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2004 Mazda RX-8: gas smell in the cabin

9 of the 490 complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 describe gas smell in the cabin.

owner complaints
9
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
82,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

Gas smell in the cabin by model year

  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    4
  • 2005
    2
  • 2004
    9

What owners say

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 Aug 2, 2021 · Fuel system · OH

Fuel fumes are leaking into passenger compartment and leaking from tank. Previous recall failed to fix

Filed Feb 22, 2021 · Fuel system · TX

Recently purchased the car from someone else and noticed that the cabin smells like fuel. I thought maybe he spilled some inside it but it's been a week and the smell is still there. I don't know why and I'm worried about the car catching fire or me getting carbon monoxide poisoning.

Filed Jul 19, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 56,000 miles · NC

Multiple trouble codes all at once after not having any trouble codes after a long period. As of now 56,000 original miles. Traction control improperly functioning causing vehicle,s maximum speed to 3 MPH. Multiple misfire,s with new spark plug, new spark plug coil packs and new spark plug wires. Gasoline leak not yet narrowed down to specific location. No engine power after shifting to 2nd gear. Check engine light is constantly on however will go out for no more than 2 days. Very strong gasoline odor inside of the vehicle after startup. Loss of engine compression. Goodness knows what is next!!!

Filed Oct 24, 2017 · Fuel system · 71,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. The contact noticed a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle performed normally prior to being repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v354000 (fuel system, gasoline). Broen and wood buick gmc mazda (329 greenville blvd sw, greenville, nc) diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new fuel tank. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. *bf updated 8/2/18

Filed Aug 14, 2017 · Fuel system · 83,800 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While the vehicle was parked, the contact's neighbor noticed a strong fuel odor emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to liberty mazda (91 w service rd, hartford, ct 06120), but the contact was unsure of the diagnostic results. The dealer stated that they would repair the vehicle, but would charge for labor because the rear cross member would need to be removed to gain access to the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they would call back to assist in scheduling an appointment. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 16v793000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 17v354000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 83,800.

Filed Apr 30, 2015 · Engine, Suspension · 82,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda rx-8. While driving at various speeds, the contact noticed strong exhaust fumes in the vehicle. In addition, while making a left turn at a low speed, the contact heard a loud noise underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to remain in position. The contact had to continuously maneuver the steering wheel in order to make the vehicle remain in position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 05v325000 (suspension) and 05v317000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.

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 Feb 22, 2004 · Engine · 6,646 miles · CA

I bought my car around the first week of november 2003. In the first month I took the car back to the dealership three times for repair. The problem was with the engine. Apparently one of the rotors was not firing causing a raw fuel smell to enter the car through the ventilation. With only 2000 miles, the engine was replaced after the third visit. Two months have passed and after three days of no driving, the car will no longer start.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported June 1, 2017 · 69,447 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles. Heat from the engine and the exhaust may cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.
Risk
If the fuel pump pipe cracks, fuel may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump filter kit, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1017E.

Recall number 17V354000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported October 31, 2016 · 69,447 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured April 10, 2003, to February 18, 2008. The affected vehicles have fuel pump sealing rings that may deteriorate due to exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.
Risk
The deteriorated seals may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump sealing ring set and add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1‑800‑222‑5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0516J.

Recall number 16V793000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 fuel smell

Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 2004 Mazda RX-8?

9 of 490 owner complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 (2%) mention gas smell in the cabin. 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 are 2 recalls and 0 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 28Loss of power 24Grinding brakes 22Won't start 21Ball joint 13Jerking 13Fuel pump 11Misfire 9Won't shift 9Overheating 8Pulling 7No deployment 6Fire or smoke 5

All model years of the Mazda RX-8

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