Mazda RX-8 reliability
The Mazda RX-8 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 31.7% of 3,401 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
8 DVSA recalls for the Mazda RX-8
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Fuel may leak from fuel pump rings
Fuel may leak from fuel pump rings.
Fix: Replace the fuel pump rings with new ones.
Recalled models: RX-8 · 1,924 vehicles
The takata passenger airbag inflator may not operate as intended
Passenger airbag inflators may not operate as intended.
Fix: Replacement of Airbag Assembly on affected vehicles.
Recalled models: RX-8 · 26,261 vehicles
Fuel may leak
On the subject vehicles the resin fuel pump rings located on the top surface of the fuel tank may deteriorate by heat from the engine and exhaust pipes. Over time this deterioration could cause the fuel tank to leak which may increase the risk a vehicle fire. The resin fuel pump discharge pipe mounted to the upper part of the fuel pump body (within the fuel tank) may also deteriorate following exposure to heat from the engine and exhaust systems. This deterioration may cause the pipe to crack creating a fuel leak which could increase the risk of a vehicle fire. Fuel may leak from either the upper surface of the fuel tank and /or the fuel pump discharge pipe. In the worst case this may result in a fuel leak. This in turn could increase the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Replacement of the resin fuel pump rings and the fitment of heat insulating pads on the upper surface of the fuel tank to prevent future deterioration by heat of the engine and exhaust systems. The fuel pump filter body will also be replaced with a modified version in order to address the concern of the deterioration of the fuel discharge pipe.
Recalled models: RX-8 · 25,190 vehicles
Front lower suspension arm ball joint casting may crack / break
The front lower arm ball joint casting may have a crack due to inappropriate manufacturing process being used. In extreme driving conditions this could cause the casting to break and the ball joint to become detached. If this happens it could result in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Fix: Replace both left side and right side lower arms with modified units.
Recalled models: RX-8 · 8,030 vehicles
Driver's front airbag may fail to deploy correctly
Continued exposure to high levels of absolute humidity may cause the driver�s front airbag inflator housing to rupture and deploy abnormally in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver�s front airbag. Should the inflator rupture it could result in metal fragments striking the driver or other vehicle occupants.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag inflator
Recalled models: RX8 · 32,030 vehicles
Possible fuel leak
In certain cases; a vehicle which has been parked with the engine operating at high revs for an excessive length of time can suffer melting of some parts surrounding the exhaust system. In consequence this can result in a variety of malfunctions including heat damage to the fuel tank.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the heat insulator pad attached to the fuel tank and power control module upgraded.
Recalled models: RX8 · 15,054 vehicles
Loss of steering may occur
It is possible that cracks may occur in the ball joint socket of the lower suspension arm. Which under certain severe driving conditions may cause the ball to separate from the ball joint socket and a loss of steering may occur.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will be inspected to ascertain if the lower suspension arm fitted is of the affected type. If this is shown to be the case the part will be changed for a quality assured item.
Recalled models: RX8 · 4,621 vehicles
Possible cracking of dynamic damper heat insulator
The dynamic damper heat insulator which is installed on the manual transmission may crack causing abnormal noise. In the worst case the insulator may become detached.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the insulator with a modified one.
Recalled models: RX8 · 119 vehicles
Checking a Mazda RX-8 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.