Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Mazda RX-8 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at Valvoline for a scheduled oil change, the contact was informed that fuel was leaking. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic evaluation revealed a fractured fuel system discharge pipe. The contact was informed that the fuel pump required replacement. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), which was completed on the VIN in 2009. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed a strong gasoline odor originating from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V354000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the recall repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with him. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
No worries - here it is trimmed to under 2,000 characters: I am reporting a recurring safety defect on my 2004 Mazda RX-8 (VIN: [redacted] a repair under NHTSA Recall 1017E (Fuel Pump Ring / Discharge Pipe). Recall 1017E was completed on my vehicle on September 19, 2017. The same fuel leak has since recurred, with fuel vapor now entering the passenger cabin. Only a few thousand miles have been driven since the recall repair. The vehicle is currently at Della Mazda, Queensbury, NY at approximately 72,000 miles. On May 8, 2026, I contacted Mazda Customer Experience Center. Mazda confirmed the dealer submitted a pre-authorization request for recall coverage, which Mazda corporate denied, stating the recall was previously completed and further repairs are my responsibility. I have a chat transcript documenting this. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer (modern Mazda Dodge Ram, 68 waterbury rd, thomaston, ct, 06787, [phone]) to be serviced per NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V355000 (suspension), 16V793000 (fuel system), and 17V354000 (fuel system). The contact was informed that the recall repairs would take one day to complete; however, it took four days. The contact retrieved the vehicle and, while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that they would repair the failure. One week later, the dealer stated that the contact could retrieve the vehicle, but then diagnosed that the compressor failed and it would only last approximately two more years. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. …
The 2004 rx8 has internal seals fail prematurely. This causes the engine to "blow" by a loss of compression in one of the two rotor chambers. The problem being the car with still run with half power. I continued to drive to find help off the highway. The rotor that is not working is dumping gas into the catalytic converter. By the time I parked, I could smell burning fiber and plastic and the exhaust shot out several large chunks of red hot ceramic material. The catalytic converter was bright orange and the entire underside of my car is melted. Looking on internet under "2004 RX 8 engine failure" I have seen several other stories with similar results but worse. Is it possible that the fuel tank could explode with such heat so near if you continued to drive. This happens anywhere from 12,000 miles to 100,000 miles and beyond. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. After the vehicle was taken to Mazda of georgetown to be repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 16V793000 (fuel system, gasoline), the contact noticed a lack of acceleration. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V354000 (fuel system, gasoline). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to o'reilly auto parts where it was diagnosed that the vehicle's secondary air injection system was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer did not know when the parts would be available. The failure mileage was approximately 105,523. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. While the vehicle was parked, the contact's neighbor noticed a strong fuel odor emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to liberty Mazda (91 w service rd, hartford, ct 06120), but the contact was unsure of the diagnostic results. The dealer stated that they would repair the vehicle, but would charge for labor because the rear cross member would need to be removed to gain access to the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they would call back to assist in scheduling an appointment. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V793000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 17V354000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 83,800.
Multiple trouble codes all at once after not having any trouble codes after a long period. As of now 56,000 original miles. Traction control improperly functioning causing vehicle,s maximum speed to 3 MPH. Multiple misfire,s with new spark plug, new spark plug coil packs and new spark plug wires. Gasoline leak not yet narrowed down to specific location. No engine power after shifting to 2nd gear. Check engine light is constantly on however will go out for no more than 2 days. Very strong gasoline odor inside of the vehicle after startup. Loss of engine compression. Goodness knows what is next!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The contact noticed a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle performed normally prior to being repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 17V354000 (fuel system, gasoline). Broen and wood Buick GMC Mazda (329 greenville blvd sw, greenville, nc) diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new fuel tank. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. Updated 8/2/18
Fuel pump nozzle is cracked allowing fuel to leak and fuel pressure to drop cause driveability problems and stalling. Mazda claims its the ring and gasket on their recall but it's the fuel pump cracking. My car started bucking and running erratically. Installed and would not restart for a short period of time. This has been an ongoing problem for roughly one year.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles. Heat from the engine and the exhaust may cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump filter kit, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured April 10, 2003, to February 18, 2008. The affected vehicles have fuel pump sealing rings that may deteriorate due to exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump sealing ring set and add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017.
Fuel System complaints in other RX-8 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2004 Mazda RX-8?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2004 Mazda RX-8, 8% of the model year's 490 complaints. The component named most often is delivery (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Mazda RX-8 fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-354 (fuel pump, Jun 1, 2017); NHTSA recall 16V-793 (fuel pump, Oct 31, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Mazda RX-8 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.