Federal safety advisory

Do not drive this vehicle until the repair is completed.

Model year record

2004 Mazda RX-8

10 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 627 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V781000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 47,006
Reported to NHTSA: 2019-10-31
Owners notified: 2019-12-03

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 18V402000

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 308,591
Reported to NHTSA: 2018-06-15
Owners notified: 2018-07-06

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V474000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component: Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 308,992
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-07-26
Owners notified: 2017-09-12

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V354000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 69,447
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-06-01
Owners notified: 2017-07-31

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V355000

Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm

Component: Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 35,332
Reported to NHTSA: 2017-06-01
Owners notified: 2017-07-31

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 16V793000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Vehicles affected: 69,447
Reported to NHTSA: 2016-10-31
Owners notified: 2017-07-31

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V325000

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint

Component: Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
Vehicles affected: 27,800
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-07-20
Owners notified: 2005-08-30

Defect description

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

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V317000

Engine and engine cooling

Component: Engine and engine cooling
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
Vehicles affected: 52,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-07-07
Owners notified: 2005-08-30

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer remedy

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

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V074000

Air bags: frontal

Component: Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
Vehicles affected: 29,300
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-02-17
Owners notified: 2004-03-05

Defect description

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

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V075000

Power train: manual transmission

Component: Power train: manual transmission
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS
Vehicles affected: 12,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2004-02-17
Owners notified: 2004-03-05

Defect description

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

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer remedy

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

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Steering	80	85,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission	75	63,500 mi
Air bags	50	86,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	46	40,000 mi
Power train	38	85,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	37	38,632 mi
Engine	33	84,000 mi
Electrical system	27	75,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	22	90,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly	19	62,080 mi
Unknown or other	18	74,004 mi
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)	15	67,127 mi
Visibility	12	37,600 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	10	43,123 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system	9	72,000 mi
Structure	9	58,000 mi
Structure: body	9	82,000 mi
Suspension	9	82,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	9	88,168 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	7	26,000 mi
Equipment	7	29,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	6	62,000 mi
Exterior lighting	5	40,600 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	5	16,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	5	16,400 mi
Latches/locks/linkages	4	63,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	3	1,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	3	3,000 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights	3	7,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	3	1,545 mi
Service brakes	3	100,000 mi
Tires	3	16,400 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery	2	1,500 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)	2	56,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	2	—
Fuel system, other	2	—
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly	2	60,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic	2	300 mi
Suspension: front	2	49,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system	2	3,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element	2	38,000 mi
Wheels	2	32,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	1	16,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition	1	34,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly	1	10,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	1	8,400 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	1	1,000 mi
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)	1	1,900 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	1	34,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	1	—
Power train: clutch assembly: bell housing	1	—
Power train: driveline	1	37,700 mi
Seat belts: front	1	—
Seat belts: rear/other	1	—
Seats	1	112,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor	1	12,500 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid	1	61,000 mi
Structure: body: door	1	2,120 mi
Structure: frame and members	1	52,425 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing	1	32,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	1	—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	1	3,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices	1	18,000 mi

The 2005 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

EA21002Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

EA15001Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.