Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8

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Expensive Mazda RX-8 repairs by problem area

Engine (68%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (15%)

Brakes and Traction Control (0%)

Suspension and Steering (5%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (8%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (0%)

Chart based on 59 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Mazda RX-8.

Mazda RX-8 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (30%)

$1000 - $2499 (70%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (0%)

< $100 (0%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 44 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2010 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD

51000 mi

US $6000
Feels unfair to post this, since aside from the 51k miles I have done 23 track days. Eccentric shaft cracked on track. Suspect it was caused due to poor balance of the rotating assembly from the factory.I removed/reinstalled,shop rebuilt 

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2009 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD

41806 mi

US $2500
Repaired 4th gear popping out by removing slop in transmission. One was apparently a spacer on the wrong side of a nut. There were at least two parts or shafts with slack that were repaired. Replaced clutch and flywheel with Exedy parts. 

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2007 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD

25978 mi

C $100
Four wheel alignment. Trunk/Liftgate antenna low frequency-warranty 
93 mi

C $2000
Diagnose and replace clutch, master and slave cylinders 

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2006 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD

54000 mi

US $1200
Needed new Ignition Coils / Plugs and Wires Catalytic Converted failed and needed replaced 
29000 mi

£2000
Another catalyst has fallen apart. Out of warranty so huge bill. $2000. Not impressed 
29000 mi

£200
battery failed.  
30000 mi

£7500
Engine running on one rotor, failed compression test. Needs a new engine, in the Uk so only 3yr warranty. $7500 to repair. Not impressed Engine running on one rotor, failed compression test. Needs a new engine, in the Uk so only 3yr warranty. $7500 to repair. Not impressed 
33000 mi

£2780
Rear rotor - rotor tip seal failed with a tiny piece breaking away - about a 1mm deep. After much arguing with mazda UK they providea new engine but i had to pay an excessive amount to the stealers to put the engine in. 
34000 mi

£200
Inner CV boot replaced. front ARB drop links replaced 
138000 mi

US $1500
Needed to replace the clutch and flywheel. 
68300 mi

US $2000
Noticed a girding when shifting from 3rd to 4th (Manual Transmission). Dealer tore down transmission to narrow down the issue. Dealer discovered problem with 3rd and 4th gear synchro. Dealer replaced synchro - problem fixed. 
82000 mi

US $1100
Wheel bearing noise. Replaced rear wheel hub bearings and nuts. Dealer bent right axle trying to remove bearing seized to axle. Replaced right rear axle 
90000 mi

US $1200
Replaced stock flywheel, pressure plate, clutch, center bearing, and throwout bearing with high performance gear. Replaced all fluids in clutch and transmission. 
90000 mi

US $1000
Engine compression failure in one rotor. Engine would not turn over due to flooding (typical on this model when spark plugs and/or coils need replacing). Dealer did engine compression test. One rotor failed test. Dealer recommended replacement of engine. Replaced spark plugs and coils. 
45880 mi

C $191
low coolant level warning light came on when the coolant level was fine; known problem with RX-8s (Bulletin No: 01-040/10 
58280 mi

C $370
Replaced the Secondary Shutter Valve as per service bulletin 01-019/08 (MIL ON - P2070 SET). Original SSV is prone to sticking due to carbon deposits; part replaced with new design from Mazda. Replaced ignition coils, spark plugs, and wires with aftermarket units from BHR. Car was hesitating around 5-7000 RPM ~$700 CAD for all parts 
75681 mi

C $6100
Engine lost compression and was undriveable. Work done to engine: replaced rotar housings, surfaced irons, replaced all seals, oil passage upgrade (this work done by RX-7 Specialties https://www.rotaryengine.com/). Other components that were replaced: Oil Injectors, Thermostate, Waterpump, Spark Plugs. Installed OMP adapter (https://www.rotaryaviation.com/store/p6/Oil_Metering_Pump_Adapters.html). Replaced clutch/pilot bearing/throwout bearing. Replaced catalytic converter with cat-less mid-pipe. 
78740 mi

C $300
Replaced still functioning original starter with faster & more powerful version from series II 
39000 mi

US $100
Coolant overflow bottle replaced to fix defective coolant level sensor. 
105000 mi

US $6000
Engine replacement; clutch also replaced while engine was out. 
106000 mi

US $100
Evacuated and recharged AC system. 

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2006 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

212-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

41602 mi

C $1400
Repair rusted around around trunk-mounted rear light and inside where spoiler connects to trunk. Also repair rusted area inside rear wheel wells. Repair rusted around around trunk-mounted rear light and inside where spoiler connects to trunk. Also repair rusted area inside rear wheel wells.  
41788 mi

C $280
Check engine light diagnostic - clear cam sensor error. Install winter tires, detailing. Check engine light diagnostic - clear cam sensor error. Install winter tires, detailing. 
20200 mi

US $1100
First time ever, the engine flooded and car would not start. Now, I rev the engine before shutting off, but sometimes it still is hard to start. It is possible to due to car's age. 

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2005 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD

58000 mi

US $7000
Low compression. Had to have a rebuilt engine installed. 
63000 mi

US $380
Dash developed cracks on passenger side just above the air bag. Replaced dash pad. 
38000 mi

US $100
Replaced failed alternator. 
60000 mi

US $2500
Broken mount 
69000 mi

US $1700
Replace radiator, water level sensor 
72000 mi

US $1500
Emissions sensor 
85000 mi

US $256
Replaced clutch pedal. 
87900 mi

US $300
Gas tank fuel ring broken. 
28520 mi

C $130
Repair rear license plate bolt holder. 
72540 mi

C $1200
Engine compression low, couldnt start car when warm, car stalled at idle. Engine had to be replaced. 
48980 mi

C $600
starter went and was draining battery when starting car. Battery replaced and starter and spark plugs replaced 
59520 mi

C $900
Master seal in clutch  Some emissions coil 
62300 mi

C $1100
Flooded car, towed to shop. While deflooding car preventively replaced plugs and wiring, water pump, thermosat, air filter, upper and lower radiator hoses. 
64480 mi

C $1072
Coils all replaced and battery replaced ... and maintenanace done also 
66420 mi

C $1060
Heater - no hot air blowing 
68200 mi

C $212
Engine - compression off and was told needed new engine ... Have been complaining to dealer for over a year about light coming on... now the engine is toast. THEN I find out Engine warranty WAS in effect until Sept 2013.Did not honor 
106020 mi

C $1300
Coils, spark plugs, and wires. stabilizer links 
106020 mi

C $400
Rotary seal was gone. Engine required a rebuild. 
57000 mi

US $110
Engine was failing vacuum test. Dealer replaced engine. 
61500 mi

US $300
HVAC controls fixed. 
75000 mi

US $1200
AC condenser broke a few months after Heater was fixed 

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2004 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD

38000 mi

US $523
No start condition, dealer recommended decarbonization per TSB 01-015/08. Plugs changed and Zoom engine cleaner used. Car now starts but engine compression not in spec. Tech line notified per dealer. Waiting on results. 
42000 mi

US $150
Small fire in alternator associated wiring, shop says alternator and associated wiring needed repair, fifty dollar deductible and paid for express shipping for parts, one hundred dollars. 
47000 mi

US $368
Left rear shock absorber leaking, detected during oil change at dealership. Both rear shocks replaced w/ Koni adjustables. 
36000 mi

US $720
Clutch pedal housing cracked, pedal dropped and canted, piston scratched master cylinder with resultant leak. Clutch pedal and bracket along w/ master cylinder replaced. 
72000 mi

US $1150
Battery died, unable to jump, towed to dealer, batt. changed. 
77500 mi

C $500
OEM catalytic converter replaced at 95000 miles Emission air pump was replaced due to dry bearing in the electric motor 
82460 mi

C $4000
Engine replaced at 95000 miles due to blown seal in the rear rotor. Lost compression. OEM catalytic converter replaced at 95000 miles 
120280 mi

C $400
Rear wheel bearing Swar bar end-link snapped off Hot/cold air working intermittently Quarter panels rusting like crazy. 
122760 mi

C $300
OEM latest revision Mazda coils (made in Japan, not knock-offs) requiring replacement after 25k 
76000 mi

US $120
Flooded after moving car when it was cold, improper warm up procedure. 
145000 mi

US $3000
complete long-block engine replacement 
65000 mi

US $360
Engine failure, replaced catalytic converter, ignition coils, and sparkplugs. 
108600 mi

US $700
Radiator replacement Power Steering cuts out 
110000 mi

US $1500
New Clutch Heater Core Died Blown water seals 
63000 mi

US $1023
Alternator belt separated cutting wires shorted out coil pack, blew engine fuse setting code in security system disabling ignition requiring a tow. Also starter was going out so had that replaced at the same time as electrical repair. 
67200 mi

US $150
Replaced all 4 coil packs and wires. Appeared to be original. Just starting to fail. 
68000 mi

US $500
Gas Tank overflow badly leaking upon every fill up. Had to replace seals and two parts. Dealer only items. Fire hazard if left unrepaired. 
65700 mi

US $300
Passenger side dash cracked in H where airbag door deploys. Had to be replaced. Cosmetic. Mazda only replacement not repairable. 
73500 mi

US $1300
Fuel pump failing replaced, solenoid for throttle positioner failed replaced, fuel vacuum sensor failed replaced. 
74000 mi

US $400
Recurring idiot light code for "Lean on Rotor 2". Dealer had replaced several items previously with this code. Replaced Mass Air Sensor in intake. Permanently corrected idiot light for lean condition. Rear Springs weak and needed replacing. Noise on small bumps. Replaced with factory new ones and required 4 wheel alignment. Raised car in rear 1.5" so could get proper camber. 
76000 mi

US $400
Motor mount was leaking. Had them install new set while there for normal maintenance items. 
83000 mi

US $400
Had to replace driver's side electric door locking assembly. 
85000 mi

US $200
Replaced SSV Solenoid due to CEL P0661 and mechanic physical tests of 3 solenoids controlling AIR, SSV and VDI behind intake manifold. I purchased the part thru Mazdaspeed at discount and Mechanic installed it. Cost $200 total. 
89000 mi

US $500
The Red LCD for the radio and heater description died. Damn. Everything worked but there were no eyes. Heater or radio. Cost $270 + labor. 
132500 mi

US $500
Manual transmission neutral position switch failed. Switch replaced. 
137200 mi

US $1000
Water pump and coolant hose leaking. Water pump and cooling hose replaced Oxygen sensor failed 
114000 mi

US $6700
I got a engine replacement for this car in december of 2011 and just recently, the engine blew again. I took it to mazda and they would not cover it by warranty and i was stuck paying well over $6,700 for repairs on it 
95000 mi

US $1000
Complete clutch replacement. Friction plate worn out, throw-out bearing hanging on by a thread. Very impressed that after countless track days and runs through the twisties the clutch finally gave out. Took 95,000 miles to do which isn't bad. 
192000 mi

US $2100
Apex seal failure. Engine replaced. 
201000 mi

US $200
Transmission synchro rings failing. Replaced transmission with used one. 
259000 mi

US $2200
Replaced entire engine. The engine had low compression and if I was going to be able to rebuild it, it needed to come out before it blew a seal. No towing. Could probably have gotten another 6 months or more. Radiator fans replaced 
267000 mi

US $200
Front shocks 
28000 mi

US $1210
Clutch failure. 
41000 mi

US $600
Alternator defective 
62000 mi

US $7800
blown gaskets 
43000 mi

US $1500
Replaced clutch and flywheel - both had completely disintegrated 
110000 mi

US $1500
Spark plugs replaced 
112000 mi

US $300
Antifreeze reservoir and hose leaking. 
76000 mi

US $2000
Lost compression on the front engine rotor, the car could not be driven. The engine had to be replaced. I sourced an engine, purchased it, and installed it myself. 
24500 mi

US $1200
Replaced all four shocks with Konis to solve leaking shock problem. 
57750 mi

US $412
Car was failing to start; diagnosed incorrectly as a bad battery; turned out to be a faulty starter 
72000 mi

US $230
HVAC/Radio display was cycling gibberish. Repair was to install a new CD player/ radio. This is the single disc unit.  
81000 mi

US $210
Heat shield fell out of exhaust system. It took out an Oxygen sensor when it did that. Needed a new 02 sensor. 
97300 mi

US $300
Replaced broken motor mount 
65000 mi

US $500
Replace broken sunvisor. Repair water in tail lights. 
70000 mi

US $350
Replace heater control unit. 
73275 mi

US $2050
Replace motor, spark plugs, coils, spark plug wires. 
109000 mi

US $1500
Rear end rebuilt, was clunking. 
116500 mi

US $450
Clutch changed. The pressure plate failed. Could no longer disengage the clutch. Replaced everything (clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, pilot bearing) resurfaced flywheel. Not bad considering it was the original. 
125200 mi

US $4500
Replaced Engine. 
134000 mi

US $180
Coil failed. Replaced all with new. 

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2004 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

197-horsepower 1.3L R2 4-speed shiftable automatic RWD

12000 mi

US $100
Power steering module replaced. 
23000 mi

US $1279
Ignition coil failure Starter replaced Decarbonized engine apex seals 
38000 mi

US $250
Check engine light on. Reset, no further problem. 

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Mazda RX-8 Expensive Problems

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