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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-MAZDA-RX-8
2005 · Mazda

Mazda RX-8 problems

1 safety recall. 162 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
50 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
31 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
22 reports · avg $1,100
severe
steering
17 reports · avg $700
moderate
cruise control
5 reports · avg $600
severe
brakes
4 reports · avg $450
moderate
electrical
3 reports · avg $850
moderate
lighting
3 reports · avg $250
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 RX-8 · airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V793000 (FUEL SYSTEM, PROPULSION), 15V382000 (AIR BAGS), AND 16V354000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER…
12/30/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938806.0
2005 RX-8 · powertrain
2005 MAZDA RX8; EXCESSIVE SQUEAKING NOISE FROM CLUTCH PEDAL UPON ENGAGEMENT AND DISENGAGEMENT AND FEELS LOOSE. *TR
12/28/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373172.0
2005 RX-8 · powertrain
I BOUGHT A USED MAZDA RX8 (2005 WITH ABOUT 60 THOUSAND MILES) WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS OF DAILY DRIVING (NO RACING OR HARD SHIFTING) MY CLUTCH PEDAL BROKE WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE PEDAL IN PLACE BROKE DUE TO ITS VERY THIN…
12/27/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297060.0
2005 RX-8 · fuel system
2005 MAZDA RX8 WITH FUEL LEAK AND GASOLINE FUMES. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE WILL NOT PARK THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE BECAUSE OF FEAR THE HOUSE WILL CATCH FIRE. SHE STATES THE FUMES ARE HEAVY AFTER FILL UPS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS LEAKAGE HAPPENED AFTER EACH REPAIR…
12/27/2007 · NHTSA ODI #10213866.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 05V317000 07/07/2005

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

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.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Mazda RX-8 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Mazda RX-8 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Mazda RX-8?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 50 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mazda RX-8 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Mazda RX-8?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 162 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Mazda. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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