional insulation to the fuel tank.
Recall 201524757,861 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the airbag module. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2018-036. Please see recall 2018-036 for more information. <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2018036">Click here for more information</a>.
Recall 201457046,000 units in Canada
Airbag
Mazda Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. Mazda will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Note: This Safety Improvement Campaign is superseded by recall 2015-247 (Mazda Recall 8215F). Please see <a href="http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/7/VRDB-BDRV/search-recherche/detail.aspx?lang=eng&&rn=2015247">recall 2015247</a> for more information.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 65,000 milesPort Charlotte, FLCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE GOING 70 MPH IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE THE VEHICLE BACK END SWERVED LEFT AND THEN RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AFTER THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, HOWEVER THE CONTACT SUSPECTS THAT TRACCION CONTROL SYSTEM FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10163319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Saint Stephens Church, VA
ENGINE
The contact's grandson owns a 2006 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle had an oil pressure failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11523434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesVisalia, CA
STEERING
THERE IS A WHITE BUSHING THAT BREAKS AND IS NOT REPLACEABLE. THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE FACT THAT THIS CAR WAS MADE WITH THIS FLAW IS BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION. THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY LOOSE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11310523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,500 milesTemecula, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PERRY MAZDA OF SANTA BARBARA CA IS REFUSING TO REPAIR MY RECALL BECAUSE THE FUEL PUMP CURRENTLY INSTALLED IS AN AFTERMARKET PART. I'VE CONTACTED MAZDA, BUT THE REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE WITH AGREED WITH THE TECHNICIAN THAT THEY CAN'T REPAIR MY RECALL. HE IS LOOKING INTO ANOTHER SOLUTION SO I CAN GET MY REGISTRATION, BUT I'M MAKING SURE THEIR ACTING LEGALLY.
NHTSA complaint #11195321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesHonolulu, HI
POWER TRAIN
THE BRACKET FOR THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAS BROKEN 4 TIMES. THE MILAGE IS CURRENTLY 81,000. I'VE CONTACTED MAZDA CORP AND THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM NEW. THEY'RE SAYING UNLESS THERE'S A RECALL WE HAVE TO KEEP BUYING A NEW PEDAL/BRACKET ASSEMBLY. THE METAL THEY USED IS SOFT AND WEAK CAUSING YOU TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CLUTCH. PEDAL GETS STUCK TOO. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND AT IDLE. DANGEROUS GOING UP OR DOWN HILLS EVEN AT INTERSECTIONS IT'LL DISABLE YOUR ABILITY TO MOVE. WHEN MAZDA DOES A REPAIR THE PUT THE SAME WEAK JUNK NOT BOTHERING TO REINFORCE OR EVEN FIX THEIR PROBLEM. LOOK IT UP ON THE WEB. JUST ABOUT EVERYONE WITH A MANUAL RX8 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11181493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesHonolulu, HI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE BRACKET FOR THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAS BROKEN 4 TIMES. THE MILAGE IS CURRENTLY 81,000. I'VE CONTACTED MAZDA CORP AND THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM NEW. THEY'RE SAYING UNLESS THERE'S A RECALL WE HAVE TO KEEP BUYING A NEW PEDAL/BRACKET ASSEMBLY. THE METAL THEY USED IS SOFT AND WEAK CAUSING YOU TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CLUTCH. PEDAL GETS STUCK TOO. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND AT IDLE. DANGEROUS GOING UP OR DOWN HILLS EVEN AT INTERSECTIONS IT'LL DISABLE YOUR ABILITY TO MOVE. WHEN MAZDA DOES A REPAIR THE PUT THE SAME WEAK JUNK NOT BOTHERING TO REINFORCE OR EVEN FIX THEIR PROBLEM. LOOK IT UP ON THE WEB. JUST ABOUT EVERYONE WITH A MANUAL RX8 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11181493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesVisalia, CA
STEERING
I'M WRITING TO STATE ON MY RX8 SHINKA 2006 MAZDA HAS A STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM MOST CONCERNING. I HAVE OWNED IT AND MAINTAINED IT. AS I WAS LEAVING MY BANK I NOTICED A WHITE GASKET OF KIND ON THE FLOOR OF THE DRIVERS SIDE. I WENT TO DRIVE MY CAR AND THERE WAS A LOT OF PLAY IN MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL. AT FIRST I TRIED UNLOCKING AND LOCKING THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS WAS NO GOOD. THERE WAS STILL PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. MEANING YOU CAN MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN UP AND DOWN WITH OUTSIDE UNLOCKING THE COLUMN. THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. IT'S JUST LIKE THE AIR BAG RECALL. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY THAT MY STEERING WHEEL WILL FAIL WHILE DRIVING MY AWESOME CAR!
NHTSA complaint #11170818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesWashington, PA
ENGINE
TAKATA RECALL THE VEHICLE WAS STUTTERING AS I WAS DRIVING HOME IT WASN'T HOT OR OVERHEATING OR LOW ON OIL, I DROVE IT HOME AND SHUT IT OFF I THEN LATER TRIED TO START IT IT WOULDN'T START IT JUST CRANKED AND CRANKED IT WOULDN'T EVEN START OR TRY TO , THE APEX SEALS ON THIS CAR WENT OUT WHICH IS DUE TO THE LOSS OF COMPRESSION WHICH ULTIMATELY CAUSED THE SPUTTERING, MAZDA IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AS IT WAS RECALLED ALMOST A YEAR AGO BUT I DIDN'T HAVE THE ISSUE SO I DIDN'T SEE A NEED TO GET IT REPLACED ! THIS ISSUE IS UNACCEPTABLE AS NOW I'M WITHOUT A CAR PLEASE HELP ME OUT !
NHTSA complaint #11149977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,891 milesRED Hill, PA
POWER TRAIN
THE CLUTCH PEDAL BINDS UP,OR STICKS DURING RELEASING FROM THE FLOOR,WAS REPLACED BEFORE AND STILL HAS THE SAME ISSUE AND MY LOCAL MAZDA DEALERSHIP DOES NOT WANT TO HEAR THE COMPLAINT,NOW I WILL PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THEIR REPEATED DEFECT!
NHTSA complaint #11092355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesPortsmouth, NH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A DEFECT KNOWN TO MAZDA TO THE EXTENT OF THEM ISSUING A RECALL (OR SSP) IN THE CANADIAN MARKET DUE TO USE OF CORROSIVES AND EXCESSIVE WET SEASONS CAUSING BUILD UP ON AND CORROSION OF THE OIL COOLER LINES. MAZDA CLEARLY STATED IN THE CANADIAN SSP (#76) THAT EXTENSIVE CORROSION COULD CAUSE A LEAK AND/OR LOSS OF PRESSURE, AND KNOWING THAT A LOSS OF PRESSURE OR A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF OIL WHILE THE CAR WAS IN OPERATION WOULD CAUSE DRASTIC MECHANICAL ENGINE FAILURE BY WAY OF BURNING OUT THE SEALS/ROTORS/BEARINGS AND EVENTUAL SEIZURE OR TOTAL LOSS OF COMPRESSION IN THE MOTOR. THE LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE DUE TO CORROSION DIRECTLY RESULTING FROM THIS CAUSED MY APEX SEALS TO OVERHEAT AND NO LONGER PROVIDE A SEAL TO ALLOW THE MOTOR TO HOLD COMPRESSION. DUE TO THIS FAILURE DIRECTLY CAUSED BY THE KNOWN DEFECT, AND THE FACT THAT THE ISSUE WAS PUT IN PLACE FOR CANADA DUE TO THEIR HIGH PROPENSITY FOR EXTENDED WET SEASONS AND HIGH USE OF CORROSIVES TO ALLEVIATE WINTERY CONDITIONS ON THE ROADWAYS, MAZDA SHOULD ALSO HAVE ISSUED REGIONAL OR CASE-BY-CASE RECALLS OF VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCE THIS SAME DEFECT IN AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES THAT EXPERIENCE SIMILAR CONDITIONS. HAD I BEEN TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT ON A 25MPH CITY ROAD, I COULD HAVE EXPERIENCE A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT BECAUSE OF MY MOTOR FAILURE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER CASES OF THIS DEFECT SHOWING IN AMERICAN VEHICLES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, FROM NEAR ME (IN NEW ENGLAND) TO CALIFORNIA THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED ONLINE. I CAN CONTACT THE LICENSED MECHNIC WHO DEALT WITH THE VEHICLE FOR COPIES OF HIS WORK ORDERS, AND I HAVE RECEIPTS TO PROVE THAT I PURCHASED OIL COOLER LINES AS REPLACEMENTS BEFORE I KNEW OF THE LOSS OF COMPRESSION AND RUINED MOTOR. MAZDA USA WAS OF NO HELP IN ALLEVIATING THE PROBLEM, AND I AM NOW OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A VEHICLE THAT I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED BEFORE THE EVENT OCCURRED
NHTSA complaint #11089022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesPortsmouth, NH
ENGINE
MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A DEFECT KNOWN TO MAZDA TO THE EXTENT OF THEM ISSUING A RECALL (OR SSP) IN THE CANADIAN MARKET DUE TO USE OF CORROSIVES AND EXCESSIVE WET SEASONS CAUSING BUILD UP ON AND CORROSION OF THE OIL COOLER LINES. MAZDA CLEARLY STATED IN THE CANADIAN SSP (#76) THAT EXTENSIVE CORROSION COULD CAUSE A LEAK AND/OR LOSS OF PRESSURE, AND KNOWING THAT A LOSS OF PRESSURE OR A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF OIL WHILE THE CAR WAS IN OPERATION WOULD CAUSE DRASTIC MECHANICAL ENGINE FAILURE BY WAY OF BURNING OUT THE SEALS/ROTORS/BEARINGS AND EVENTUAL SEIZURE OR TOTAL LOSS OF COMPRESSION IN THE MOTOR. THE LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE DUE TO CORROSION DIRECTLY RESULTING FROM THIS CAUSED MY APEX SEALS TO OVERHEAT AND NO LONGER PROVIDE A SEAL TO ALLOW THE MOTOR TO HOLD COMPRESSION. DUE TO THIS FAILURE DIRECTLY CAUSED BY THE KNOWN DEFECT, AND THE FACT THAT THE ISSUE WAS PUT IN PLACE FOR CANADA DUE TO THEIR HIGH PROPENSITY FOR EXTENDED WET SEASONS AND HIGH USE OF CORROSIVES TO ALLEVIATE WINTERY CONDITIONS ON THE ROADWAYS, MAZDA SHOULD ALSO HAVE ISSUED REGIONAL OR CASE-BY-CASE RECALLS OF VEHICLES THAT EXPERIENCE THIS SAME DEFECT IN AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES THAT EXPERIENCE SIMILAR CONDITIONS. HAD I BEEN TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT ON A 25MPH CITY ROAD, I COULD HAVE EXPERIENCE A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT BECAUSE OF MY MOTOR FAILURE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER CASES OF THIS DEFECT SHOWING IN AMERICAN VEHICLES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, FROM NEAR ME (IN NEW ENGLAND) TO CALIFORNIA THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED ONLINE. I CAN CONTACT THE LICENSED MECHNIC WHO DEALT WITH THE VEHICLE FOR COPIES OF HIS WORK ORDERS, AND I HAVE RECEIPTS TO PROVE THAT I PURCHASED OIL COOLER LINES AS REPLACEMENTS BEFORE I KNEW OF THE LOSS OF COMPRESSION AND RUINED MOTOR. MAZDA USA WAS OF NO HELP IN ALLEVIATING THE PROBLEM, AND I AM NOW OUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A VEHICLE THAT I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED BEFORE THE EVENT OCCURRED
NHTSA complaint #11089022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesRichmond, VA
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE EVENING OF FEBRUARY 21ST. I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT AND THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN SO I PRESSED ON THE CLUTCH TO GET THE CAR IN GEAR, WHEN I PUSHED DOWN HOWEVER, THE CLUTCH MADE A LARGE SNAPPING SOUND AND MOVED DOWN A LITTLE FURTHER THAN USUAL. I WENT TO PUT THE CAR BACK INTO GEAR ANYWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS MUCH LOOSER THAN BEFORE. IT WAS WIGGLING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND HAD MUCH MORE DEAD SPACE BEFORE IT CAUGHT ON THE ACTUAL CLUTCH. I ALSO NOTICED IT WAS MUCH MUCH HARDER TO GET MY CAR INTO GEAR. I HAVE TO PUSH AND SLAM THE STICK INTO GEAR IN ORDER TO GET IT TO FIT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS WAS ACTUALLY A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2004-2007 MAZDA RX-8'S. THE CAR CAN STILL BE DRIVEN, HOWEVER I BELIEVE THE FULL CLUTCH SHAFT COULD SNAP OFF IF PRESSED TO HARD.
NHTSA complaint #11076644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,180 milesOcoee, FL
POWER TRAIN
CLUTCH PEDAL SNAP OFF ISSUE WITH RX-8 OWNERS CONTINUES TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AS THE WELDS HOLDING THE PEDAL TOGETHER CAN AND WILL SNAP, LEAVING THE DRIVER UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS OR USE THEIR VEHICLE, EVEN IF IN OPERATION AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED WITH MY VEHICLE AS OF 11/20/17. THE WARRANTY MAZDA HAS ISSUED SIMPLY IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH, AS THE WARRANTY SIMPLY REPLACES THE BROKEN CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET WITH ONE OF THE SAME DESIGN & FLAW THAT WILL LEAD TO THE SAME FAILURE. MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND I WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS ACCELERATING WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #11047529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesMelrose, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TAKATA RECALL. MY 2006 MAZDA RX8 HAS HAD TWO RECALLS DONE ON IT. THE 2ND OWNER HAD IT DONE AND AFTERWARDS A SMALL CRACK STARTED FROM ONE POINT WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. WE HAD IT DONE IN GAINESVILLE AGAIN AND BROUGHT IT TO THEIR ATTENTION. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING EXCEPT TO BUY A NEW DASH. THE CRACKS HAVE CONTINUED TO SPREAD AND I'M CONCERNED THAT IF THE AIR BAG INFLATES PERSONAL INJURY COULD BE DONE TO THE PASSENGER FROM PARTS OF THE DASH EXPLODING. I WILL NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO RIDE IT THE PASSENGERS SEAT BECAUSE OF THIS. THIS CONTINUES TO GET WORSE OVER TIME NOT ON A CERTAIN DAY. WE KEEP A SUNSHADE IN THE WINDOW HOPING THAT WILL SLOW IT DOWN BUT TO NOW AVAIL. THIS IS A PLEASURE CAR AND ONLY AS LESS THAN 36000 MILES ON IT AND IT NOT ABUSED.
NHTSA complaint #10995744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,700 milesShreveport, LA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOFFITT VOLKSWAGEN INC. (1960 OLD MINDEN ROAD P.O. BOX 5855 BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111), AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FUEL ODOR. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DE-FLOODED DUE TO A BLOCKAGE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE REPAIR AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DE-FLOODED. A WEEK LATER, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOR INTENSIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MOFFITT VOLKSWAGEN INC. DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM,GASOLINE). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE ENGINE INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AND THE ODOR PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,700.
NHTSA complaint #10992649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,700 milesShreveport, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOFFITT VOLKSWAGEN INC. (1960 OLD MINDEN ROAD P.O. BOX 5855 BOSSIER CITY, LA 71111), AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FUEL ODOR. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DE-FLOODED DUE TO A BLOCKAGE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE REPAIR AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DE-FLOODED. A WEEK LATER, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ODOR INTENSIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FUEL LEAKAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MOFFITT VOLKSWAGEN INC. DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM,GASOLINE). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE ENGINE INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AND THE ODOR PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,700.
NHTSA complaint #10992649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10983393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Keller, TX
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG RECALL
NHTSA complaint #10971763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesST. Martinville, LA
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER AIRBAG COVER IS CRACKED ALL OVER, WAS TOLD IT WAS FROM THE AIRBAG. DOING THE RECALL FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AND WAITING ON THE FUEL TANK RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10968835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING GAS FROM THE FUEL PUMP. IT SMELLS REALLY BAD SCARED TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE GAS SMELL STAY IN THE CABIN. PEOPLE WHEN I PARK NEXT TO THEM SAY YOU HAVE A BAD GAS LEAK . BUT IT'S JUST DRIPPING FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO WHERE THE FUEL LINE CONNECTS AND I JUST NEED HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE IF PEOPLE CAN TELL ME I HAVE A BAD GAS LEAK JUST BY PARKING RIGHT NEXT TO ME ALSO SEEM LIKE IT LEAKS WHILE CAR IS OFF ALSO IT IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT THAT A PERSON IS NOT TO INHALE GAS FUMES ALL DAY PLEASE HELP THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10929855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING GAS FROM THE FUEL PUMP. IT SMELLS REALLY BAD SCARED TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE GAS SMELL STAY IN THE CABIN. PEOPLE WHEN I PARK NEXT TO THEM SAY YOU HAVE A BAD GAS LEAK . BUT IT'S JUST DRIPPING FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO WHERE THE FUEL LINE CONNECTS AND I JUST NEED HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS NOT SAFE IF PEOPLE CAN TELL ME I HAVE A BAD GAS LEAK JUST BY PARKING RIGHT NEXT TO ME ALSO SEEM LIKE IT LEAKS WHILE CAR IS OFF ALSO IT IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT THAT A PERSON IS NOT TO INHALE GAS FUMES ALL DAY PLEASE HELP THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10929855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesAddison, TX
AIR BAGS
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG COVER IS CRACKED REALLY BAD. I'VE GOT A NOTICE SAYING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR AIRBAGS. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE INFLATORS ONLY LEAVING THE OLD AIRBAG IN THERE.
NHTSA complaint #10909804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,545 milesClifton, NJ
AIR BAGS
I PURCHASED/FINANCED MY VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 9, 2015 AT HILLTOP NISSAN (258 ROUTE 10, EAST HANOVER, NJ 07936) AT 59,201 MILES. ON APRIL 7, 2016, I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED TO MAZDA OF LODI, SO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAN TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACTED ME AND SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 63,545 MILES ON IT, AND SINCE THEN, I DROVE ONLY 4,344 MILES IN THE SIX MONTHS. I ASKED THE DEALER, FINANCE DEPARTMENT FOR A WARRANTY/EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE FINANCE MANAGER SAID, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES. I DID NOT RECEIVE A WHITE (SQUARE) PIECE OF PAPER OR BOOKLET FOR WARRANTY INFORMATION OR "AS IS" INFORMATION. NOW, I AM PAYING $8500.00 FOR A NEW ENGINE. THEN, I SEARCHED ONLINE FOR ANY SAFETY ISSUES OR RECALLS ON VINRCL.SAFECAR.GOV. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS A DEVASTATING SAFETY RECALL INVOLVING THE AIRBAGS. (THERE WAS ALSO A RECALL MANY YEARS AGO INVOLVING THE ENGINE, AND THAT MAZDA RX-8 OWNERS CAN RETURN THE VEHICLE, BY CHOICE, FOR A FULL REFUND??) THE DEALER, HILLTOP NISSAN, DID NOT NOTIFY ME ABOUT THIS RECALL. THEY SOLD ME A USED CAR WITH A SERIOUS SAFETY AIRBAG RECALL. (ALSO: RECALLS ON A ENGINE) ISSUE: I HAVE A SERIOUS DEFECT INVOLVING AIRBAGS THAT DISPENSE SHRAPNEL. I WONDER WHAT OTHER SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVING THE ENGINE/VEHICLE THAT WERE NOT DISCLOSED? THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10860001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,545 milesClifton, NJ
ENGINE
I PURCHASED/FINANCED MY VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 9, 2015 AT HILLTOP NISSAN (258 ROUTE 10, EAST HANOVER, NJ 07936) AT 59,201 MILES. ON APRIL 7, 2016, I WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. I HAD IT TOWED TO MAZDA OF LODI, SO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAN TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CONTACTED ME AND SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 63,545 MILES ON IT, AND SINCE THEN, I DROVE ONLY 4,344 MILES IN THE SIX MONTHS. I ASKED THE DEALER, FINANCE DEPARTMENT FOR A WARRANTY/EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THE FINANCE MANAGER SAID, THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES. I DID NOT RECEIVE A WHITE (SQUARE) PIECE OF PAPER OR BOOKLET FOR WARRANTY INFORMATION OR "AS IS" INFORMATION. NOW, I AM PAYING $8500.00 FOR A NEW ENGINE. THEN, I SEARCHED ONLINE FOR ANY SAFETY ISSUES OR RECALLS ON VINRCL.SAFECAR.GOV. I FOUND OUT THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS A DEVASTATING SAFETY RECALL INVOLVING THE AIRBAGS. (THERE WAS ALSO A RECALL MANY YEARS AGO INVOLVING THE ENGINE, AND THAT MAZDA RX-8 OWNERS CAN RETURN THE VEHICLE, BY CHOICE, FOR A FULL REFUND??) THE DEALER, HILLTOP NISSAN, DID NOT NOTIFY ME ABOUT THIS RECALL. THEY SOLD ME A USED CAR WITH A SERIOUS SAFETY AIRBAG RECALL. (ALSO: RECALLS ON A ENGINE) ISSUE: I HAVE A SERIOUS DEFECT INVOLVING AIRBAGS THAT DISPENSE SHRAPNEL. I WONDER WHAT OTHER SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVING THE ENGINE/VEHICLE THAT WERE NOT DISCLOSED? THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10860001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grandy, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V382000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, 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 MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10836940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesNicholasville, KY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASH BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V382000 (AIR BAG). THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY DUE TO THE AIR BAG BEING EXPOSED AND THE AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #10824820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
