2005 Mazda RX-8
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 489 |
| 2005 | 162 |
| 2006 | 60 |
| 2007 | 38 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2011 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
14% of complaints: power train — 22 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING MY MAZDA RX8 LAST NIGHT ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY SHIFTING FROM FIFTH TO SIXTH GEAR THE CLUTCH PEDAL GAVE WAY AND DOING 65MPH AND STUCK ITSELF UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND HIT THE E BRAKE TO STOP. LUCKY IM NOT DEAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160721
13% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE JUNK YARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190312
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID HITTING A DEER. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150219
AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER FRONT AND SIDE IMPACT ACCIDENT RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE (VEHICLE MIGHT BE TOTALED). SPEED AT IMPACT WAS APPROXIMATELY 40 TO 60 MPG RESULTING IN INJURY TO DRIVER AND PASSENGER. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20081005
10% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 15 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 MALFUNC
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Campaign 05V317000 — check if this car was fixed
CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET FAILURE
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured April 10, 2003, to February 18, 2008.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump sealing ring set and add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
Campaign 16V793000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles. Heat from the engine and the exhaust may cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump filter kit, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1017E.
Campaign 17V354000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge.
Campaign 17V474000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018.
Campaign 18V402000 — check if this car was fixed
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New...
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles.
Campaign 18V404000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Mazda RX-8 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V317000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V793000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V354000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V474000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V402000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V404000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2005 Mazda RX-8 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda RX-8?
The most-reported component is power train:manual transmission, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Mazda RX-8 have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.