2005 Mazda RX-8 engine problems

The 2005 Mazda RX-8 has 38 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 18% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

18%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

RX-8 engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

05V317000EngineJuly 7, 2005 · 52,000 units

Defect

IF CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE PARKED AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATED AT HIGH RPM'S FOR AN EXCESSIVE LENGTH OF TIME, SOME OF THE PARTS AROUND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN MELT AND PRODUCE A VARIETY OF MALFUNCTIONS. PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD-UP CAN RANGE FROM INOPERATIVE OXYGEN SENSOR, NEUTRAL SWITCH AND BACK UP LIGHTS, PROBLEMS WITH THE PARKING BRAKES, MALFUNCTIONS OF THE GAS GAUGE AND/OR POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKS RESULTING FROM HEAT DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT STATED THE EHICLE STALLED WHEN THE RPMS INCREASED TO APPROXIMATELY 1000. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. SEVERAL DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 2, 2011

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2005 Mazda RX-8 have?

NHTSA has 38 complaints about the 2005 Mazda RX-8 engine — 18% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2005 Mazda RX-8 engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 05V317000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.