CarRecallWatchThe 2004 Mazda RX-8 has 10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 490 complaints with NHTSA, including 17 crashes, 10 fires, 15 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Power Train (156 reports).
2004 Mazda RX-8 recalls
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, causing injury
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can degrade over time after long exposure to high humidity, heat and temperature changes.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, causing injury
The front passenger airbag inflator in these Mazda vehicles can explode during a crash that deploys the airbag.
Driver's airbag inflator may rupture in a crash
The driver's frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can be affected by moisture and manufacturing variation, which over time could cause it to rupture when the airbag deploys.
Fuel Pump Pipe Can Crack and Leak Fuel, Creating Fire Risk
Heat from the engine and exhaust can cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.
Front Control Arm May Crack, Risking Loss of Steering
The ball joint socket on the front lower control arm may crack, allowing the ball joint to separate from the socket.
Fuel Pump Seals May Leak Fuel, Creating Fire Risk
The fuel pump sealing rings on these vehicles may deteriorate over time from exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.
Most common 2004 Mazda RX-8 problems
Problem areas named in the 490 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 156 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 111 |
| Steering | 81 |
| Air Bags | 50 |
| Electrical System | 33 |
| Engine | 33 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 |
| Structure | 20 |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 |
| Visibility | 18 |
What owners report
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at Valvoline for a scheduled oil change, the contact was informed that fuel was leaking. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic evaluation revealed a fractured fuel system discharge pipe. The contact was informed that the fuel pump required replacement. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), which was completed on the VIN in 2009. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was
No worries â 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
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.
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.
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.
2004 Mazda RX-8 questions
Does the 2004 Mazda RX-8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 2004 Mazda RX-8: Passenger airbag inflator may explode, causing injury; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, causing injury; Driver's airbag inflator may rupture in a crash; Fuel Pump Pipe Can Crack and Leak Fuel, Creating Fire Risk; Front Control Arm May Crack, Risking Loss of Steering. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mazda RX-8?
Based on 490 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (156), Engine And Engine Cooling (111), Steering (81).
How do I check if a recall on my 2004 Mazda RX-8 has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.