6 recalls and 162 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mazda RX-8.
6
recalls
162
owner complaints
6
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2005 Mazda RX-8 recalls
Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 18V402000 · reported June 15, 2018 · Mazda North American Operations · 308,591 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
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. 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.
Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 18V404000 · reported June 15, 2018 · Mazda North American Operations · 4,184 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
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. 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.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 17V474000 · reported July 26, 2017 · Mazda North American Operations · 308,992 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The 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.
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. 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.
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump
NHTSA campaign 17V354000 · reported June 1, 2017 · Mazda North American Operations · 69,447 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1017E.
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump
NHTSA campaign 16V793000 · reported October 31, 2016 · Mazda North American Operations · 69,447 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0516J.
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA campaign 05V317000 · reported July 7, 2005 · MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS · 52,000 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace parts. The recall began on august 30, 2005. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Power train54
Engine and engine cooling28
Air bags22
Steering17
Fuel/propulsion system12
Vehicle speed control11
Engine9
Electrical system8
Unknown or other7
Equipment4
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Oct 13, 2023 · Air bags
See attached document for complaint
Jul 27, 2022 · Fuel/propulsion system
Part associated with recall 1017E has failed due to improper installation.
Jun 21, 2021 · Service brakes
My cars steering will loosen up and stiffen up randomly also the traction control will randomly engage and the tire pressure lights and another light
Jun 18, 2021 · Steering
The steering wheel sometimes its hard to control sometimes its normal and when going fast the steering is so loose like there's a gaps that you need your two hands on the steering all time and the weels Weigel at high speed 60mph. its hard drive the car on the freeway And everyday use i already spend $2800 at the…
Mar 29, 2021 · Fuel/propulsion system · 74,000 miles · fire reported
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2005 Mazda RX-8, the most recent reported on June 15, 2018 (Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mazda RX-8?
Owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (54 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (28).
How many 2005 Mazda RX-8 complaints mention a crash or fire?
6 of 162 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 13, 2023.