6th Aug 2007, 14:08

I have a 2004 RX-8 with 35k miles on it. I have the 6 speed and touring package. The brakes were replaced at 15k and the starter replaced a couple of months ago. Up to now no real issues. But now its starting to have acceleration problems when the engine is cold. I took it to the dealer for the acceleration issues and all they did was reload the on board computers. It did not fix the problem. So now reading other blogs, I am concerned that this may be the beginning of the end.

10th Aug 2007, 16:46

I have sent in my request for a vehicle buyback on my 2004 RX-8 today. A simple check engine light has precipitated the whole thing. Mazda has replaced everything up to and including the intake manifold to solve that particular problem. Now the electrical system shuts down thus stalling the car without a moments notice. I have 50,300 on the car now. Problems started at about 27,000. It's been back to the dealership 9-times since April 2006. The electrical short would have been #10. Gotta do a whole lot better than this Mazda-people!

17th Aug 2007, 16:29

I have had nothing but fun in my RX8. It handles like a dream, turns heads like no other car, has a great powertrain set-up (let's see you drift Honda), but this car isn't for a normal person. It must be properly maintained BY THE OWNER.

Red-line the car; it helps with carbon build-up. You can run low-boost safely if you wish. It's not really made for a daily driver. And for god's sake, don't buy one with an auto.

All cars have problems, they are machines you know, but when you read about the extreme level of engineering this car has, you have to smile :)

29th Sep 2007, 22:37

I cannot believe that a car so beautiful, has so many problems. I purchased my RX8 December 2006. It had 43,000 miles. I have taken it to the dealer 7 times already, and today Saturday September 29, 2007 the engine light is on. So on Monday it will be my eighth trip for repairs. I love this car so much, but the problems are a little to much for me to handle. I know all cars eventually need repairs at some time or another, but this is a bit to much in so little time.

14th Nov 2007, 22:58

I have had my 2004 RX8 for 6 months now, and you can tell who takes car of there car and who does not. We test drove many and we could not only see, but feel the difference as well. So I agree with the ITS ALL about the OWNER MAINTAINING the SPORTS CAR. Remember, this is a SPORTS CAR. Yes, it may not be a $200,000 vehicle however, sport none the less. The brakes are going to squeak after some time of driving because of the way that it is driven. And if you beat the heck out of it you will ruin the motor, tires and anything else that is high profile.

I am just like any other RX8 owner, rip on the motor sometimes, race around corners, and rev the motor. But, This is not the usual occurrence.

As far as the recalls go, the only one I have had to deal with is the rear tail light seal. I was in and out in 45 min's. I am not trying to rip on anyone, but some of the complaints sound like OWNER DEFAULT. I am sure some are legit, but I also think some issues with these cars are in how the owner actually takes car of the sports car that it is.

I am a PROUD RX8 OWNER!!

19th Dec 2007, 22:42

Hey folks,

I have had trouble with my RX-8 too. Let's see, New engine replaced @ 14k miles, left tail light lense due to condensation build up (now the right is doing it), new starter, new computer, new battery. I tell ya I love the car, but it making me nervous about keeping it. This is my third RX vehicle. I had a 1982 and 1988. Both of these ran like a top, so when I bought the 2004 I felt good about the purchase. Found out later that Mazda had to do some tweaking on the engine to get it to pass emissions and mileage requirements and this started the whole problem. These cars are meant to be be driven hard and use gas. The modifications they made to the engine are not meant for a rotary. In my opinion, they should just scrape the rotary, retain the body style and put a beefy six in the car. Problem solved.

28th Feb 2008, 14:13

Let the engine idle until you see the temperature gauge goes up noticeably EVERY time before you drive! You guys probably just jump right in there on a cold morning, start it, drop it in gear and roll! YOU CAN'T DO THAT! I know of people with RX-7's and other rotary cars from Mazda with over 150,000 miles! Their cars are running fine! Cold rotaries will not last, they are not the same as piston engines, and WILL lose compression if run COLD! GEEZ!, it's not the cars fault, it's called OPERATOR ERROR folks!

2nd Mar 2008, 22:57

I drive my RX-8 in Northern Alberta (Canada) where it is constantly below -30, -40. (Celsius)

Right now, it's minus 28 and she's been plugged in for the last 3 days.

Only issues I have (typical) are the emergency brake sticks in the extreme cold (but I kinda expect this) so I just leave it in first, and don't use the remote start.

I let it idle until its temp is half way up and then drive it!

I DO NOT use this car as a daily driver, it's a performance machine...

But I gotta say, its gas mileage is a record breaking low! Especially in the cold! I won't even tell you guys what I get because it's not even in the double digits... But last week it was +7 Celsius when I drove around Calgary, and I was getting 19mpg and the 8 hour drive up north I avg. 22.

Mine is a 2004 with 48,000km on it (Somewhere around 27,000 miles I think?)

I will admit after reading the countless posts about the engine and tranny's... I'm quite worried because I am 5 hours drive from the nearest Mazda Dealership!

Lets hope for the best, take care of our cars and enjoy them!

Ps. My company vehicle is a Chev... so believe me I'm more worried about breaking down in that then I am in my little baby!

2nd Apr 2008, 15:03

My wife has a 2004 RX8. We are on our 3rd battery. This last time the car wouldn't start, we had it towed where we had to have the spark plugs replaced at $45 per plug. We still had some hesitation when the car starts from a stop, so we dropped it off at the Mazda dealer where they tell me the engine has low compression. The fuel injectors are to blame at a cost of $1700 dollars. Also, while the car is still in the shop, they call me and say the motor mounts are worn and need to be replaced at a cost of over $300 dollars. We have been told the motor may need to be replaced if the injectors do not work. Don't buy a RX8. I've not seen where it is reliable. We have the same problem as everyone else, flooded engine and won't start. You would think some engineer could figure this out by now. Save your money and buy another car, a reliable car and cheap to operate.