2004 Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2004

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2004 Mazda RX-8 repairs by problem area

Engine (58%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (11%)

Brakes and Traction Control (0%)

Suspension and Steering (7%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (15%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (7%)

Other (2%)

Chart based on 220 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Mazda RX-8.

2004 Mazda RX-8 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (13%)

$100 - $499 (34%)

< $100 (41%)

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

Chart based on 176 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Mazda RX-8

Engine not specified

Mazda RX-8 in Nevada, United States
Feb 2011 - Jun 2011
Mar 2011

48000 mi

US $400
200 miles after the motor was replaced (and 1000 after the transmission and torque converter was replaced), the starter went out leaving me stranded in a snow storm 

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2004 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

238-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD

Mazda RX-8 in Virginia, United States
Mar 2012 - Feb 2013
May 2012

72400 mi
Car overheated. Thermostat and waterpump replaced. Fan relay replaced. The work was performed under extended warranty.  Catalytic converter was found to have failed. Owner paid for catalytic converter Engine seals were found to leak. 
Jul 2012

73500 mi
Second and third gear syncro mesh failed. First, Second, and Third gears were replaced. 
Sep 2012

76000 mi
Coolant hose was slowly leaking coolant on electric steering. Electric steering stopped functioning. Upon inspection, Mazda tech discovered that the coolant was shorting out the steering. Hose was replaced. 
Mazda RX-8 in Indiana, United States
Jan 2012 - Feb 2012
Feb 2012

51000 mi
Bad PCM - Replaced under emmisions warranty 
Mazda RX-8 in Michigan, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2016
Aug 2013

21800 mi
Replaced ignition coils. Motor mount has been replaced with Mazsport (now defunct) solid engine mounts. Bounce totally gone. It did however break the stud securing the mount on the subframe but that was a result of a clutch kick around a round about. Fixed it with grade 10 bolt. 
Mazda RX-8 in Georgia, United States
Jan 2013 - Jul 2017
May 2016

177700 mi
Replace radiator 
Mazda RX-8 in Illinois, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2013
Feb 2013

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 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Dec 2011 - May 2012
Jan 2012

US $100
MIL P2096, Cleaned MAF, Replaced the downstream o2 sensor, Added Fuel injector cleaner to the gas tank. Replaced gasket between the Cat & exhaust manifold 
Mazda RX-8 in New York, United States
Apr 2013 - Jun 2018
Jun 2013

63000 mi

US $175
Replaced rear o2 sensor. 
Jul 2017

72000 mi

US $70
Sway bar end links replaced. 
Mazda RX-8 in Oregon, United States
Jul 2011 - Jul 2014
Feb 2014

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. 
Jun 2014

98000 mi

US $75
RFID system forgot keys when cooling fan failed to shut off after turning off car. It's done this twice before. Highly obnoxious. When it happens the car must be towed to the dealer and reprogrammed for the keys. 
Jul 2014

98000 mi
They suggested the RFID problem *could* be the ecu or a few other components. They didn't know. Final cost to replace all the parts it could be was around 5k so I decided to just sell it. 
Mazda RX-8 in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2009 - Oct 2013
Feb 2011

44000 mi
Clutch pedal was creaking; dealer replaced clutch pedal/bracket under extended warranty provided by Mazda. 
Apr 2012

52200 mi

US $250
Clutch master cylinder unable to maintain pressure. Replaced clutch master cylinder. 
Oct 2012

54000 mi

US $103
Engine compression tested below minimum levels. 
Jun 2013

55000 mi
HVAC temparature control circuit board needed repair (resoldering on one pin). 
Oct 2013

56000 mi
Engine tested for low compression. 
Mazda RX-8 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2010 - Jul 2014
Sep 2010

80600 mi

C $50
Replace SSV vacuum actuator  
Sep 2012

86800 mi

C $880
Seized alignment bushings and bolts 
Mazda RX-8 in Louisiana, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2017
Oct 2012

107300 mi

US $40
Fuel pump replaced. 
Dec 2012

109000 mi

US $1500
Rear end rebuilt, was clunking. 
Oct 2013

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. 
Jul 2014

125200 mi

US $4500
Replaced Engine. 
Sep 2015

134000 mi

US $180
Coil failed. Replaced all with new. 
Mazda RX-8 in Wisconsin, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2018
Oct 2016

48300 mi

US $120
Fan and temperature knobs broke. Both on same day! First problem I can recall for this car. 
Mazda RX-8 in Ohio, United States
Apr 2013 - Feb 2018
Dec 2015

98000 mi

US $200
A new fuel pump was installed to replace the gradually failing original. The symptoms were hard starts, lack of acceleration when less than 1/2 a tank, and increasing long term fuel trims (trying to compensate for reduced fuel pressure). 
Jul 2016

102500 mi
Catalytic Converter Failure 
Sep 2016

105000 mi

US $300
Installed an OEM quality MagnaFlow catalytic converter and silencer mid-pipe to replace the previously failed unit (failed one was aftermarket not OEM). 
Mazda RX-8 in Florida, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2023
Jul 2011

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. 
Nov 2011

64300 mi
Clutch Bracket snapped. Worked just long enough to drive the car directly to the Dealer for free replacement. Dealer had one in stock. Got car back the next morning. 
Aug 2012

67200 mi

US $150
Replaced all 4 coil packs and wires. Appeared to be original. Just starting to fail. 
Dec 2012

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. 
Jan 2013

65700 mi

US $300
Passenger side dash cracked in H where airbag door deploys. Had to be replaced. Cosmetic. Mazda only replacement not repairable. 
May 2014

73500 mi

US $1300
Fuel pump failing replaced, solenoid for throttle positioner failed replaced, fuel vacuum sensor failed replaced. 
Jun 2014

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. 
Sep 2014

76000 mi

US $400
Motor mount was leaking. Had them install new set while there for normal maintenance items. 
Aug 2016

83000 mi

US $400
Had to replace driver's side electric door locking assembly. 
Apr 2017

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. 
Jul 2017

86300 mi
At 85,500 miles clutch was worn out and slipping in higher gears under acceleration. I autocross this car year round so it held up well. Replaced everything as the factory flywheel is unable to be resurfaced. Got Fidanza improved steel one which needed counter weight from automatic to balance it. Also got Stage 1 exedy clutch. Most people wouldn't like it as much stronger springs tends to stall car:) Once apart discovered that my throwout bearing was nearly toast but was still working and not making noise. Every 25,000 miles I replace the plugs and wires. The big tipoff for me that a coil or coils are dying is out of nowhere the car won't fire off like normal. Will take twice as long or more to start over 5 seconds. At 30,000 I replaced the Auto Zone coils. Performance improved. Running car at high revs in 2nd gear and them firing 3x every rotation would be about 3000 x 3 = 9000 firings/minute at 9000rpm due to the +3x ratio of flywheel gear to output shaft. That's a lot of stress on the 4 coils. If I drove the car on the hwy in OD the coils would last a very long time. At least twice as long. 
Nov 2017

88000 mi
Plastic bushing for steering shaft fell out and wheel was like a broken tilt. Not repairable. Replaced with used steering shaft assembly $125 from bone yard. Mazda new part price was $900. 
Sep 2018

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. 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Nov 2011 - Jul 2018
Sep 2015

118000 mi
Original thermostat stuck closed thus causing overheating. Replaced with new OEM part. Working waterpump replaced as a preventative step. 
Jun 2016

123000 mi

US $120
Fuel pump started leaking at outlet after removal for cleaning. The plastic outlet is a known weakness on RX-8, which tends to develop hairline crack. Replaced 120k-mile Mazda OEM unit with Delphi FG1250, which was an OEM supplier. 
Mazda RX-8 in British Columbia, Canada
May 2013 - Jun 2013
Jun 2013

57660 mi

C $150
Clutch flex hose burst. Had the car towed to a nearby mechanic and flex hose replaced with a stainless steel braided one. 
Mazda RX-8 in Massachusetts, United States
- Apr 2007
Feb 2004

189 mi
Completed Mazda recalls (1604B) Side Air Bag and (1704B) Dynamic Damper Bracket. 
Apr 2004

2013 mi
Dealer reflashed PCM to version "M". Oil/Filter change and tire rotation. 
Feb 2006

22307 mi
Dealer Tech Service Bulletin. Replaced Starter, Plugs, Battery, and Reflashed. N/C 
Apr 2007

30097 mi
Dealer 4206F recall, replaced plugs and reflashed. Replaced trans and diff fluid. 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
- Jan 2007
May 2006

53000 mi
Replace main dash control panel and controls. 
Oct 2006

65000 mi

US $500
Replace broken sunvisor. Repair water in tail lights. 
Dec 2006

70000 mi

US $350
Replace heater control unit. 
Jan 2007

73275 mi

US $2050
Replace motor, spark plugs, coils, spark plug wires. 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

43000 mi

US $1500
Replaced clutch and flywheel - both had completely disintegrated 
Mazda RX-8 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2013 - Jun 2018
Jul 2013

77500 mi

C $500
OEM catalytic converter replaced at 95000 miles Emission air pump was replaced due to dry bearing in the electric motor 
Jan 2014

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 
Mar 2017

120280 mi

C $400
Rear wheel bearing Swar bar end-link snapped off Hot/cold air working intermittently Quarter panels rusting like crazy. 
May 2018

122760 mi

C $300
OEM latest revision Mazda coils (made in Japan, not knock-offs) requiring replacement after 25k 
Mazda RX-8 in Virginia, United States
Feb 2007 - Nov 2013
Nov 2007

50000 mi

US $220
Replaced HVAC control module. The temperature dial would not allow hot air when selected. This was a common problem when I researched it on Rx8club.com. 
Mazda RX-8 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2016 - Nov 2020
Jun 2017

119660 mi

C $60
Vacuum control valve for the SSV intake valve failed/malfunctioned, producing code P0661 - solenoid valve circuit low voltage. Replaced the control valve solenoid (Part #K5T49091) and cleaned the connectors. Runs great now! 
Mar 2018

122140 mi

C $25
OBDII scan revealed P0076 (non-displayed MIL) VDI control valve circuit voltage low. Ordered a new vacuum control solenoid online (25$ total) and replaced the part/cleaned electrical connection. Whole job took about 2hrs to complete. After the repair, fuel economy and power were restored to normal. 
Mazda RX-8 in Quebec, Canada
Jan 2010 - Jun 2022
May 2010

22320 mi

C $35
Replaced the front headlight level sensor with a second-hand known-good unit. Work done by myself. 
Sep 2015

60760 mi

C $600
Front alignment bushings had seized and were no longer adjustable. All front suspension bushings were replaced with polyurethane. 
Aug 2016

66420 mi
Headlight washer solenoid or motor draws current with the car off, draining the battery. System still functional otherwise. Repair was put off to future; headlight washer system disabled by removing its fuse. 
Apr 2017

70060 mi

C $200
Windshield cracked due to hidden rust along the frame at its bottom edge. Windshield replaced, rust ground down and patched over. 
Sep 2017

71920 mi
Mazda recall for potential leak around the fuel pump. 
Mar 2018

74648 mi

C $40
DIY rust removal and repair around rear passenger side wheel arch. 
Jul 2021

86800 mi

C $40
Tail light weathertight gasket replaced to stop condensation in the tail light. 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Apr 2015 - Aug 2017
Jan 2016

135200 mi

US $500
Manual transmission neutral position switch failed. Switch replaced. 
Jul 2016

137200 mi

US $1000
Water pump and coolant hose leaking. Water pump and cooling hose replaced Oxygen sensor failed 
Mazda RX-8 in Washington, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2013
Sep 2013

65000 mi

US $560
Car was running very rough with difficulty starting. Had 3 ignition coils replaced. 
Mazda RX-8 in New York, United States
Jun 2013 - Mar 2014
Jul 2013

105300 mi

US $200
SSV stuck / failure 
Aug 2013

106000 mi

US $200
SSV circuit low p0661 
Sep 2013

107000 mi

US $850
Multiple electrical issues resolved 
Jan 2014

US $500
pissing oil everywhere 
Mazda RX-8 in New York, United States
Sep 2014 - Sep 2018
Oct 2014

64000 mi

US $220
I was receiving CEL for a misfire in Cyl 1. Kept resetting, then finally died at high RPM randomly and finally limped home. Replaced coils, wires, plugs. The plugs looked like they were original. 
Mazda RX-8 in Tennessee, United States
Sep 2014 - Oct 2014
Sep 2014

90000 mi

US $100
Service engine light and misfire- Failed leading, rear rotor ignition coil 
Mazda RX-8 in Virginia, United States
Feb 2015 - Dec 2017
Feb 2015

192000 mi

US $2100
Apex seal failure. Engine replaced. 
Jul 2015

201000 mi

US $200
Transmission synchro rings failing. Replaced transmission with used one. 
Apr 2016

222000 mi

US $75
SSV solenoid replaced after failure. 
Sep 2016

235000 mi

US $15
evaporator solenoid failed popping sound from front end during cornering rear springs failed, bump-stops destroyed 
Jul 2017

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 
Dec 2017

267000 mi

US $200
Front shocks 
Mazda RX-8 in Idaho, United States
Nov 2014 - Jul 2015
Dec 2014

110000 mi

US $1500
Spark plugs replaced 
Mar 2015

112000 mi

US $300
Antifreeze reservoir and hose leaking. 
Jul 2015

114000 mi
Apex seals failed. 
Mazda RX-8 in Colorado, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Aug 2010

70700 mi

US $650
Loss of power, smell of burning plastic, smoke from hood and in trunk compartment. Ignition of non-combusted fuel by catalytic converter in exhaust system melted oxygen sensor, trunk carpet & jack holder. Catalytic converter may be damaged. 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
Apr 2010 - Mar 2014
Jun 2010

65000 mi
Evaluation of Check Engine light led to an engine replacement. After the Check Engine Light came on, the dealer tested the compression and determined a new engine is needed. 
Sep 2010

69000 mi

US $600
Check Engine Light came on. Dealer replaced an intake solenoid. Front brake pads replaced. 
Aug 2011

80000 mi

US $900
The coolant overflow tank & radiator were replaced. 
Sep 2011

80000 mi

US $800
Replaced fuel pump - leaking at fitting to the fuel line. 
Jan 2012

83000 mi

US $770
Replaced the cabin temperature control module & shift lever boot. 
Aug 2012

89700 mi

US $65
Battery replaced 
Nov 2012

91800 mi

US $480
Clutch Master & Slave cylinders replaced 
Jan 2014

95300 mi

US $250
Driver-side power window register replacement 
Mar 2014

107000 mi

US $20
Wiring from the torque sensor mounted on the steering column sensitive to added impedance through the connectors. My power steering failed. Cleaned & weather-proofed the power steering control harness connectors.  
Mazda RX-8 in Washington, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2011
Sep 2007

56000 mi
Exhaust manifold heat shield had come loose and cause low rattle and vibration in 2-3K rpm range under heavy load. Exhaust manifold was ordered and replaced under warranty Installed new exhaust manifold. 
Sep 2010

68000 mi
Hard starting when warm. Low power. Dealer ran decarb procedure but problem still exists. Dealer now claims they cannot replicate problem and it remains. 
Oct 2010

68300 mi
Car still hard starting when warm. Dealer stated. "We cannot do any more under warranty." The engine is considered normal by Mazda even though we understand this is not typical behavior. 
Mazda RX-8 in Colorado, United States
Dec 2007 - Mar 2010
Sep 2007

32708 mi
Replace center console lid. 
Oct 2007

33156 mi
Replace factory stereo head unit. 
Dec 2007

34097 mi
Replace both rear tail lights due to condensation. Replace rear truck weatherstripping. 
Jan 2008

34000 mi
Hard 1-2 shift. 
Mar 2008

35000 mi
Once again, hard shift 1-2. Replaced clutch slave cylinder for shifting problems. Problem persists. 
Jul 2008

37000 mi
Visited 2 different dealers. 1st dealer claimed clutch issue. 2nd dealer confirmed internal transmission problem. Awaiting confirmation of warranty replacement of a new transmission from 2nd dealer. 
Aug 2008

37700 mi
After visit to 3rd different dealer, transmission issue resolved under warranty. Replaced 2nd gear, 2nd gear syncro hub/ring, 1-2 shift fork. 
Mazda RX-8 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2004 - Feb 2011
Feb 2004

7500 mi
First Service. Fixed loose shift knob and asked about spitting backfire. They compression tested the car and found nothing. Reflashed to M. Peformed airbag recall and dynamic dampner recall 
Apr 2005

24500 mi

US $1200
Replaced all four shocks with Konis to solve leaking shock problem. 
Mar 2006

38150 mi
CELs - Replaced intake manifold that was cracked; replaced fuel tank cap; All under warranty 
Aug 2007

57750 mi

US $412
Car was failing to start; diagnosed incorrectly as a bad battery; turned out to be a faulty starter 
May 2008

69000 mi

US $45
PCM Computer reflash/update. 
Sep 2008

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.  
Apr 2009

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. 
Oct 2010

97300 mi

US $300
Replaced broken motor mount 
Jan 2011

99000 mi
The bracket which holds the clutch pedal to the firewall snapped while driving. 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Dec 2006 - Apr 2010
Mar 2007

33000 mi

US $125
Malfunctioning ignition coils. dealer said 'it wasn't a problem'. Malfunctioning ignition coils. dealer said 'it wasn't a problem'. replaced coils myself, issues went away. 
Mazda RX-8 in Washington, United States
Apr 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008

22000 mi

US $8
Check engine light for vacuum leak - possible gas cap leak 
Mazda RX-8 in Nova Scotia, Canada
Aug 2008 - Jun 2018
Jun 2016

56420 mi

C $300
Fuel pump failure 
Mazda RX-8 in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
Apr 2006

31000 mi
Second Third and Fifth gear were near impossible to shift into, dealer rebuilt damaged components. 
Nov 2006

38000 mi
Warranty replacement of entire transmission. (Transmission was rebuilt earlier and problem shifting did not go away) 
Jan 2007

39000 mi
Rear windshield was leaking into the back seat. Left rear back seat and windshield replaced (price is approximate since it was not disclosed) 
Mazda RX-8 in Florida, United States
Sep 2007 - Dec 2011
Jun 2008

28000 mi

US $1210
Clutch failure. 
Oct 2009

41000 mi

US $600
Alternator defective 
Jan 2010

52800 mi

US $75
defective check engine warning prevents cruise control operation 
Dec 2011

62000 mi

US $7800
blown gaskets 
Mazda RX-8 in Alberta, Canada
Feb 2007 - Apr 2009
Dec 2008

36580 mi

C $120
Misfire at high RPMs - One coil was bad, replaced all 4 coils. 
Mazda RX-8 in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2007 - Nov 2009
Nov 2009

55000 mi

US $500
No start, replaced coils, plugs, re-flashed computer. Burned out headlight (high beam) Reflashed computer to reset after problem #1 to insure no additional, unknown problems. 
Mazda RX-8 in Nevada, United States
Aug 2007 - Mar 2010
Mazda RX-8 in New York, United States
Feb 2007 - Jun 2011
Aug 2007

43000 mi
passenger side visor broke (split in 2) and had to be replaced. While i was there i had them replace the clutch master cylinder because while in heavy traffic on a hot day the clutch pedal becomes spongy. Also i had them add a breather as my dipstick woul 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
May 2008 - Jun 2012
Jun 2008

31000 mi
CD changer jammed 
Jul 2011

51800 mi
Engine mounts needed to be replaced - were replaced under my extended factory powertrain warranty 
Nov 2011

58600 mi
Ignition coils failed, spark plugs fouled, very low on power and poor fuel economy 
Mazda RX-8 in Hawaii, United States
Jun 2008 - Dec 2015
Jul 2008

22000 mi
Engine running rough, harder to start than normal. Diagnosed as faulty coil pack, parts ordered waiting for repair. 
Sep 2008

23000 mi
One of two coil packs replaced, engine running normally. 
Feb 2009

26000 mi
I had the right rear tailight module replaced due to condensation. 
Jul 2009

30000 mi
Vehicle w/ a subsequent no start condition after being moved on home driveway. Towed to Dealer, half day in shop. Per dealer, carbon buildup, need to drive car at high speed or revs occasionally. I suspect flooding as this is a known RX8 problem. 
Dec 2009

32000 mi

US $50
All four coil packs needed to be replaced, vehicle was drivable but advised to not drive too much while waiting for parts. Per tech could result in damage to catalytic converter. Overheat light intermittently illuminating. Per dealer coolant reservoir and sensor defective. Parts replaced on same visit as repair for coil packs. 
Jun 2010

33000 mi

US $50
Noticed intermittent vibration at idle when A/C cycling on and off. Dx by dealer as two broken motor mounts, ordered under extended warranty. Deductible of fifty dollars. Motor mounts replaced, problem resolved. 
Nov 2010

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. 
Feb 2011

39800 mi
Previous engine showing low compression after no-start problem, engine replaced with factory rebuilt one. 
Mar 2011

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. 
Jul 2011

47000 mi

US $368
Left rear shock absorber leaking, detected during oil change at dealership. Both rear shocks replaced w/ Koni adjustables. 
Jan 2012

41000 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. 
Mar 2012

56000 mi
Airbag light on intermittently, diagnosed per shop car needs new Airbag electrical harness. Update: later cleared up on its own. 
Dec 2014

72000 mi

US $1150
Battery died, unable to jump, towed to dealer, batt. changed. 
Mazda RX-8 in Florida, United States
Mar 2010 - Sep 2015
Apr 2010

65000 mi

US $360
Engine failure, replaced catalytic converter, ignition coils, and sparkplugs. 
May 2015

108600 mi

US $700
Radiator replacement Power Steering cuts out 
Sep 2015

110000 mi

US $1500
New Clutch Heater Core Died Blown water seals 
Mazda RX-8 in Norway
Apr 2009 - Nov 2019
Feb 2012

24800 mi

$200
Changed starter motor. 
Jan 2013

26040 mi

$600
Stuck secondary shutter valve. Cel: P2070 
Oct 2013

27380 mi

$75
Reflash after jump start created problems. 
Nov 2015

32240 mi

$300
Replaced PCM / Main control module 
Mazda RX-8 in Queensland, Australia
Aug 2009 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

31000 mi

A $380
Sensor in the bottom of the Coolant Reservoir was required to be replaced. Check Engine Light would appear at nearly all times while driving. 
Mazda RX-8 in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2009 - Jun 2011
Feb 2010

38000 mi
clogged catalytic converter 
Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Oct 2008 - Sep 2011
Apr 2009

59000 mi

US $545
Replaced ignition coils along with maintanence replacement of plugs and wires 
Sep 2010

76000 mi

US $300
Light on for coolant level, replace coolant tank and sensor, when replacing tank a tube broke off radiator, install new radiator 
Mazda RX-8 in Florida, United States
Feb 2009 - Jan 2011
May 2009

66000 mi

US $170
igniton coils and spark plugs needed to be replaced 
Jul 2009

70000 mi
rear heated O2 sensor wiring harness melted so getting bad readings 
Aug 2009

70000 mi

US $10
Had condensation problem in taillight, fixed with replacement bulbs, hair dryer, and silicone sealant on the leaky gasket. 
Mazda RX-8 in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Sep 2008

49000 mi

US $200
Flooded and new flywheel needed. O2 sensor replaced. wasn't damaged before going in. 
Mazda RX-8 in Ohio, United States
Jun 2009 - Aug 2010
Jun 2010

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. 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
Dec 2006 - Mar 2008
Oct 2007

34000 mi
Replace switch face plates on HVAC & stereo system due to cracking 
Dec 2007

35000 mi
Both O2 sensors failed within 1 week of each other. Replaced under warranty 
Mazda RX-8 in Washington, United States
Sep 2006 - Jul 2020
Dec 2006

45000 mi
Flash update to ECU 
Jan 2009

76000 mi

US $120
Flooded after moving car when it was cold, improper warm up procedure. 
Feb 2016

145000 mi

US $3000
complete long-block engine replacement 
Mar 2018

146000 mi
Fuel tank leak risk remediation recall replacement of ball joints 

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2004 Mazda RX-8 4dr Coupe

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

Mazda RX-8 in Virginia, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2011
Feb 2008

53000 mi

US $300
Engine lost compression; engine + fuel pump replaced under warranty. Plugs and wires replaced at owner's cost. No engine problems since. 
Mazda RX-8 in District of Columbia, United States
Jan 2007 - Jun 2012
Feb 2008

34000 mi

US $300
Poor engine response, especially at low rpm, followed by check engine light after a week or so. 
Mar 2008

35000 mi

US $248
There were 2 bulletins for weak engine, reflash and diagnostics. The diagnostics turned up shorted coil (so, driving with 1 rotor). Coil replaced on out of warranty assistance, labor paid by owner. 
Mar 2010

46000 mi

US $780
Fuel cap seal weak; engine light on, but car worked. After few days, car didn't start. Diagnostic showed P2070 and P0456. Replaced 2 intake manifold tuning valves. Replaced fuel cap on extended warranty. 
Jun 2011

53000 mi

US $400
Weak and slight knocking at mid revs under load. Stuck valve on secondary air intake freed up, engine decarbonized with Mazda kit, slightly corroded ignition wires replaced, coils replaced, air filter replaced. 
Mazda RX-8 in Virginia, United States
Dec 2007 - Dec 2021
Apr 2008

12000 mi

US $100
Power steering module replaced. 
Oct 2010

23000 mi

US $1279
Ignition coil failure Starter replaced Decarbonized engine apex seals 
Dec 2014

38000 mi

US $250
Check engine light on. Reset, no further problem. 
Mazda RX-8 in Georgia, United States
Oct 2008 - Feb 2010
Nov 2008

36900 mi
Replaced spark plugs and ignition coils (all). This was done by the dealer, I was not charged for it. This is also considered regular maintenance. 
Feb 2009

42000 mi
Engine failed compression test, was lacking power down low so under the Mazda 8y/100,000mi engine warranty was replaced. 
Mazda RX-8 in Arizona, United States
Jul 2013 - Sep 2015
May 2014

79000 mi

US $90
Drivers side HID headlamp burned out. It was not the bulb but the ballast. Mazda does not have a part number so dealer wanted $1500 to replace entire assembly. Had an automotive electrician do the job for $90.00 
Mazda RX-8 in Washington, United States
Apr 2009 - Mar 2010
May 2009

35000 mi
Mazda replaced engine under warranty due to carbon build up which greatly reduced horsepower. 

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2004 Mazda RX-8 4-door

4-cylinder manual 2WD

Mazda RX-8 in California, United States
Apr 2007 - Mar 2010
Jul 2007

29000 mi

US $298
The power lumbar support had a broken switch. Dealer noticed it during an inspection and took care of it under warranty. 

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2004 Mazda RX-8 4-door

2-cylinder manual 2WD

Mazda RX-8 in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2006 - Feb 2007
Jan 2007 The heat in the cabi would fluctuate from hot to cold (like the air conditioner had come on). Twisting the heat control knob from current setting of hot to cold and back again (repeat as necessary) would usually bring the heat back to the cabin.  Replaced heater, details in email 050207 
Mazda RX-8 in Texas, United States
Apr 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008

66000 mi

US $100
Check engine light came on. Mechanic said it was a spark misfire, but need to bring the car back for "computer diagnostic." Might need a whole new engine. failed the vaccuum test. Replaced the whole engine with new one. 
Jul 2008

67000 mi
After getting a new engine, came back because the check engine light came back on. Said it was a cracked valved part. Now the steering light came on. Really hard to turn the steering wheel. Don't ever get this car. Been at the shop for soo many reasons. 

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2004 Mazda RX-8 4-door

2-cylinder automatic 2WD

Mazda RX-8 in Manitoba, Canada
Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008

38440 mi

C $350
Flooded engine in cold weather. 

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2003.5 Mazda RX-8 4-door

2-cylinder automatic 2WD

Mazda in New South Wales, Australia
Feb 2008 - Mar 2009
Feb 2009

39680 mi

A $30
2nd set of failed IGN coils. Replaced(owner) myself for

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See TrueDelta's information for all Mazda models.

2004 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 2004 Mazda RX-8 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.