Mazda RX-8 Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Mazda RX-8 across 5 model years. The 2004 model year has the most (106). The words owners use most often: “spark plugs” (11% of reports).
- 138engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $1,700typical repair cost reported by owners
- 40%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Spark plugs: mentioned in 15 of 138 complaints (11%)
- Oil cooler: mentioned in 14 of 138 complaints (10%)
- Catalytic converter: mentioned in 13 of 138 complaints (9%)
- Rotary engine: mentioned in 11 of 138 complaints (8%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine and engine cooling repair on the Mazda RX-8 at $1,700, and half of them between $820 and $3,150.
Based on 12 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2006–2011), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 109 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 138 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 2 an injury.
Mazda RX-8 engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2004, 2005
Problem: 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.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace parts. The recall began on august 30, 2005. Owners may contact mazda at 1-800-222-5500.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I have had my catalytic converter replaced, along w my engine, less than 2 years ago. Now my check engine light has come back on and the inside of my car smells very gassy and exhaust smelling while driving and i'm being told that it's my converter again and they say it should not be having any…
Oil cooler coupling severely rotted to the point of failure (hoses looked fine just the coupling areas). Warranty will not cover parts and mazda has recalled in canada (special service #76), which is 30 miles from my home but will not do anything to help me in the states. Repair cost is over $1300…
Rusted oil cooler lines and fittings on my rx8 driven in ohio where road salting is prevalent in snow months. Filing this complaint since there is a recall issued for my same model year in canada (special program 76) for this exact issue due to snow and salt. Modified lines are available to address…
Oil cooler lines on the rx 8 will rust an corrode due to salt on the roads in the winter months in the upper states.. Lines rust and corrode causing oil to spray over the engine bay ,tires and brakes. Causing a loss traction. And even environmental issues.. Oil over the road.this becomes a hazard…
Coolant sensor in the coolant reservoir tank is continuously showing a warning light. Coolant levels are fine, oil levels are fine. The coolant warning light still shows in the dash. *js *tr
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda RX-8s have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 138 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Mazda RX-8. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mazda RX-8 engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine and engine cooling problems on the Mazda RX-8?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,700 (half paid between $820 and $3,150), from 12 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Mazda RX-8?
The most frequent phrase is “spark plugs”, in 15 of 138 complaints, followed by “oil cooler” (14).
Other Mazda RX-8 problems
- Power Train problems (235)
- Air Bags problems (114)
- Steering problems (111)
See all Mazda RX-8 problems.