VehicleVerdict

2004 Mazda RX-8 fuel system problems

The 2004 Mazda RX-8 has 38 fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA — 6% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

38

Fuel System complaints

6%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Fuel System complaints by year

RX-8 fuel system complaints by model year38 complaints2004: 38 complaints2005: 15 complaints2006: 8 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 2 complaints2011: 2 complaints
RX-8 fuel system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

17V354000Fuel SystemJune 1, 2017 · 69,447 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the fuel pump pipe cracks, fuel may leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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. Mazda's number for this recall is 1017E.

16V793000Fuel SystemOctober 31, 2016 · 69,447 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The deteriorated seals may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0516J.

What owners report

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 30, 2008 · fire

Common questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2004 Mazda RX-8 have?

NHTSA has 38 complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 fuel system — 6% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2004 Mazda RX-8 fuel system?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the fuel system: 16V793000, 17V354000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.