2004 Mazda RX-8: fuel pump failure

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at Valvoline for a scheduled oil change, the contact was informed that fuel was leaking. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic evaluation revealed a fractured fuel system discharge pipe. The contact was informed that the fuel pump required replacement. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), which was completed on the VIN in 2009. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed May 8, 2026 · Fuel system · NY

No worries — here it is trimmed to under 2,000 characters: I am reporting a recurring safety defect on my 2004 Mazda RX-8 (VIN: [XXX] a repair under the federal safety agency Recall 1017E (Fuel Pump Ring / Discharge Pipe). Recall 1017E was completed on my vehicle on September 19, 2017. The same fuel leak has since recurred, with fuel vapor now entering the passenger cabin. Only a few thousand miles have been driven since the recall repair. The vehicle is currently at Della Mazda, Queensbury, NY at approximately 72,000 miles. On May 8, 2026, I contacted Mazda Customer Experience Center. Mazda confirmed the dealer submitted a pre-authorization request for recall coverage, which Mazda corporate denied, stating the recall was previously completed and further repairs are my responsibility. I have a chat transcript documenting this. A recall remedy that fails to correct the covered defect should not be considered complete. I am requesting the federal safety agency review whether Recall 1017E has produced recurring failures, direct Mazda to honor the recall remedy, and advise on available consumer reimbursement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 23, 2022 · Fuel system · 86,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed a strong gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the recall repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with him. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Nov 27, 2018 · Fuel system, Steering · 138,000 miles · CA

Steering wheel violently shakes upon turning and now on straight-away driving. Has been smelling of excessive gas for over 4 years upon start up, despite dealer correcting recall issue with fuel pump discharge pipe.

Filed Apr 2, 2017 · Fuel system · 106,500 miles · NC

Fuel pump nozzle is cracked allowing fuel to leak and fuel pressure to drop cause driveability problems and stalling. Mazda claims its the ring and gasket on their recall but it's the fuel pump cracking. My car started bucking and running erratically. Installed and would not restart for a short period of time. This has been an ongoing problem for roughly one year.

Filed Jan 16, 2017 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · TN

The fuel line input nipple, on the fuel pump assembly, cracks and causes a leak. The fuel pump lock ring is not the problem and can be reused. Replacing the fuel pump assembly fixes the problem. It is very common on all 2004-2008 models.

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · CA

Vehicle had strong smell of raw gasoline fumes in the cabin and outside the car. Upon removing the rear seat to access the fuel pump for inspection, a pool of gasoline was found around the fuel pump and surrounding area to include the electrical wiring for the pump. It appears the leak occurs from a faulty plastic nipple on the fuel pump assembly that connects the pump to the main fuel line. A quick internet search uncovered this is not an isolated incident with the mazda rx8. The fire and safety hazard associated with this issue is immense. I would recommend a further review by the federal safety agency to assess the severity and spectrum of the fuel pump issue in the mazda rx8.

Filed Dec 3, 2012 · Acceleration, Engine · 145,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx8. The contact was driving approximately 10 MPH and smelled gasoline fuel coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the oil pan, throttle body assembly, fuel pump assembly, catalytic converter and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for the same failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000 and the current mileage was 146,000. The VIN was unavailable.

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 May 12, 2009 · Engine · 40,000 miles · KS

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. When the contact attempted to stop the engine, the motor would kick, but the engine would not stop. A mechanic stated that the fuel pump was faulty and made the replacement. The repair only lasted one week. He took the vehicle to a mazda dealer and they stated that there was a flooding issue. The dealer repaired the vehicle for free, but the failure recurred a month later. The mechanic stated that the outer grip on the fly wheel was loose. The mechanic repaired the vehicle, but the engine still would not start. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 42,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2005 · Engine · MD

My 2004 mazda rx8 was purchased in october of 2003. Since the time of purchase, the engine has made loud knocking noises on acceleration and other unacceptable noises when in idle. The check engine light has come on numerous times, and on checking the car on at least 5 occasions, the mazda service department has made only minor repairs or done nothing at all. This problem has worsened over time and recently the car stalled at a busy highway intersection and would not restart for 20 minutes - this was a highly dangerous situation not only for my daughter who was driving and stranded in the car with vehicles speeding by and barely missing hitting her, but for those vehicles approaching from behind. Mazda suddenly determined that the problem is the oil pump - specifically "code p209 post catalyst fuel pump trim too lean." this code has come up on the diagnostic previously, without repair. The car is now just over 50,000 miles and therefore, mazda refuses to honor the warranty - despite the on-going nature of this problem. I believe mazda has acted fraudulently in this manner. They have been aware of the problem since near the time of the purchase date, found nothing wrong with the car, and when out of warranty, suddenly accurately diagnose the problem and refuse to pay. In addition, I was informed by mazda that the fuel pump which is needed to repair the problem is on backorder with the manufacturer and unavailable. I have to wonder if the demand is exceeding the supply of this particular fuel pump because an enormous number of rx8 owners are also being affected by the same problem.