2006 Mazda RX-8 problems & reliability
60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda RX-8, alongside 5 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2006 Mazda RX-8 vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 1 occupant death. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags → | 17 | 28% |
| Power Train → | 13 | 22% |
| Visibility | 9 | 15% |
| Engine | 6 | 10% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 6 | 10% |
| Steering | 6 | 10% |
| Structure | 5 | 8% |
| Unknown OR Other | 4 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 3% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 13 reported components →Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 48 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 59,250 miles (middle 50% between 31,500 and 86,925 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact's grandson owns a 2006 Mazda RX-8. The contact stated that while her grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle had an oil pressure failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of…”
Engine · filed May 23, 2023
“There is a white bushing that breaks and is not replaceable. The whole steering column has to be replaced. The fact that this car was made with this flaw is beyond my comprehension. The steering wheel becomes very loose and unsafe to drive.”
Steering · filed Feb 21, 2020
“Perry mazda of santa barbara ca is refusing to repair my recall because the fuel pump currently installed is an aftermarket part. I've contacted mazda, but the representative I spoke with agreed with the technician that they can't repair my recall. He is looking into another solution so I can get my registration, but…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Apr 10, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Engineering Analysis EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · open
- Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Engineering Analysis EA15001 · opened Feb 24, 2015 · open · led to recall 22V945
- Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Preliminary Evaluation PE14016 · opened Jun 11, 2014 · closed Mar 2, 2015 · led to recall 15V226000
- CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE09045 · opened Sep 23, 2009 · closed Aug 19, 2010
Technical service bulletins
173 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Mazda RX-8. The 10 most recent:
This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines…
09-022-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 29, 2026
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance…
SA-029-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2026
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create…
SA-039/25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 22, 2025
When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership…
SA-036-25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 14, 2025
Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of…
SA-032-25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 19, 2025
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
SA-058-24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 15, 2024
In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s…
09-038-24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 8, 2024
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop…
SA-011-24b · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 29, 2024
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop…
SA-011-24a · Other · issued Jun 7, 2024
Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop…
SA-011-24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 12, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2006 Mazda RX-8 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2006 Mazda RX-8?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 59,250 miles — worth a pre-purchase inspection if the car is near that mileage.