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2004 Mazda Rx-8

The Verdict

25 Check Engine

The 2004 Mazda Rx-8 has 514 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are engine (180 complaints) and transmission (146 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 25/100, it earns a "Check Engine" rating. If you're shopping for a Mazda Rx-8, consider the 2011 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2011 has 99% fewer complaints

View the 2011 Mazda Rx-8 dashboard →

25

Klunk Score: Check Engine

More complaints than most vehicles. Known issues exist — budget for potential repairs.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 7

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

04V074000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

AS A RESULT OF AN NCAP TEST, CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR IMPROPERLY WIRED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAGS.

Risk

THE AIR BAG WILL NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

04V075000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE HEAT INSULATOR MAY BE CRACKED CAUSING ABNORMAL NOISE.

Risk

CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE CAN CAUSE THE INSULATOR TO COME OFF AND COULD POSE A HAZARD TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAT INSULATOR. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

05V325000 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER FORGING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, CRACKS MAY OCCUR IN THE BALL JOINT SOCKET.

Risk

IN SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE BALL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE BALL JOINT SOCKET AND A LOSS OF STEERING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

16V793000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured April 10, 2003, to February 18, 2008. The affected vehicles have fuel pump sealing rings...

Risk

The deteriorated seals may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

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 con...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

17V354000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

Risk

If the fuel pump pipe cracks, fuel may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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'...

Reported Jan 6, 2017

17V355000 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004 Mazda RX-8 vehicles. The ball joint socket on the front suspension lower control arm may crack and the ball joint may separate fro...

Risk

If the ball joint separates, steering control may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Maz...

Reported Jan 6, 2017

05V317000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 MALF...

Risk

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Reported Jul 7, 2005

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2004116468180146
2005337255152
2006170181213
2007601778
200850741
200930023
201030101
201120020

By Category

Engine
180
Transmission
146
Body
116
Electrical
68
Brakes
4

By Severity

1
239
2
239
3
4
4
32

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

No worries — here it is trimmed to under 2,000 characters: I am reporting a recurring safety defect on my 2004 Mazda RX-8 (VIN: [XXX] a repair under NHTSA Recall 1017E (Fuel Pump Ring / Discharge Pipe). Recall 1017E was completed on my vehicle on September 19, 2017. The same fuel leak has since recurred, with fuel vapor now entering the passenger cabin. Only a few thousand miles have been driven since the recall repair. The vehicle is currently at Della Mazda, Queensbury, NY at approximately 72,000 miles. On May 8, 2026, I contacted Mazda Customer Experience Center. Mazda confirmed the dealer submitted a pre-authorization request for recall coverage, which Mazda corporate denied, stating the recall was previously completed and further repairs are my responsibility. I have a chat transcript documenting this. A recall remedy that fails to correct the covered defect should not be considered complete. I am requesting NHTSA review whether Recall 1017E has produced recurring failures, direct Mazda to honor the recall remedy, and advise on available consumer reimbursement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2mo ago
Electrical 1

For a year I have responded to every notice for a recall repair (7 total) Mazda has not repaired my vehicle or scheduled its repair. My recall ID is 016742248 and my Campaign Number is 100409. My car has a DO NOT DRIVE status and Mazda tells me I MUST drive the car 2 hours to get it repaired each way. And they refuse to transport y vehicle even thought I have told them in phone conversations about my cars do not drive status. The latest attempt for filing for a repay was 7-21-25 at 9:40am central time.

12mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The dealer determined that the engine had no compression. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.

26mo ago
Body 2

The electric power steering randomly pulls hard to one side while driving. There are brief spasms of forceful jerks each jerk is 1-2 seconds the series of jerks lasts 10-20 seconds and usually stops with power steering failure all while driving.

29mo ago
Engine 1

Engine naturally wears out especially after 200k miles due to friction in the natural design of the Rotary engine, resulting in losing its overall function such as turning off in the middle of a drive due to loss of compression from worn Apex Seals of the Rotary. The rotary engine requires a replacement of the Apex Seals to continue functioning normally to avoid any unpredictable accidents due to engine failure. An event occurred where my RX-8 went into limp mode in the middle of the freeway as i was commuting due a misfire from poor compression, this is more then likely a common event nowadays for RX-8 owners starting at the S1 2004 models with newer models soon to follow the same incident as me. This is completely unsafe especially traveling at 65 MPH

40mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed a strong gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the recall repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with him. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

43mo ago
Engine 1

Fuel fumes are leaking into passenger compartment and leaking from tank. Previous recall failed to fix

60mo ago
Electrical 2

FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG CRACKED DASH AND PUSHED OUT GLOVE BOX.

63mo ago
Body 2

I NOW HAVE REPLACEDCLUTCH PEDAL THE FORTH TIME. IM WRITING THIS TO SEE IFI CAN STILL GET ONE FACTORY REPAIR OF THE PART THE PEDAL WILL BREAK IN WELD SPOT REGARDLESS OF MY TRYING NOT PUT TO MUCH PRESSURE.

64mo ago
Body 2

JULY 2017 WHEN I START THE CAR THE STEERING GEAR TURN TOO THE RIGHT ALL THE TIME. FEW MILE THE STEERING GET HARD AND START SHACKING BY IT SELF. NOW THE STEERING IS HARD WITH ABS AND CONTROL TRACTION LIGHT ON. I SEND IT TOO A MECANIC TOO CHECK THE WIRING AND RACK AND PINON AND THE MECANIC INDICATE THAT IS THE TORQUE SENSOR AND I HAVE TOO CHANGE THE RACK AND PINON.

65mo ago
Engine 2

RECENTLY PURCHASED THE CAR FROM SOMEONE ELSE AND NOTICED THAT THE CABIN SMELLS LIKE FUEL. I THOUGHT MAYBE HE SPILLED SOME INSIDE IT BUT IT'S BEEN A WEEK AND THE SMELL IS STILL THERE. I DON'T KNOW WHY AND I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE CAR CATCHING FIRE OR ME GETTING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.

65mo ago
Transmission 1

CLUTCH PEDAL BROKE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD

78mo ago
Body 1

STEERING TURN ALONE

80mo ago
Body 1

PASSENGER DASH COVER HAS LOST INTEGRITY/CRACKED ALONG THE LINES WHERE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS AND AM CONCERNED THAT THE FORCE OF POTENTIAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT COULD BE AFFECTED AND NOT WORK AS DESIGNED OR DEPLOY WITH TOO MUCH FORCE TO CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANT IF THE AIRBAG COVER SHOULD FLY OFF UPON DEPLOYMENT. THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE DASH OF MANY MAZDA VEHICLES AND SHOULD AT A MINIMUM BE REVIEWED. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND THE AIRBAGS RECALL HAS RECENTLY BEEN PERFORMED BY A MAZDA DEALER.

81mo ago
Electrical 4

ON 10/19/19 THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHEN SWERVING TO AVOID A DEER ON THE ROAD. TWO TREES WERE HIT AND THE VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED ON ITS SIDE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THIS ACCIDENT AS I WAS EXPECTED. PICTURES SHOW THE FRONT DAMAGE AND INTERIOR.

82mo ago
Engine 1

SEAT BUILTS NEED TIGHTING

82mo ago
Body 1

WHILE DRIVING MY 2004, MAZDA RX8 THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE FAILED, AND JERKED THE CAR AGGRESSIVELY TO THE LEFT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. THE FORCE WAS SO STRONG THAT IT CAUSED MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL. FORTUNATELY, THERE WASN'T ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT THAT MOMENT ON THAT PARTICULAR STRETCH OF ROAD. WHEN REVIEWING THE MAZDA FORUM THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS THAT EXPERIENCED THE SAME LOSS OF CONTROL OR FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, MAZDA HAD POWER STEERING ASSIST RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS, REF. MAZDA3/MAZDA5 POWER STEERING RECALL NOTIFICATION 6010H.

82mo ago
Body 1

MY POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY GOES OUT FROM TIME TO TIME. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP 4 TIMES. THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS DESIGN AND THE VEHICLE IS VERY DANGEROUS.

82mo ago
Body 1

SEVERE OUTSIDE PAINT DEGREDATION WITH 54,000 MILES.

85mo ago
Engine 1

I SENT MY MAZDA IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX RECALLS AND MAKE A KEY. IN EXCELLENT SHAPE. ONE AREA WITH SLIGHT BODY DAMAGE. ON 3/16/2018 WAS RETURNED A CAR THAT DOESN'T RUN. WITH. CRACKED DASHBOARD, TORN SEATS, MULTIPLE DENTS, CHARGED 345 DOLLARS ON 6/10 2019. I WAS SENT A TOW BILL AS NOTIFICATION TO PICK IT UP.

85mo ago

514 total

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