2005 Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2005

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2005 Mazda RX-8 repairs by problem area

Engine (44%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (11%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (2%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (18%)

Other (2%)

Chart based on 123 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2005 Mazda RX-8.

2005 Mazda RX-8 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (8%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (29%)

< $100 (52%)

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

Chart based on 102 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2005 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD

Mazda RX-8 in New Hampshire, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2022
Nov 2010

27600 mi
Water leaked into right rear tail light assembly. I fixed it by adding some foam weatherstripping tape to the original gasket, and the problem has not happened since. 
Jun 2013

47000 mi

US $900
Loss of power at low RPM. Solved by new plugs, coils, wires, and throttle body cleaning. 
Nov 2016

74600 mi

US $60
Battery failed while under prorated warranty; I replaced it after paying a share of the replacement cost. 
Mazda RX-8 in New York, United States
Jan 2011 - Dec 2016
Nov 2012

26300 mi

US $295
Sirius SAT radio working intermittently. Signal 5-10 minutes/hour; rest of the time just shows 'ACQUIRING'. Dealer replaced antenna and splitter cable to SAT box in trunk. 
Jun 2015

32000 mi

US $50
Drivers side mirror rattles. 
Apr 2016

34200 mi
At 34K, car's original coils were replaced as a precaution. Replaced plugs and wires, too.  On way home from having coils and plugs replaced, engine stalled while idling in traffic. Happened repeatedly. Problem turned out to be computer glitch due to coil replacement. 
Nov 2016

37300 mi

US $264
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (non-flashing): • P0442: Small EVAP leak • P0456: Very small EVAP leak PARTS ORDERED: • Purge Valve • Gas Cap PARTS: $140 LABOR: $124 Rattling driver side mirror. Replacement mirror ordered. New purge valve and gas cap installed. New mirror installed. Cost not reflected in price. 
Mazda RX-8 in Illinois, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2012
Dec 2011

80000 mi
repair and replace wiring harness to fuel pump, replace fuel pump due to hole burned into pump by faulty wiring harness 
Jan 2012

US $210
engine would not start, ran rough. Installed second set of plugs and wires since new. Issue was resolved 
Mazda RX-8 in Michigan, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
Jun 2011

89000 mi
Clutch pedal broken 
Mazda RX-8 in Arizona, United States
Jun 2010 - Dec 2010
Jul 2010

33000 mi

US $5
Loud rattle from steering wheel. There is a TSB for this requiring felt pad be placed over a piece of metal behind the steering wheel cover. There are no MAZDA dealers where I am so I placed a rubber strip in the edge of the steering wheel 
Mazda RX-8 in Virginia, United States
Aug 2010 - Mar 2011
Mar 2011

70000 mi
The car flooded causing the engine to to start. Dealership did a de-flood and de-carbon on the engine under warranty  
Mazda RX-8 in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2007 - Oct 2008
Dec 2007

39680 mi

C $56
Rear tail light water condensation and build up. Manufacturers defect. Well documented with Mazda Canada. While repairing Tail light. Automatic trunk release stopped functioning. 
Jul 2008

42160 mi
Oil cooler hose recall repair > shortly after driver noticed inside the fender well > driver side > two retaining clips had worked loose. This would have occurred during the before mentioned recall work as that is the area worked on. 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Mar 2010 - May 2010
Apr 2010

32000 mi

US $330
Tail light replaced because it had water in it. 
Mazda RX-8 in Illinois, United States
May 2009 - Sep 2012
Jul 2009

25000 mi
Transmission rebuilt. Grinded going up or down into 5th gear at over 4k RPM. Dealer replaced every piece except housing and center shaft. Dealer attributed to GL5 fluid. 
Jun 2011

35000 mi
Failure of 2nd gear syncro required complete tranny rebuild. Dealer subbed it out, shop had to keep it an extra week after first attempt resulted in tranny that would not go into any gear. 
Mazda RX-8 in North Carolina, United States
Dec 2009 - Mar 2016
Oct 2009

31000 mi

US $600
CEL indicating engine misfire.Lucky guess diagnosed it as a weak ignition coil.Replaced all 4. At $75 per coil, this should NOT be a maintenance item every 30k miles, but it is with this car.Replaced again at 55k miles (cost of both shown) 
Sep 2013

50000 mi

US $200
Temp control stopped working. Dealer quoted $495 to replace the module. Thanks to RX-8 Club forum, saw similar problem that required resoldering the main wires to the module. Removed module, resoldered, and works correctly now. Condensation inside both taillights. Removed, dried, resealed. Low coolant light on dash (coolant level fine). Sensor in overflow reservoir bad, but it is integrated with the reservoir and can't be replaced. Had to buy and install new reservoir. 
Oct 2013

52000 mi

US $125
Replaces SSV solenoid. Was an 8 hour job due to the location of the solenoid which required removing the upper intake manifold and everything preceding it. 
Jun 2015

66000 mi

US $150
Rear O2 sensor failed 
Nov 2015

72300 mi

US $6
Right rear taillight assembly filling up with water 
Mazda RX-8 in Indiana, United States
Jan 2014 - Jun 2015
Mar 2014

83000 mi
Replaced the cat, non-OEM with melted internals, with a catless mid pipe. 
Mazda RX-8 in Oregon, United States
Oct 2007 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008

20000 mi
Moisture in rear-combination light, right side only. Repaired under warranty. 
Mazda RX-8 in Guatemala
Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Jan 2009

23560 mi

$10
Left rear view mirror rattle. Opened it and stuffed it with plastic cement to stop the noise, WORKS 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
- Mar 2007
Mar 2007

45000 mi
Replaced gears 2 & 5 under factory warranty 
Mazda RX-8 in Connecticut, United States
- Nov 2007
Nov 2007

20500 mi
HVAC control unit stopped functioning. Unit only blows hot air, no AC. It was replaced under warranty. 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2018
Jul 2016

58000 mi
Thermostat failed. Engine overheated and radiator basically blew up. Clutch slave cylinder leaked and could not shift the transmission. Replaced slave cylinder and put in a new clutch. 
Aug 2016

58000 mi

US $7000
Low compression. Had to have a rebuilt engine installed. 
Nov 2017

61000 mi
Tire pressure sender failed. 
Mar 2018

63000 mi

US $380
Dash developed cracks on passenger side just above the air bag. Replaced dash pad. 
Jun 2018

64000 mi
Got a check engine light. Code indicated the fuel mixture was too lean. I couldn’t find a problem so I cleared the code and it has not come back. 
Mazda RX-8 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2015 - Jun 2018
Jul 2015

130000 mi

US $150
Alternator failure 
Feb 2016

147000 mi

US $400
Release bearing failure, clutch slave failure 
Mar 2017

163000 mi

US $140
Caliper failure left front, replaced left and right front calipers 
Jun 2017

166000 mi

US $135
Battery failure 
Aug 2017

169000 mi

US $35
Right rear caliper bracket pin seized, replaced bracket 
Mazda RX-8 in Michigan, United States
Mar 2016 - Jul 2016
Jul 2016

114000 mi

US $100
Trying to find blockage and leak in ac system 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Jul 2015 - Aug 2016
Apr 2016

133200 mi

US $157
I noticed a drastic decrease in fuel economy, so I decided to change the ignition system with OEM parts. Fuel economy has increased by 7 MPG. 
Mazda RX-8 in Minnesota, United States
Feb 2010 - Mar 2015
May 2011

44000 mi

US $50
Saw smoke coming out of tailpipe when floored. Oil got into intake somehow, even though oil wasn't overfilled. Cleaned out oil, changed airfilter. Installed oil catch can to prevent reoccurrance. Believe oil recovery process was changed on later RX8s. Oil got into the intake somehow, even though my oil wasn't overfilled. Cleaned out oil and changed airfilter. Installed oil catch can to prevent future occurrance. 
Oct 2014

88200 mi

US $500
Hot start problem. Replaced coils and plugs. Did not solve. Later checked compression - 90psi. Battery is only 2.5 years old and this car got the faster starter in 2006 so the problem is prob not electrical. 
Mar 2015

89000 mi
Hard start not fixed. New owner aware of low compression, will try to drive it this way. 
Mazda RX-8 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2010 - Dec 2014
Nov 2014

106020 mi

C $1300
Coils, spark plugs, and wires. stabilizer links 
Dec 2014

106020 mi

C $400
Rotary seal was gone. Engine required a rebuild. 
Mazda RX-8 in Illinois, United States
Jun 2008 - Sep 2011
Jul 2008

47000 mi
Tail light condensation/seal problem fixed under warranty/TSB. Whole tail light assembly replaced and proactive replacement of second non-damaged tail light. 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
Sep 2009 - Apr 2017
Aug 2010

38000 mi

US $100
Replaced failed alternator. 
Dec 2012

60000 mi

US $2500
Broken mount 
Mar 2014

69000 mi

US $1700
Replace radiator, water level sensor 
Sep 2014

72000 mi

US $1500
Emissions sensor 
Mar 2016

85000 mi

US $256
Replaced clutch pedal. 
Nov 2016

87900 mi

US $300
Gas tank fuel ring broken. 
Apr 2017

90000 mi

US $70
Engine not starting when hot. Loss of compression on front rotor and rear rotor is marginal. Fix is replacement engine at cost $5,000. No repair. We plan to trade off car. 
Mazda RX-8 in New York, United States
Mar 2008 - Apr 2009
Jul 2008

23000 mi
Left tail light replaced because moisture in it. TSB for this. 
Sep 2008

25000 mi
Right tail light replaced because water in it. TSB for this. 
Mazda RX-8 in Maryland, United States
Oct 2007 - Oct 2013
Jun 2008

39000 mi
Both rear taillights had condensation in them. replaced under warranty, tsb for them. 
Sep 2008

42000 mi
The tire pressure monitoring system has had its low tire pressure light on for the last few weeks. I took it to the dealership, they could not replicate it and oddly enough the light did not come on until the next day. It has been on since then too. 
Mazda RX-8 in Ohio, United States
Oct 2007 - Aug 2013
Dec 2007

20000 mi
Transmission whine in 6th gear. Noise stopped when clutch depressed or foot off gas. Interior trim breakage. Center console lid broken (glider for sliding cover broken off) and dust shield for e-brake lever broke off in cold weather. Dust cover has known TSB. Engine making a rattling sound when accelerating. Commonly known on the RX8 forums as "marbles in a can". Not diagnosed by dealership (unable to reproduce), however I've read this is detonation or knock. Noise is obvious, but dealer couldn't hear. 
Mar 2010

43000 mi
Water pump leak...replaced under warranty. Rust formation at contact point between rear freestyle doors and kick panel. Known issue with TSB. Repaired under warranty, though took some wrangling with Mazda. 
Sep 2011

57000 mi
Headlight leveling sensor failure. Headlights aiming too low. Removed sensor, disassembled. Lot of corrosion inside, cleaned as well as posssible, reassembled. Front sensor cleaned only, will do rear sensor soon. 
Nov 2011

58000 mi
Condensation in tail light, results in fogging. Removed taillight, cleaned gasket and clogged water drainage channel (was full of dirt, prevents proper drainage, which then leaks into taillight). Fix was not succesful, moisture persists. Headlight leveling sensor failed after prior repair (warning light). Lights aimed too high, blinding other drivers. Sensor removed again, re-cleaned. Sealed wire harness with silicone, reinstalled. After re-aiming headlights, repair OK. Sputtering at low RPM & rough idle. Ignition coils required replacement (coils are "weak" in this vehicle and fail prematurely). Coils purchased and replaced. Also replaced plugs & wires. Total cost for all parts roughly $350. HVAC temp control dial failure. Known issue with these vehicles. Found fix on RX8club.com. Removed stereo/HVAC unit, disassembled. Soldered connections on control board for heater control. Reinstalled. Repair was successful (& easy). 
Nov 2012

69100 mi

US $400
Corroded oil cooler line cracked and developed massive oil leak. 
Mazda RX-8 in Idaho, United States
Jan 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

38000 mi
Power window made popping sound when being lowered. 
Mazda RX-8 in Connecticut, United States
May 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

40000 mi

US $500
Needed to clean throttle body and other intake parts Bad coil packs and spark plugs 
Nov 2010

52000 mi

US $550
Throwout bearing replaced. 
Mazda RX-8 in Quebec, Canada
May 2008 - Jun 2011
Feb 2008

28520 mi

C $130
Repair rear license plate bolt holder. 
Mar 2008

30380 mi
Warranty repair: Replaced 1 rear tail light 
Jul 2008

34100 mi
Warranty repair: 2 x Rear tail light gasket (Feb replaced rear was already taking in water) 2 x lower engine mounts Climate control module Front Headlight level sensor Clutch bearing Headlight adj. Recall: Fuel Tank shield Oil cooler hose, mudg 
Jun 2011

72540 mi

C $1200
Engine compression low, couldnt start car when warm, car stalled at idle. Engine had to be replaced. 
Mazda RX-8 in Virginia, United States
Oct 2007 - Oct 2010
Oct 2008

22000 mi
Pass. side rear taillight assm.leaked. Taillight assm. was in stock and replacement was done in 2-hours.  
Dec 2008

22000 mi

US $400
Engine flooded rotary engine, weak battery, new battery replaced twice. 
Sep 2009

23000 mi
would not start. engine flooded. Also weak battery which was replaced with new upgraded one. 
Mazda RX-8 in Iowa, United States
Jul 2009 - Sep 2011
May 2011

55800 mi
Engine died, lost compression. Mazda warrenty replaced the engine for free with a new one. 
Mazda RX-8 in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2009 - Apr 2014
Mar 2011

48980 mi

C $600
starter went and was draining battery when starting car. Battery replaced and starter and spark plugs replaced 
Jul 2012

59520 mi

C $900
Master seal in clutch  Some emissions coil 
Apr 2013

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. 
Sep 2013

64480 mi

C $1072
Coils all replaced and battery replaced ... and maintenanace done also 
Feb 2014

66420 mi

C $1060
Heater - no hot air blowing 
Apr 2014

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 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Apr 2009 - Jun 2011
Jul 2009

57000 mi
loss of torque, failed compression test, dealer replacing engine under warranty 
Aug 2009

57000 mi

US $110
Engine was failing vacuum test. Dealer replaced engine. 
Jan 2010

71900 mi

US $300
HVAC controls fixed. 
Sep 2010

75000 mi

US $1200
AC condenser broke a few months after Heater was fixed 
Mazda RX-8 in Rhode Island, United States
Jul 2008 - Feb 2013
Dec 2008

31000 mi
Water collected in taillight due to failed gasket, approximately 3 inches. Taillight replaced under warranty. Heater Control knob failed, heat control stuck on max cold regardless of setting. Replaced under warranty. 
Jan 2010

54000 mi
Clogged Catalytic Converter. Replaced under warranty. 
Sep 2010

75000 mi

US $240
Front O2 Sensor failed 
Dec 2011

92000 mi

US $400
Clutch disc shattered, destroyed starter and clutch bearings. A risk with these clutches when the lining is nearly gone, as the disc it's riveted to is very thin. Dampening springs broke in the process. 
Mar 2012

96000 mi

US $54
Low compression, engine replaced under warranty 
Sep 2012

109000 mi

US $700
General cooling system failure. Slowly pushing coolant out of overflow, even at idle before thermostat opening. Not sure of specific cause. Everything replaced (rad, thermostat, coolant hoses, coolant bottle). 
Nov 2012

109300 mi

US $450
Clutch disc burst, replaced disc, pressure plate, clutch master and slave cylinder 
Jan 2013

110000 mi

US $130
rear O2 sensor replaced 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
Sep 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

24000 mi
Replaced gasket on passenger side tail light (held water). 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
Feb 2009 - Aug 2009
Mar 2009

36000 mi
Air conditioner would start blowing heat even when on cold. Fiddle with the knob and it would blow cold again but a minute later would start blowing hot for no reason. Replaced temperature control, A/C works now. 

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2005 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

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

Mazda RX-8 in Illinois, United States
Oct 2007 - Apr 2015
Feb 2010

34600 mi
Coolant level sensor went bad, causing the light to come on when the coolant was not low. They replaced the reservoir to fix the problem. 
Feb 2012

48000 mi
Dash heater control unit needed to be replaced. Temp control would only give full hot or full cold. 
Mazda RX-8 in Arizona, United States
- Nov 2006
Jul 2006

3900 mi
front brake pads replaced due to squeaking A/C system recharged to specs. replaced rear differential due to excess metal in fluid. replace lower right and left side rocker panel moldings/deformed 
Nov 2006

13259 mi
Replaced both engine mounts and engine mount bracket. Adjust headlight beam height. Replace lower right and left side rocker panel moldings/deformed,again 
Mazda RX-8 in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2012 - Dec 2015
Dec 2012

82000 mi

US $900
Compression failure. Engine to be replaced. 
Nov 2015

115100 mi

US $300
Replaced front shock absorbers. Replaced rear sway bar link that had broken. 
Mazda RX-8 in Indiana, United States
Jun 2009 - Feb 2010
Dec 2009

36000 mi
Heater control switch failure. est $450 repair 
Mazda RX-8 in Georgia, United States
Oct 2012 - Dec 2012
Nov 2012

68200 mi
Engine Failure/low compression/engine replaced with reman. engine 

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2005 Mazda RX-8 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Mazda RX-8 in Michigan, United States
Oct 2007 - Nov 2009
Apr 2009

20000 mi
Condensation in tail lights. 

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2005 Mazda RX-8 4-door

2-cylinder manual 2WD

Mazda RX-8 in Victoria, Australia
Oct 2007 - Mar 2010
Nov 2007

22320 mi
Coils burnt out 
Jul 2008

26660 mi
Replaced coils. 

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2005 Mazda RX-8 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2005 Mazda RX-8 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.