Mazda RX-8 problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 12 owner complaints and 8 recalls on file for the Mazda RX-8 (2005–2011).

Complaints: 12
Recalls: 8
Model years: 7
Worst year: —

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Mazda RX-8 model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Every Mazda RX-8 model year

Year	Complaints	Fires	Recalls	Top problem
2011 RX-8	2	2	3	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2010 RX-8	2	0	4	Suspension
2009 RX-8	1	0	4	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2008 RX-8	0	0	5	—
2007 RX-8	0	0	5	—
2006 RX-8	2	0	5	Steering
2005 RX-8	5	1	5	Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

Most common Mazda RX-8 problem areas (all years)

Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
5 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Airbags
1 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
1 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Mazda RX-8 received by NHTSA each month.

Mazda RX-8 recalls

Recall 21V744000Sep 24, 202113,891 vehiclesModel years 2009–2011
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Recall 19V488000Jun 24, 2019211 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2010–2011
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V403000Jun 15, 2018237 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2009–2010
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V402000Jun 15, 2018308,591 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2005–2011
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V404000Jun 15, 20184,184 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2005–2009
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 17V474000Jul 26, 2017308,992 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2005–2008
Risk: 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.
Recall 17V354000Jun 1, 201769,447 vehiclesModel years 2005–2008
Risk: If the fuel pump pipe cracks, fuel may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recall 16V793000Oct 31, 201669,447 vehiclesModel years 2005–2008
Risk: The deteriorated seals may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

Other Mazda models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology