2009 Mazda RX-8
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2009
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2009: 8 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 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
3 of 8 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Mazda RX8. While driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle accelerated unintendedly to approximately 70 MPH. He engaged the vehicle into neutral and the engine continued to rev very hard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-11
I was driving on the hwy, the cruise control was on, I had been using it for about 20 miles, occasionally bumping the speed up or down as conditions permitted. My primary reason for that is on long trips I get better gas mileage that way.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-08
Power train
3 of 8 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Clutch will not work
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-14
Normal driving and the clutch pedal popped and became unstable. Shifting the card became difficult. After further inspection discovered the metal bracket for the clutch broke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2009-10-06
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 8 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Mazda recalled all 2004-2008 RX8 models for fuel pump and lockring gasket assembly leakage. My 2009 RX8 has the same issue and starting leaking gas on 1-02-2020 while parked in a garage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-07
While driving I noticed a fuel smell coming through my vents. After checking around the engine compartment I saw fuel pooling on the engine passenger side.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-05
Structure
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
I purchased a Mazda RX8 new in 2009. I have noticed the passenger dash cracking. At first it was small lines, and I thought it was the normal look of it, but over time the cracks got bigger.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-04-15
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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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.
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2019-07-09Air bags18V403000 Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-017 but have not yet been repaired.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4.
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2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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2021-11-17Fuel system, gasoline21V744000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pump mounting rings. Dealers will also add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 vehicles. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021.
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Mazda RX-8 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V402000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V404000 · Air bags
- Recall 18V403000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V744000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 Mazda RX-8 have?
- 4 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.