repaired · 2019 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 Mazda RX-8Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2008 Mazda RX-8, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-402 the manufacturer reports only 9% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 29, 2019. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Mazda RX-8 has problems
17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
8Air bags
4Steering
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Engine
1Power train
1Seats
1Service brakes
1Engine and engine cooling
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 1 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2008 Mazda RX-8 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
repaired · 2018 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. If the fuel pump pipe cracks, fuel may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2018 Q4
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. The deteriorated seals may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mazda.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other RX-8 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RX-8 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Mazda RX-8 safety ratings
2008 Mazda RX-8 2-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Mazda RX-8, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-668
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 13V-172
In owners' words
What RX-8 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I AM TRYING TO GET THE AIRBAGS REPLACED BUT I CANNOT FIND A PLACE WHO WILL SERVICE OUR CAR. WE ARE TRYING TO AVOID DRIVING IT UNTIL THE AIRBAG PROBLEM IS FIXED.
TAKATA RECALL, MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ON THE SIDE, OF THE 101 FREEWAY OFF THE WEST LAKE VILLAGE EXIT GOING SOUTH, AND WOULD NOT TURN ON. I HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP AFTER FINDING OUT OF THE RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP AND AIR BAGS ON THE MAZDA WEBSITE. AFTER 3 DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND…
THE DASH IS ALL CRACKED AROUND THE PASSENGER DASH SIDE. IS EXACTLY WHERE THE AIR BAD SITS 4 LARGE CRACKS ALL THE WAY AROUND IT..ALSO THE DRIVER SEAT RIGHT SIDE LOWER LUMBAR IS SHIFT UP AND DOWN...POOR MANUFACTURING
Own a 2008 RX-8?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.