2004 Mazda RX8 from North America - Comments

The first thing happened after two weeks of purchase. Apparently you can't turn the car off if the engine temperature is on cold, it floods the engine or something like that. I was told that you have to let it warm up first, usually this takes about 4-5 minutes. This was covered under warranty the first time.

Secondly, I have low profile tires and can only get 20,000 miles of wear before having to purchase new tires. These tires are about $300 each, so they are not cheap.

I had to replace the A/C condenser due to a rock punching a hole in it. This was going to cost about $700, but it was covered under insurance.

Gas mileage is not good at all.

Trunk space is way too small.

This car is a beautiful car, it turns a lot of heads.

I have had too many problems with it. I am a person that don't have a lot of time to deal with having my car in the shop all the time. I am about to trade it in for a more reliable vehicle.

Just brought my RX8 in for four (4) recalls... not very confidence inspiring.

Additionally:

Driver's seat it badly worn after less than 2 yrs.

Weather stripping is very worn on driver's side.

Plastic trim came loose from the front passenger seat.

Mileage MUCH worse than advertised.

Rear doors very hard to use in tight parking spots.

Steering is numb (though quite accurate).

These problems are unfortunate, as they detract from an otherwise good car. I'll likely sell mine soon.

I have had nothing, but problems with my Mazda Rx-8...it's a 2004 an it has been in the shop well over 17 times in one year... I am totally disgusted with the car... this car is just appearance... nothing else...I need HELPPPPPP.

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.

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.

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. ;- (

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.

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.

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.

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.

Couldn't agree with you more. Hard to believe this is the best that Mazda can do... on their flagship product!

OK. I work for Ford, and have gasoline in my veins. This car as we know it- Is the rx-8. It has proven in only 12k miles to me its abilities. Maybe you all should stop whining. The vehicle has excellent design tecniques. As Jeremy Clarkson stated, "It has been the best driving car in some time."

The vehicle is a 50/50 weight ratio first of all. What was your last car you drove...? Compare it. This vehicle, around turns, makes my vision blur. If you people wanted a Cadillac then you should of bought one. Leave this well designed vehicle out of your hair losing stress related, got nothing to do, can't drive for &%#@ complaints. MY RX8, KICKS ASS... Evan

I own a 2004 RX8 with less than 48,300 miles. After it's fourth trip to the Mazda dealer (engine light kept coming on and they kept telling me they fixed it and I'd pick it up and drive maybe 10 miles and the engine light would come back on), this dealer is now telling me that Mazda is going to replace the engine. At first I thought how great it is for Mazda to replace a faulty engine. Then I started researching on the Internet and it appears there are many owners of RX8's that are having the same problems!!! I LOVE this car, but it has made many trips to the dealer for various things wrong and the latest being it's engine problem. Needless to say, I am very nervous about future problems that this car may have!!

I have a 2004 rx8 and I have no problem with it, but it has only 11000 miles.

I own a 2004 RX8 and have 65,000 km (about 40,000 miles). Problems that have occurred have been: the flooded engine, from turning off the car while cold and attempting to restart;broken trim, the center console came off;a rough sounding transmission, just started one day after a quick shift from 1st to 2nd.

All of the above were covered under warranty, by a very caring dealer. The transmission, while not defective, was replaced with a brand new unit. Only the flooded engine made my blood boil, but once the new chip was installed there have been no problems.

I have 3 kids so a 2 seater was not feasible, and there is no other 4 seater that can compare to the fantastic handling, braking, and shifting qualities of this car. I'll most likely replace this one with another.

Anyone else curious why Mazda has released two Mazdaspeed products (6 and now 3) that are quicker than the top of the line RX8? Is there a Mazdaspeed version about to appear, or as I have read elsewhere, the RX8 is not selling well enough for further investment.

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.