2005 Mazda RX-8: engine stalls while driving

Filed Feb 28, 2017 · Engine · NJ

I believe safety and emissions recall 0516j is causing my car to turn off while in motion, it can be in neutral or in gear. I called mazda corp and told them the vehicle turns off while in motion and believe it's cause by the recall; they said that they do not have a solution at the moment and did not suggest anything but wait. This is a daily driving car and I can not afford to call out of work because of the safety of this vehicle. I would suggest a courtesy vehicle while this recall is being fixed.

Filed Jul 1, 2012 · Acceleration, Electrical · 124,000 miles · CA

**resubmit-didn't go through** I was driving approx 65 MPH on the freeway and felt a kick/jolt and had a loss of power. My speed went down10-15 MPH and although I tried to accelerate it wouldn't do anything. I pulled over to the shoulder and tried to exit but car refused to go into gear. Every time I forced it into gear, the car would constantly stall and die. I had the ignition coil and spark plug replaced but now the clutch just sinks to the floor. I've tried to pump the clutch to get it into gear but this is quite dangerous on the road. My vehicle has trouble controlling its speed since there's a lag switching from 3rd to 4th, 5th to 6th since I have to pump my sunken clutch several times and fiddle with the shifter to actually kick my car into the next gear. My car is now over 100k miles and just read about the mazda rx8 clutch pedal recall online. This malfunction/safety issue was never announced professionally by my dealer. Mazda had no problems contacting me via phone, email ,mail regarding bills but for some reason failed to give me a notice regarding this defect. I've been advised that repairing this problem is quite expensive and since my car although less than 8 years old has passed the extended warranty based on mileage, I'll be stuck driving this car without proper repairs? I feel mazda should've contacted all rx8 owners to reduce the number any future disasters. Would there be any chance to extend the warranty for the clutch pedal based on mileage over 120k? I can't afford to purchase a new car at this moment but need to still commute to work without paying for repairs that would cost me an arm and a leg at the dealer? If this is a recall issue, I would feel more safe having an authorized dealer inspect the problem rather than a cheap auto shop that isn't fully aware of specific details.

Filed Sep 13, 2011 · Engine · 25,000 miles · OK

Vehicle engine loses power and stalls after driving at operating temperature in hot weather. Failure symptoms are most noticeable after driving at highway speed, and will present as a significant loss of power followed by stalling as the vehicle decelerates. Manufacturer has extended the engine warranty to 100,000 miles and will de-carbon the engine and replace spark plugs when reported. However, this solution is not a permanent repair, and symptoms return upon driving within twelve months.

Filed Jul 18, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · MI

The rotary engine rx8 (my 2005) continues to have starting problems. I have just over 100,000 miles on my vehicle. I've replaced the starter three times now, the spark plugs at least twice, three batteries. It is an unreliable vehicle and has had to be towed six times now. Obviously a dangerous situation in that you don't know if the car stalls if or when you can restart the vehicle.

Filed Jun 22, 2011 · Engine · 62,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mazda rx-8. The contact stated the ehicle stalled when the rpms increased to approximately 1000. The contact stated the check engine light came on and the vehicle stalled. Several dealers were notified; however, the contact was unable have the failure diagnosed. The failure mileage was 62,000. The current mileage was 64,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2011 · Engine · 55,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mazda rx8. While driving 10 MPH, the contact stated that check engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle stalled. The dealer informed the contact that there were no related recalls and to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired or inspected. The current mileage was 55,206 and the approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Mar 9, 2010 · Engine · 30,000 miles · MD

2005 mazda rx-8. Consumer states rough running, stalling and flooding. *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle became almost impossible to start. He took the vehicle to the dealer and was told there was carbon in the engine and performed it a compression test. It barely passed the test. The dealer informed the consumer there were a lot of defects in mazda rx-8 engines and that he would probably need a new engine in the future. The dealer replaced the battery and decarbed the engine. The vehicle has continued to idle roughly, stall and flood since the first visit to the dealership. Six months later when the consumer went to start the vehicle to warm it up, the engine light started to blink and the engine cut off. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership. They stated the engine needed to be decarbed again and the coils needed to be replaced.

Filed Jun 30, 2009 · Engine · 46,000 miles · TX

I have a mazda rx8 2005. It repeatedly stalls and has needed a new engine twice in less than a year. Mazda covered the first engine but is now refusing the second. I am aware that these particular vehicles have many problems.

Filed Sep 19, 2008 · Engine · 11,000 miles · AR

Hi, I purchased my 2005 rx8 new in december of 2005. I have 38000 miles at present time. My vehicle has been towed three times due to stalling. I have had my vehicle in for all recalls and it has passed all test. I am still having problems with engine stalling while driving. My vehicle also back fires at times blowing black smoke from tail pipes. I have serious concerns over the safety of my vehicle due to the known fires caused by the rotary engine. I have phoned and visited many dealers to see if mazda has issued a buy back or trade due to issues with the rx8 and they have all replied with "sorry, but we can sell you a different mazda at retail". I have had my vehicle to the mazda repair shop so many times that I no longer even bother to take it in because I always get the same answer. I really just want my car fixed or something else to drive that is safe. I think mazda needs to recognize that there is a real safety issue and peoples lives are in danger. The issues with my car are so many that I do not like to drive it. Currently the check engine light stays on. Please feel free to contact me for further issues with this vehicle.

Filed May 16, 2007 · Engine · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 mazda rx-8. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer ten times. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle also makes a popping sound. While driving 35 to 70 MPH, the contact experienced failure with the motor and stated that oil is seeping into the inlet tubes. The mechanic stated that she was using the wrong fuel and recommended burning it out. The mechanic also stated that the vehicle should not have over 60,000 miles. The contact was informed that this failure is normal and there is a defect in the motors and oil in the inlet tube. The repair cost would be $6,000 for a new motor. The manufacturer refused to assist the contact with the failure. The failure began three months after the vehicle was purchased. The field representative at mazda stated that he was unable to speak with the contact and referred her to someone at the mazda corporate office. The contact has invoices. The # of cylinders and current and failure mileages were unknown.

Filed Jun 12, 2006 · Engine · 14,165 miles · AZ

I own a 2005 mazda rx8 6 speed. The vehicle has 14,000 miles. On 5/30/06 the engine began to stall, sputter and make a clicking noise at over 4500 RPM. I brought the vehicle into a nearby mazda dealer. I was told by service personnel that 4 other rx8's were currently in the shop due to the same problems. I was told that the problem is heat related and more prevalent in hot climates. Service personnel added that the ecu would need to be sent to mazda to be reflashed. If that did not cure the problem the motor may need to be replaced. I called a mazda dealer in las vegas in order to see if they were experiencing the same issues. They confirmed that they were. I confronted local management and asked if they were informing potential and/or new buyers about the motor problem. He stated no and added that he was not required to do so. The car was returned to me on 6/8/06 symptom free. On 6/12/06 the same problems returned and the car was returned to the dealer.