2008 Mazda RX-8
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.
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
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
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, 20171114
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, 20130121
2 of 17 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
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, 20171114
2 of 17 total reports mention: engine.
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, 20171114
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, 20140304
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2008 Mazda RX-8 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- 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 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.