Is the 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda RX-8 have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Mazda RX-8

○ Not enough data

2008 Mazda RX-8
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:57.547Z

Only 17 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 17
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2008: 17 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	490
2005	162
2006	60
2007	38
2008	17
2009	8
2010	5
2011	4

Known problem areas

Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

8 of 17 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall, my car suddenly stopped on the side, of the 101 freeway off the west lake village exit going south, and would not turn on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-14

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and engine

Steering

4 of 17 total reports mention: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving home on the highway and the car started to intermittently pull slightly in one direction. After about 10 minutes of this, the power steering failure light came on and my power steering was gone as I was doing 65MPH on the highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-21

Fuel/propulsion system

2 of 17 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Engine

2 of 17 total reports mention: engine.

Service brakes

1 of 17 total reports mentions: service brakes.

Show complaint excerpts

Oil cooler lines on the rx 8 will rust an corrode due to salt on the roads in the winter months in the upper states.. Lines rust and corrode causing oil to spray over the engine bay ,tires and brakes. Causing a loss traction.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-04

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
I
2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2017-07-31Fuel system, gasoline16V793000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-31Fuel system, gasoline17V354000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-09-12Air bags17V474000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-07-06Air bags18V402000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-07-06Air bags18V404000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Mazda RX-8 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V793000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 17V354000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 17V474000 · Air bags
Recall 18V402000 · Air bags
Recall 18V404000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mazda RX-8 have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.