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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2004–2011

Mazda RX-8 recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns and 783 owner complaints for the Mazda RX-8, covering model years 2004 to 2011. The 2004 model year drew the most complaints (489), and Power Train is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Mazda RX-8 VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 14 recall campaigns on file
  • 783 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 8 model years with data (2004–2011)
  • most complaints: 2004 (489 for that model year)
  • top component: Power Train (235 complaints)
  • latest recall 21V744000 (reported Sep 24, 2021)
  • 27 complaints reporting a crash (3.4%)
  • 15 complaints reporting a fire (1.9%)
  • 19 complaints reporting an injury (2.4%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Mazda RX-8 complaints by model year

8 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2004 model year has the most complaints: 489 of 783, or 62.5%. Next come 2005 (162) and 2006 (60). The fewest are for 2011, with 4 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Mazda RX-8 owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2004–2011Column chart of 783 complaints across 8 model years. The highest is 2004 with 489. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2004: 489 complaints48920042005: 162 complaints16220052006: 60 complaints6020062007: 38 complaints3820072008: 17 complaints1720082009: 8 complaints820092010: 5 complaints520102011: 4 complaints42011
Mazda RX-8 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Mazda RX-8 complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
20044891710150
20051626130
2006601000
2007382110
2008170100
200980000
201050000
201141200
All model years7832715190

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Mazda RX-8 components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Power Train is the component named most often, in 235 complaints (30.0% of all 783), followed by Engine and Engine Cooling (138) and Air Bags (114).

Components named most often in Mazda RX-8 complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Mazda RX-8 complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Power Train23530.0%
Engine and Engine Cooling13817.6%
Air Bags11414.6%
Steering11114.2%
Engine506.4%
Fuel/Propulsion System486.1%
Electrical System455.7%
Unknown or Other364.6%
Structure344.3%
Visibility293.7%
Vehicle Speed Control273.4%
Fuel System, Gasoline222.8%
Suspension222.8%
Equipment162.0%
Exterior Lighting131.7%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Mazda RX-8 recalls

14 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name RX-8, newest first. The 14 campaigns cover model years 2004 to 2011. The 2004 model year appears in the most campaigns (10).

  • 14 recall campaigns
  • 6 “Do Not Drive” advisories
Mazda RX-8 recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2004: 10 campaigns2005: 6 campaigns2006: 5 campaigns2007: 5 campaigns2008: 5 campaigns2009: 4 campaigns
2010: 4 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 21V744000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2009–2011

    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.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
    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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5121I.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  2. NHTSA campaign 19V781000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2004

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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 one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V130, 14V362, 14V773 and 15V869.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  3. NHTSA campaign 19V488000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2010–2011

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-716 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. 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. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  4. NHTSA campaign 18V404000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2005–2009

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    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 York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-2009 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 17V-011 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 17V-011.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  5. NHTSA campaign 18V403000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2009–2010

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 18V017.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  6. NHTSA campaign 18V402000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2004–2011

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Consequence:
    An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  7. NHTSA campaign 17V474000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model years 2004–2008

    NHTSA “Do Not Drive” advisory: affected vehicles should not be driven until the recall repair is done.

    Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    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. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1417G. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-382.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  8. NHTSA campaign 17V355000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm

    Model year 2004

    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 from the socket.

    Consequence:
    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. Mazda's number for this recall is 1117E.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  9. NHTSA campaign 17V354000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2004–2008

    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.

    Consequence:
    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's number for this recall is 1017E.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  10. NHTSA campaign 16V793000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2004–2008

    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 that may deteriorate due to exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.

    Consequence:
    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 contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0516J.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Show 4 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 05V325000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles, due to improper forging of the lower control arm, cracks may occur in the ball joint socket.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  2. NHTSA campaign 05V317000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model years 2004–2005

    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 malfunctions. Problems caused by the excessive heat build-up can range from inoperative oxygen sensor, neutral switch and back up lights, problems with the parking brakes, malfunctions of the gas gauge and/or possible fuel leaks resulting from heat damage to the fuel tank.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  3. NHTSA campaign 04V075000

    Reported

    Power Train › Manual Transmission

    Model year 2004

    On certain passenger vehicles with manual transmissions, the heat insulator may be cracked causing abnormal noise.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V074000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2004

    As a result of an ncap test, certain passenger vehicles are being recalled for improperly wired front passenger seat air bags.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Mazda Motor Corp.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Mazda RX-8 questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Mazda RX-8 have?

NHTSA lists 14 vehicle recall campaigns for the Mazda RX-8, covering model years 2004 to 2011. The most recent, 21V744000, was reported on September 24, 2021 and is filed under “Fuel system, gasoline”. The 2004 model year is covered by the most campaigns (10).

Which Mazda RX-8 model year has the most complaints?

The 2004 model year, with 489 of the 783 complaints in NHTSA’s file (62.5%). The next are 2005 (162) and 2006 (60). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Mazda RX-8 complaint?

Power Train is the component named most often: 235 complaints, or 30.0% of all 783. Engine and Engine Cooling (138) and Air Bags (114) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Mazda RX-8?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Mazda dealer.

How many Mazda RX-8 complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 783 complaints, 27 report a crash, 15 a fire, 19 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Mazda models

8 models · most complaints first

The Mazda models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Mazda VIN decoder with every Mazda model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Mazda 3 2004–2026 · 29 recalls · 2,983 complaints
  • Mazda 626 1995–2003 · 7 recalls · 2,458 complaints
  • Mazda CX-5 2012–2026 · 8 recalls · 2,443 complaints
  • Mazda 6 2002–2021 · 28 recalls · 2,234 complaints
  • Mazda Tribute 2000–2011 · 20 recalls · 2,102 complaints
  • Mazda CX-9 2007–2023 · 13 recalls · 1,487 complaints
  • Mazda CX-7 2007–2013 · 6 recalls · 1,131 complaints
  • Mazda Protege 1995–2003 · 6 recalls · 805 complaints

All Mazda models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.