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ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-MAZDA-RX-8NHTSA data synced 5 hours ago
Mazda
2009 Mazda RX-8 problems
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 8 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 has 8 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 3 complaints, typically surfacing around 39,967 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 8 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.
1
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 RX-8?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 8 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2009 RX-8· powertrain
Normal driving and the clutch pedal popped and became unstable. Shifting the card became difficult. After further inspection discovered the metal bracket for the clutch broke. *tr
2009 rx 8 Mazda VIN#[xxx] I was driving down the freeway and all the sudden the cruise control shut off causing the car to immediately slow down by 10 miles an hour. The cruise control would not re-engage. I am now having an issue where it feels my ABS is engaging when I…
I purchased a Mazda rx8 new in 2009. I have noticed the passenger dash cracking. At first it was small lines, and I thought it was the normal look of it, but over time the cracks got bigger. I went to my Mazda dealer and they told me that other customers had same issues and they…
Tl-the contact owns a 2009 Mazda rx8. While driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle accelerated unintendedly to approximately 70 MPH. He engaged the vehicle into neutral and the engine continued to rev very hard. The contact stated he turned the ignition off to prevent the…
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Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 17V-011.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
Limited NHTSA data. Only 8 owner complaints have been filed for the 2009 Mazda RX-8, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2009 Mazda RX-8?
Only 8 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2009 Mazda RX-8 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2009 Mazda RX-8?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2009 Mazda RX-8 to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2009 Mazda RX-8 a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 8 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2009 Mazda RX-8?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 39,967 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 39,967 miles. 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 2009 Mazda RX-8?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 8 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Mazda/RX-8.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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