Of the 8 airbags complaints filed for the 2008 Mazda RX-8,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (25%)
50-75k
2 (50%)
75-100k
1 (25%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Mazda RX-8 we track for airbags problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (8).
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1417G. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-382.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented
repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall
(it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Service BulletinSSPB3May 2021
Subject: ** UPDATE** - Takata Inflator Special Service Program (Extended Warranty) Special Service Program SSPB3: In December 2017 Special Service Program SSPB3 - Takata Inflator Extended Warranty was announced. The extended warranty was a result of the Takata airbag inflator class action settlement. Mazda will provide supplemental warranty coverage for all repairs and replacements (including parts and labor) to correct any defects in the materials or workmanship of Takata airbag inflators and the replacement inflators installed pursuant to the Takata airbag recalls. The program covers defects in the Inflator only and does not cover other items in the airbag system. Additionally, the program
The Workshop Manual has two-different airbag procedures, one for Standard Deployment and one for Two-Step Deployment. Standard Deployment is for Mexico spec vehicles and Two-Step Deployment is for US and Canadian spec vehicles.
STOPPER PLATES FOR AIR BAG MODULE CONNECTORS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AS NEW SERVICE PARTS. When removing the connector (1) to the air bag module (2), make sure to first lift the stopper plate (3) carefully using a flathead screwdriver (but do not remove it), and then pull out the connector.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting
8 most recent
airbags · 73,000 mi
· filed 11/14/2017
Takata recall, my car suddenly stopped on the side, of the 101 freeway off the west lake village exit going south, and would not turn on. I had my car towed to the Mazda dealership after finding out of the recall on the fuel pump and air bags on the Mazda website. After 3 days at the dealership and being charged 3 hours of $115.00 hour they were not able to repair my car or replace the recall.…
airbags · 62,000 mi
· filed 10/07/2015
The plastic casing on my drivers side dashboard that encases the air bag is pushing it's way through the dashboard. It is the exact shape of a rectangle which the dealership says is the plastic casing. I feel this is a defect in the car and also dangerous but I was told that this is not a warranty issue.
airbags
· filed 05/25/2017
The dash is all cracked around the passenger dash side. Is exactly where the air bad sits 4 large cracks all the way around it ..also the driver seat right side lower lumbar is shift up and down...poor manufacturing
airbags · 45,437 mi
· filed 05/18/2017
The dashboard that covers the passenger airbag has been cracking in the outline of the airbag since prior to 10/4/2012. Mazda said they would not cover the replacement. I've attached my 10/4/2012 request for an estimate of repair, but I did not get it repaired. I believe they should be paying for this defect. I've also attached a picture of the dashboard as of today. I am afraid it is going…
airbags
· filed 05/04/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda rx-8.the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v344000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available. The contact felt that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was contacted and could not provide…
airbags
· filed 03/31/2015
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda rx-8. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v344000 (air bags). The contact stated that the part needed to remedy the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
airbags · 78,000 mi
· filed 03/20/2018
I am trying to get the airbags replaced but I cannot find a place who will service our car. We are trying to avoid driving it until the airbag problem is fixed.
airbags
· filed 03/02/2016
The dash cover for the defective airbags is cracking and should be replaced by Mazda.
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 Mazda RX-8?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2008 Mazda RX-8?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 8 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 8 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 64,609 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mazda/RX-8.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.