14th Mar 2006, 07:49
The plastic part of the front bumper came off in parts. I was driving down the highway and heard a loud air-fulled pop. A piece of the plastic ripped and hangs down. Every time I get the oil changed at a non-dealer lplace, they mess it up.
22nd Mar 2006, 13:33
My 2004 RX-8 may need to have its 23,000 mi. engine replaced! I baby it, garage it and only let Mazda maintain it yet it has been in the shop at least seven times for various defects such as: rear window latch wouldn't lock; front passenger seat plastic keeps breaking and coming off; the brakes squeal after about 5K miles; the defective brakes were supposedly upgraded, but they now squeal too; the engine "ticks" at idle; it makes a loud metal-to-metal rattling sound sometimes upon acceleration; the chip was re-flashed and they kept it a week! Its back there now and they say it will take at least another week and they may need to have its engine replaced. Very very disappointed; I would say mine is a Velocity-Red Lemon. ;- (
6th Sep 2006, 08:31
I was so excited to get into this car, but it has brought me nothing, but problems since. I've had the driver side visor replaced 4 times (I'm getting ready to go on #5), the passenger seat plastic is broken and loose, the brakes have been changed 3 times (my RX8 is almost 2yrs old) due to squealing, and the large plastic guard that runs the length of car underneath had once detached itself in the front (while I was on the highway). I've owned quite a few new and used cars in the past and I've never had or heard of problems like these. I do not recommend getting into an RX8.
23rd Sep 2006, 11:22
Very Sad... I have a 04 RX8... nothing, but problems, and now the dreaded letter in the mail. Will my engine need replaced? Only Mazda and God knows. I'm so upside down in my loan that I would do anything to get out of this car. I would tell everyone to look elsewhere. Do not buy a RX8.
30th Oct 2006, 08:51
2004 RX-8
Nothing but problems - my car only has 14,000 miles on it - unfortunately beyond the 2 yr lemon law policy. Issues with the brakes, motor was replaced in the recall and now the transmission will not shift smoothly. Currently in the shop for 26 days. Love my RX if it weren't for the problems and would gladly take a new one in exchange. Have only had car for a few days in the past 1 1/2 months.
2nd Nov 2006, 19:44
I also have a 2004 RX8 (with the grand touring package) and I'm very disappointed with the car and service. I have experienced the same problems; brake squeal problem at 8000 miles and repeated loss of power, rough idle conditions, CEL issues. Subsequently the engine was replaced in May 2005 and the same symptoms have started again with the replacement engine. It's been in the shop for 24 days. So much for the flagship of the Mazda line. Mazda USA customer mediation has been useless. So much for RX8 owners getting white glove treatment. If you are considering a purchase of an RX8; you've been warned. Also, the bottom has dropped out on the resale value. After 2 1/2 years a 34k car only has a trade in value of 16k.
11th Nov 2006, 02:07
Couldn't agree with you more. Hard to believe this is the best that Mazda can do... on their flagship product!
30th Jan 2007, 03:52
January 30, 2007;
I have a 2004 Mazda RX-8 with almost 40,000 miles and I haven't had any issues with it aside from the fact that it has had brake replacement once due to the brakes squealing. Otherwise, it is a real performer and a fantastic ride and also looks awesome. As for the Mazda dealer is concerned in my area, they are wonderful. When I bring it in for the periodic check ups and oil changes, they provide me with a loaner vehicle and always wash and detail it for me. I will admit that I am disappointed in the amount of gasoline that it guzzles down especially at higher speeds, but I'll deal with that aspect. It is best sport car that I have owned.
30th Jan 2007, 15:05
I've had nothing, but problems with my '04, and factory support has not been ideal. Would recommend the Nissan Z, or the Mustang GT over this car any day of the week.
12th Feb 2007, 12:34
I too have had NOTHING, but problems with my 2004 RX8. I actually cannot remember how many times it has been in the shop. Too many to count. It has had a tail light and a headlamp replaced due to condensation building up inside them and the other tail light is getting replaced this week. Plastic is breaking off of the passenger front seat. I've had to get new engine mounts, a new console lid, a new stereo face, new starter, new front rotors, just to name a few. The gas mileage is absolutely horrible and it uses oil like crazy. I have to keep an extra quart in my trunk. The paint is anything, but durable, it chips and scratches really easily. I am going to try to sell mine in the next few months.
8th Jun 2007, 17:13
I was considering this vehicle myself, but after reviewing these comments, I am reconsidering. One of my fellow workers recently purchased a 2004 model, and I must admit it is a beautiful looking machine.
11th Jun 2007, 09:21
To be sure, the RX8 is a great looking car... it handles and brakes well too. However, its lack of quality and reliability are very real issues. After dealing with too many headaches, I finally got rid of mine.
IMHO, this car cannot be used as a daily driver due to its penchant for flooding, poor gas mileage, and lack of torque (which makes stop-and-go traffic torture).
19th Jun 2007, 12:47
I have had nothing, but problems with my RX-8. The heat in the southwest United States does something to the engine. last summer they replaced the engine. Now being June again, the car has repeatedly stalled in traffic. The dealer has it again. If anyone else has had success with getting a buy-back on this vehicle please let me know.
6th Jul 2007, 16:02
Wow!
Sorry to hear about all the problems. I bought my RX-8 when it had only 8 miles on it. Only I drive it. I have had nothing, but great experiences with this car. Best qaulity car I have ever owned. Beats the crap out of every Ford I've owned that ALWAYS broke down.
I drove the car in hot Florida weather for two years, and now live in Mississippi. No problems in the cold weather either.
My only issue - really bad gas mileage.
- Chuck, Olive Branch, MS.
27th Feb 2006, 14:49
I love My RX-8, unfortunately, I had many of the same problems listed here and many more. I’m currently seeking to enact the lemon law on it. To all of you who love the car, but have been disappointed by the experience of owning one, let Mazda know and see if you can get your money back.