Own a Mazda RX 8 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Mazda RX 8 for model years 2005 to 2011. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help RX 8 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 300 owner complaints on file for the RX 8 and 9 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (82), air bags (64), engine and engine cooling (32).
Most-Reported Mazda RX 8 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the RX 8 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 82 | 27% | |
| Air Bags | 64 | 21% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 32 | 10% | |
| Steering | 31 | 10% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | 9% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 18 | 6% | |
| Engine | 17 | 5% | |
| Visibility | 14 | 4% |
Power Train
82 of the 300 complaints (27%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Air Bags
64 of the 300 complaints (21%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Engine And Engine Cooling
32 of the 300 complaints (10%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Mazda RX 8 Complaints by Model Year
The RX 8 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 168 | |
| 2006 | 60 | |
| 2007 | 38 | |
| 2008 | 17 | |
| 2009 | 8 | |
| 2010 | 5 | |
| 2011 | 4 |
Mazda RX 8 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the RX 8, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Mazda.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your RX 8? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Mazda RX 8 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the RX 8 in these model years, most often involving air bags, fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2021 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 21V744000): Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings.
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (campaign 19V488000): Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-716 but have not yet been repaired.
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V402000): Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide.
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V404000): Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New...
- 2018 recall, Air Bags (campaign 18V403000): Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-017 but have not yet been repaired.
- 2017 recall, Air Bags (campaign 17V474000): Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the RX 8, 10 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 5 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Mazda RX 8 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Mazda will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a RX 8 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for RX 8 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Mazda RX 8, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Mazda RX 8 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Mazda RX 8 repair service, or choose a service below.
Mazda RX 8 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Mazda RX 8?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Mazda RX 8 are power train (82), air bags (64), engine and engine cooling (32). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which RX 8 model years have the most complaints?
The RX 8 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2005, 2006, 2007. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Mazda RX 8?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Mazda RX 8. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Mazda RX 8 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the Mazda RX 8 across model years 2005 to 2011. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Mazda RX 8 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Mazda vehicles including the RX 8, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Mazda RX 8?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Mazda RX 8 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Mazda Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.