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2004 Mazda RX-8 engine complaints

Page 3 of 6: complaints 41 to 70 of 139, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Mazda RX-8 engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 25, 2011 · Engine · 60,300 miles · WI

I noticed a small oil leak coming from below the driver's side oil cooler. Upon taking this apart, I saw that the oil leak was coming from the oil cooler hose and the oil cooler hose fittings were very rusted. I ordered the part to replace the driver side, costing me $350. I haven't received the part yet and will be without a vehicle for one week. I have read up on this problem, and I have found that there is a recall affecting my make, model, and year that my car was built, but only for people who reside in canada. Mazda USA will not acknowledge this recall.

Filed May 27, 2011 · Engine · 40,000 miles · AL

Engine failure, loss of power, multiple episodes.

Filed Apr 20, 2011 · Engine · 97,000 miles · GU

The faulty oil injector releases excess oil and as a result drowns the catalytic converter and spark plugs. Because of this the car eats through spark plugs and when running at a low RPM the car will shut down which has happened on numerous occasions and in the middle of traffic. With this knowledge mazda put out a recall (4206f) to replace the spark plugs, catalytic converter, and perhaps even the engine. My car was tested and the local dealership found that it falls within the recall. Mazda headquarters isn't honoring the recall or the dealer's findings and is saying that it is a maintenance issue and will therefore not replace or repair anything.

Filed Mar 22, 2011 · Engine · CA

S10 appropriate handling- letter to the secretary from requesting dot start an investigation similar to toyota' s regarding the engine flooding of the 2004 mazda rx8 *tgw the consumer state the dealer had his vehicle for 10 days. After 10 days of unsuccessfully trying to diagnose what the problem was, their final solution was to flush and clean the engine in hoping to cover-up the unresolved mechanical issue. In doing so, they only made the problem worse.

Filed Feb 25, 2011 · Engine · 65,000 miles · CA

I bought my 2004 mazda rx-8 at 52,000 miles. At 65,000 miles I was on my way back from malibu when my check engine light came on. Roadside service towed my car to the nearest mazda dealer in thousand oaks. There they told me that my car needed to have the coils and spark plugs replaced costing $880. After they finished the job, I went back to pick up my car from the lot. I turn my car on and the check engine light came on yet again, wasting my 2 hr. Trip. After further diagnosis they informed me that my wiring harness, oxygen sensor, radiator sensor, and fuel pump needed to be replaced. All this costing around $2600 which amounts my total expenses to approximately $3500. After checking for recalls on my car on the federal safety agency, I found a recall for engine and engine cooling problems which, if not fixed, resulted in all the same problems that I currently have right now. I was also informed that my car was still under the 100,000 miles or 10 year engine warranty. When I notified the dealer about the recalls and the warranty, they refused to offer me any help, stating that my car had already had the recall performed and that the warranty only specifically covered the 1.3 renesis rotary engine and not its related components. They refuse to take responsibility for the problems they caused by selling a faulty product. When the dealer couldn't offer me any help I decided to contact mazda customer service. They also refused to help me in any way. The price that they are demanding is ridiculous as well seeing as how a brand new motor costs $2200 and with labor would amount close to what I now have to pay. Since mazda remains firmly resolved on the issue, I have no choice but to helplessly pay the money that they ask for. My last resort is to file this complaint to the federal safety agency and hope that you may help me retrieve the money that rightfully belongs to me and to force mazda to take full responsibility for the lemon product that they are selling.

Filed Feb 24, 2011 · Engine · 94,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. The contact stated that the engine was leaking oil which caused the vehicle to not start. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the engine burned due to neglect and needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 94,000. Updated 03/31/11*lj updated 12/28/2011

Filed Nov 8, 2010 · Engine · 99,130 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. The contact stated that the vehicle engine was exhibiting a decrease in power and was sporadically slow to start. The dealer advised the contact that the engine had low compression and would need a motor replacement. The vehicle was not repaired and the contact stated that the dealer denied the repair under an extended warranty. The manufacturer advised the contact that they would consult with the dealer and contact him at a later date. The manufacturer offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 99,130.

Filed Oct 29, 2010 · Engine · 62,000 miles · PA

Oil cooler lines in front of vehicle rusted out after 60k miles. Oil leaked onto tires/brakes.

Filed Oct 20, 2010 · Engine · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While stopped with his foot on the brake pedal, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled. After several repeated attempts, he was able to restart the vehicle. The failure occurred intermittently and more frequently when the air conditioner was turned on. The contact also noticed that the engine lacked power. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was repaired (repair details were not given). The failure continued and progressed. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was approximately 42,000. Updated 01/13/11*bf updated 01/24/11

Filed Aug 30, 2010 · Engine · 65,595 miles · OH

I own a 2004 mazda rx-8. I noticed there was oil leaking from the vehicle while it was parked in my driveway. I took it to a mazda dealership to be repaired. The oil hose was badly corroded and rusted, causing it to leak oil onto the tires, brakes, and road. The oil hose and gaskets had to be replaced with new parts, costing over $600.00. Mazda canada has re-called the oil hoses on the rx-8 in canada because road salt was tending to cause corrosion of the oil hose. However, mazda USA refuses to re-call.

Filed Aug 26, 2010 · Engine · 119,000 miles · NC

Driving down the highway and vehicle lost engine compression in traffic. Almost was rearended.

Filed Aug 20, 2010 · Engine · 74,800 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. The contact was driving approximately 50 MPH when the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer advised that the shutter valve would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 74,800 and the current mileage was 74,820.

Filed Jul 19, 2010 · Engine · 43,358 miles · NM · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. The contact stated that the ignition cylinder on the vehicle malfunctioned. The engine warning light illuminated while driving approximately 55 MPH and the vehicle stalled. An excessive amount of smoke was also bellowing from underneath the vehicle. The dealer stated that raw gas was being dumped into the catalytic converter which caused a fire to occur in the wiring harness. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and who stated that the wiring harness and the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced at the owners expense. The dealer called the mazda district representative to discuss the failure and they stated that there was nothing they could do. The vehicle was not repaired. Mazda filed case number 130341420 regarding the failure. The failure and current mileages were 43,358.

Filed Jul 15, 2010 · Engine · 30,000 miles · IL

I own a mazda rx8 and I have had so many problems with it, I would come to a stop and it will stall, can't start it back up and have to have it towed to the shop. I will drive it to the store and come back out to leave and it will not start, have to have it towed. Have had the engine replaced one time already and it still has all the same problems. I can not drive it now because it is completely dead and will not start it has been in this condition for almost a month. Mazda most of the time says they can not duplicate the problem and as soon as I leave my car would break down on the way home. If you go to the web site http://forums.automotive.com/70/6305605/mazda/rx-8-lawsuit/page4.html you will see that this car is just a death trap and so many people are having all the same problems with this car that I am. Please do something about this. I am not a wealthy person and can not afford to be taken advantage of like this. I paid $23,000 for this car and it is costing me an arm and a leg to keep it running. I do not own another car.

Filed Jun 30, 2010 · Engine, Steering · 40,833 miles · CA

My 2004 mazda rx-8 only has 53,000 miles on it and is again in the shop due to manufacturer-related engine failure. This is the second time in less than 1 year I've been left stranded in hazardous circumstances because of engine failure. I've also experienced power steering failure and loss of engine compression/engine misfires while driving on multiple occasions. As a result, I'm becoming increasingly concerned for my safety, as well as for the safety of others who own/operate this type of mazda vehicle. Please consider organizing a class-action lawsuit against mazda to hold them accountable for putting many valuable lives at risk.

Filed Jun 21, 2010 · Engine · 72,000 miles · NC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving at 45 MPH the exhaust system overheated and caused unknown wires to overheat and smoke. The dealer advised there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The current mileage was 80,000 and the failure mileage was 72,000.

Filed Jun 14, 2010 · Engine · 95,000 miles · VA

I slowed to let the car infront turn. When I pressed the accelerator again, a big cloud of white smoke came out the exhaust and the engine completely died. I was able to push in the clutch and coast into a fire department. I tried to restart the car once stopped but it wouldn't restart. I could smell oil coming from the car while trying to start it which leads me to believe that the oil seal is blown. Once towed to pearson mazda, I was told that the car needed two coils and spark plugs. Once those where replaced, the car still didn't run correctly so a compression test was done in which it was found that there is no compression on the rear rotor and the motor would have to be replaced. On friday the fourth, three days after the initial incident, I was told that mazda wouldn't cover the motor under warranty because the catalytic converter was hollowed out. Now anyone that knows about cars knows that a hollowed cat won't cause an oil seal to go on a motor. It has been documented many places on the internet were these motors last as little as 20,000 miles and have to be replaced. Mazda doesn't want to take responsibility for a defective product. It has now been two weeks and mazda still has not responded to my many calls to get this reversed.

Filed May 25, 2010 · Engine · 67,483 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. The contact stated that while traveling at speeds of 50 MPH, the vehicle began decreasing in speed without warning and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. On a separate occasion, while driving at speeds of 50 MPH, the vehicle began to shake violently. The check engine and battery warning lights illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The failure mileage was 67,483 and the current mileage was 67,000.

Filed May 20, 2010 · Engine · 70,000 miles · AZ

Im pretty bummed out, im an owner of an 04 mazda rx8 and about a month or so the heart (engine) of the car suddenly gave out, I took it to the dealer to get it checked out and the news they gave me was that I needed a new engine, they asked me for maintenance records which I couldn't provide them with because I do the tune ups myself, they want receipts but lets be honest its hard to keep track of them, so they said no records no receipts it will cost you over 3k to get the job done. I see a lot of complaints and recalls online for this vehicle and know that mine falls in that category also. I have witnesses that see me do my oilchanges and store employees that know I buy tune up products from there store. What can I do to fight for my rights?

Filed Apr 13, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 43,123 miles · OH

2004 mazda rx-8, under 45k miles. Driven on a 78 degree day for 2 hour trip. Stopped to refuel and 30 min shopping. Get into car onto highway where I need my engine's speed to accelerate onto highway. I feels like half the power is gone. It reminds me of vapor lock, it's gasping for fuel or spark. This has been experienced many times before and nearly dangerous when in busy traffic, as had to pull over to birm. I know dealer replaced coil packs once or twice so far...along with plugs. This is the most dangerous car I ever owned. The most re-called car I've ever known of. Right now it's running fine, matter of fact has power to spare as compared to it's 'whimping out syndrome ". There must be a corporate solution from mazda to me. I am ready for a lawyer.

Filed Apr 6, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 103,000 miles · AZ

I have owned a 2004 mazda rx7 since oct 07 since then the engine has been replaced at 26,000 miles 2 set of coils spark plugs and wires, sensors, transmission, radiator reservoir just for starters. Now the car is stalling at low RPM's or when it gets hot leaving me stranded in intersections and on busy freeways. Mazda has a bulletin out on this car but because they do not consider it a safety issue they will not recall the car. I beg to differ!! Being stranded in an intersection or on a busy highway increases my odds greatly that I am going to be hit by another car and possibly killed. There has got to be some type of government body out there that can enforce these many claims of engine failure against mazda and there rotary engine because the latest diagnosis is that I need to replace the engine again!! Please help!

Filed Mar 16, 2010 · Engine · 45,000 miles · IL

I own a 2004 mazda rx8 and have never had more problems with a car in my life. Shortly after buying it, it would not start, had it towed to dealer, they could not find a problem. Have had to have it towed 8 times now because it stalls when coming to a stop or when taking off. It has sat all winter due to not starting. My had sweat just thinking about driving this car and I will only take back roads, one near miss on the highway was enough for me to stay off and stay on back roads, at least then I have some chance of getting it to the side of the road. My car has been in the shop so many times I have lost count although I have all of the repair orders. They did replace the engine, but it still runs rough, now the engine lite is on again!!!! This is the only car I have to drive and I can not trade it in because all the dealers know about the car and will not give me even one half of what I paid for it. I have seen so many complaints on this car for so many reasons and can not believe the car itself has not been recalled. They should buy them all back for what we paid for them mine was $23,000. Why aren't you doing what you have done to toyota??????? I am going to die in this car!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ask for approximate incident date, well I have about 20 of them and you only allow one.

Filed Mar 12, 2010 · Engine · 47,000 miles · CT

I own a mazda rx8-2004. Since purchase it has always idled rough. On occasion the vehicle will not start, supposedly flooded. Now just yesterday it was idling rough again but while merging on to the highway the engine cut off in an instant. The car lost all power. I was able to pull over to the side of the road and it did restart. I'm afraid to have my family in this car anymore. There are known issues with the rotary engine and failure it a big problem. This car has been recalled for the engine before but passed the mazda "tests" and was never replaced. It's been documented by thousands of consumers. This engine failure is no different than the toyota gas pedal problem that is putting consumers lives at risk. This problem is the reverse, you could be changing lanes and loose all power and get run over by a tractor trailer. Why are the complaints about this vehicle being ignored? Is it because it's only one mazda model and it doesn't have that many cars on the road? This vehicle is a lemon and a danger to drive. I cannot believe more deaths have not occurred and mazda is allowed to sweep this under the carpet. I would get rid of this car but all car dealers know the deal with it and won't give you a penny for it thus I need to continue to drive this death trap. Please help us helpless consumers. Mazda should not be able to allow this to happen.

Filed Mar 10, 2010 · Airbags, Brakes · MA

I don't even know where to begin with the problem I have had with my 2004 mazda rx-8. I have owned it since september 2003 and it has had countless issues, parts replaced and failures. The incident I experienced last night put me over the edge and almost cost me my life. My rx-8, which was just at the dealer 2 weeks ago, had an engine malfunction while I was on a major highway in massachusetts. The speed of the vehicle went from approx 50mph to 10mph in a matter of a few seconds. Luckily I was able to make my way to the breakdown lane without injuring myself or anyone else; however, this is unacceptable. Every single part in my rx-8 has been replaced except for the engine mounts and engine. I have dished out thousands of dollars already and the vehicle only has 44,000 miles on it. Not only is this a safety hazard to those of us driving the vehicle, but it is also a safety hazard to those around us. Had the car behind me not been paying attention my vehicle could have caused a deadly car crash in the middle of rush hour on a major highway. I have contacted numerous dealerships, the bbb, and am now looking into a class action lawsuit. Mazda needs to be held accountable for their actions. Unfortunately because my car was purchased in 2003, bbb wouldn't have anything to do with the case, however I have 57 pages of detailed repairs that have been made to this vehicle since I owned it, which I am more than happy to send to you. Tons of people online have had similar issues; just from automotive.com there are 30+ email addresses of individuals who have experienced problems similar to mine. Please help us get to the bottom of this faulty engine and make mazda own up to their mistakes. People's lives are in danger and this is neither acceptable nor ethical. Ps- an employee of the federal safety agency has been contacted prior regarding this situation. Her name is [xxx] and her contact information is [xxx]ext #: [xxx]. I received this from the automotive.com forum. *tr information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (fo

Filed Jan 26, 2010 · Engine · 62,724 miles · PA

2004 mazda rx8 has a known issue with the external oil cooler. The pipe that transports oil from the engine to the cooler and back is exposed and subject to corrosion from environmental exposure, in particular the aluminum reinforcing material in the pipe is vulnerable to road salt. This problem is known to mazda. In canada they have issued field action number 142-36, which is a recall in which they replace these pipes with a redesigned part that is less susceptible to this defect. They have chosen not to extend this recall to the us because (quoting from the recall document): "the mazda rx-8 is sold in the u.s., however through review of field reports and warranty claims where road salt is used, there is very little evidence of this condition in the u.s. Mazda has concluded that no field action is required in the u.s. Market at this time." the reason I believe this is a safety issue is that in my case, the pipe perforated while the car was in motion, spraying a large amount of engine oil at high pressure into the internal engine compartment, and onto the road behind me. Had I not killed the ignition almost immediately, I believe the engine would have voided all of its oil onto the road. I believe this exposed those driving behind me to hazardous conditions, and could have contributed to a serious accident (although none occurred in this case). Again quoting from the canadian recall document: "the small amount of potential oil seepage will be evidenced to the customer when the vehicle is parked and is not believed to present any risk to safety." clearly I do not agree with their assessment here!

Filed Nov 3, 2009 · Engine · 5,647 miles · WA

My mazda rx8 has been burning oil since it was new. I don"t have it anymore. Do I have any recourse against mazda corporation?

Filed Oct 28, 2009 · Engine · 59,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. When attempting to turn the ignition the vehicle exhibited a no-start condition. The battery was replaced. The repair did not remedy the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection. The technician was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic on four separate occasions for identical failures, but the failure has not been remedied. The failure mileage as 59,000. The current mileage was 62,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2009 · Engine · 101,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. He stated the vehicle hesitated to start and that while driving it failed to operate at minimal speed. He also stated the vehicle would not accelerate properly. The check engine warning light illuminated and he noticed smoke coming from under the hood and the middle interior console. An independent mechanic stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that there was a previous campaign pertaining to the same failures; however, the repairs were made with the original owner. The contact is responsible for paying the repair cost. The contact stated the part was reprogrammed but not replaced as relayed to him by the manufacturer. No repairs had been made. The failure and current mileages were under 101,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2009 · Engine · 60,000 miles · RI

I noticed massive amounts of oil leaking from under my 2004 mazda rx8 onto the driveway of a friend's landlord's driveway. I drove it into the dealership and was told that the oil cooler lines had corroded and needed to be replaced for $1200. Mazda does not cover this under warranty but has issued a recall in canada for this very issue but does not recognize it in the u.s.a. Leaks can be fairly slow and unnoticeable for quite a while and coat the wheels and brakes with oil, causing loss of handling and trouble braking.

Filed Sep 3, 2009 · Engine · 98,000 miles · MA

The vehicle is a 2004 mazda rx-8. The oil lines connecting the engine to the oil cooler ruptured sending oil spewing all over the tires and brakes. The engine lost 100% of it's oil and controlling the car was difficult. This problem is reportedly due to excessive corrosion of the oil lines in cold climates where salt is often on the road. In canada, there is a recall for this issue. There should be one in the us as well.

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