2008 Mazda RX-8: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Mazda RX-8: 5 recalls, 17 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #16V793000 · 2016 · 69,447 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles have fuel pump sealing rings that May deteriorate due to exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.
Why it matters: The deteriorated seals May leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #17V354000 · 2017 · 69,447 vehicles
What's wrong: Heat from the engine and the exhaust May cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.
Why it matters: If the fuel pump pipe cracks, fuel May leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump filter kit, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017.
Airbags Vehicle recall #17V474000 · 2017 · 308,992 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V402000 · 2018 · 308,591 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V404000 · 2018 · 4,184 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (4): the most common themes are steering problems (4).
- Other / unknown (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Mazda RX-8 has 17 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 8 RX-8 model years for complaints (well below the 98 average). Complaints peaked in 2017 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 67,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (38 complaints, 5 recalls), 2009 (8 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 L 2-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
| 1.3 L 2-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 Mazda RX-8 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Mazda RX-8. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 Mazda RX-8 problems?
Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (8), steering (4), other / unknown (3).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Mazda RX-8 get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (1.3 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Mazda RX-8 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.