Sporadic power steering loss, almost got into 2 accidents. While driving I would loss power steering.
2004 Mazda RX-8: sudden loss of power
24 of the 490 complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 24
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- typical mileage
- 50,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 25 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Sudden loss of power by model year
- 20054
- 200424
What owners say
The coolant overflow hose is above power steering harness. The fluid leaks on the electrical power steering harness causing a loss of continuity and ground,causing a loss of power steering at start up and while driving and turning on city streets and highways. Its just a matter of time before this faulty electrical power steering unit and power steering module will result in injury and or death.
Engines were recalled for loss of power and compression and was not completed on the car I own. Causes car to stall and will not restart until cooled down, potentially creating a dangerous situation in traffic. Known defect that was not addressed on the car I own. Car loses power after it heats up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (south motors mazda, located at 18010 s dixie hwy miami, fl 33157 305‑234‑5500) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not offer any further assistance. The failure mileage was 23,000. ...updated 11/21/17 *bf
Car experienced engine failure. Engine received proper care and oil changes every 3000 miles. Certified mazda mechanic determined the issue was due to engine failure due to faulty apex seals. Because of this the car immediately lost engine power and could not be driven. Was required to buy new engine. The vehicle was stationary at the time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While the vehicle was being serviced for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that the front passenger side control arm lower ball joint was deteriorating which could cause a loss of power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v325000 (suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
I purchased the car in 5/14/2013 after a week or so it started to lose power and misfiring , popping noise, transmission warms up. The gear that I hold and shift just warms up all the time it feels like it might fire up. Then I took the car to a mechanic they couldn't do anything. I took it to mazda mechanic they charged around 900$. Then it didn't fix anything I went another one and they told me loss compression it was 115 that time. I kept driving it and they said I need to rebuild the transmission too.. I paid this car 6500. And now it s all bad. And apparently I need to buy new engine and transmission. I believe it will cost me about 6000$ .now its on 129,000miles.
Lost power steering. Car would still turn with heavy effort. However, there was no electronic assist.
Loss of power steering. Restart engine ok. Happened twice again since then, same solution.
My electronic power steering is going in and out causing me to lose power steering. This is a problem that many 2004 rx-8 owners are discussing online and in forums. Dealers and mechanics know of the problem with connectors and racks going bad but mazda has refused to address the chronic problem. It is dangerous and costly, I am on my second repair of the problem. Please push mazda to step up and address this growing and chronic problem.
I was driving my 2004 mazda rx-8, which had approximately 60,000 miles at the time, when I suddenly lost power steering in one direction and steering became very light in the other direction. This problem disappeared the next time I started the car, but reappeared intermittently for several hundred miles, eventually causing the car to lose power steering in both directions. This was intermittent for a while, as well, but eventually the power steering ceased to function altogether. These failures were accompanied by a power steering warning light, which remains illuminated to this day. The first time I experienced the phenomenon, I was very startled by it and feel that, had the problem occurred at an inopportune moment, it could have very well contributed to an accident.
Engine failure, loss of power, multiple episodes.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems
- This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery...
- If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake...
- In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak...
- On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system
- Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle
- Mazda: hesitation/idle vibration due to cracked engine mount. on some vehicles with manual transmission...
- Some vehicles may experience a MIL with DTC P2070 (ssv stuck open)
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- If certain passenger vehicles are parked and the engine is operated at high RPM's for an excessive length of time, some of the parts around the exhaust system can melt and produce a variety of malfunctions. Problems caused by the excessive heat build-up can range from inoperative oxygen sensor, neutral switch and back up lights, problems with the parking brakes, malfunctions of the gas gauge and/or possible fuel leaks resulting from heat damage to the fuel tank.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace parts. The recall began on august 30, 2005. Owners may contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 05V317000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2004 Mazda RX-8?
24 of 490 owner complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 (5%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2004.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2004 Mazda RX-8?
There is 1 recall and 25 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2004 Mazda RX-8
Stalling 50Engine failure 38Check engine light 29Power steering loss 28Grinding brakes 22Won't start 21Ball joint 13Jerking 13Fuel pump 11Fuel smell 9Misfire 9Won't shift 9Overheating 8Pulling 7No deployment 6Fire or smoke 5
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