2009 Mazda RX-8 recalls and problems

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 has 4 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mazda dealer.

Urgent: recall 18V-403, recall 18V-402, recall 18V-404 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
4
Complaints
8
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Mazda RX-8 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Mazda RX-8 recalls

Recall 21V-744: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Sep 24, 2021 · 13,891 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install new fuel pump mounting rings. Dealers will also add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 vehicles. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5121I.

Recall 18V-403: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jun 15, 2018 · 237 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-017 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 18V017.

Recall 18V-402: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jun 15, 2018 · 308,591 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.

Recall 18V-404: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jun 15, 2018 · 4,184 vehicles affected · Mazda North American Operations

Problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-2009 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 17V-011 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 17V-011.

2009 Mazda RX-8 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 39,600 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 Mazda RX-8 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 41,000 miles · reported Jan 7, 2020
Mazda recalled all 2004-2008 rx8 models for fuel pump and lockring gasket assembly leakage. My 2009 rx8 has the same issue and starting leaking gas on 1-02-2020 while parked in a garage. I called mazda and was told there were no recalls; however my car has the same problem the 2004-2008 models had. Now I have to pay close to $1,000.00 for repair that should be covered under the recall.
Structure · reported Apr 15, 2019
I purchased a mazda rx8 new in 2009. I have noticed the passenger dash cracking. At first it was small lines, and I thought it was the normal look of it, but over time the cracks got bigger. I went to my mazda dealer and they told me that other customers had same issues and they are still waiting for a mazda recall. I have even seen other similar complaints online. The cracks look horrible.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 45,000 miles · reported Mar 5, 2014
While driving I noticed a fuel smell coming through my vents. After checking around the engine compartment I saw fuel pooling on the engine passenger side. I'm unaware at the moment of the cause add I AM taking it to be checked at the dealer tomorrow.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 21,900 miles · reported Aug 22, 2011
2009 rx 8 mazda VIN#[xxx] I was driving down the freeway and all the sudden the cruise control shut off causing the car to immediately slow down by 10 miles an hour. The cruise control would not re-engage. I AM now having an issue where it feels my ABS is engaging when I first start driving in first and second gear. I have taken this car to the mazda dealership where they said they could not recreate the problem. They simply stated it could just be the 100+ degree texas weather. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (Foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(B)(6).
Vehicle Speed Control · at 39,600 miles · reported Apr 11, 2011
Tl-the contact owns a 2009 mazda rx8. While driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle accelerated unintendedly to approximately 70 MPH. He engaged the vehicle into neutral and the engine continued to rev very hard. The contact stated he turned the ignition off to prevent the engine from blowing up. He then pulled over to the side of the road and engaged the accelerator four times and it released itself. He called the dealer after the first failure and was advised by them that they were not aware of this type of failure. The contact stated the failure had happen twice. The contact stated he…

Other Mazda RX-8 years

Compare all Mazda RX-8 years · All Mazda models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Mazda RX-8 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 Mazda RX-8: 21V-744 (fuel system, gasoline), 18V-403 (air bags), 18V-402 (air bags), 18V-404 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Mazda RX-8?

Owners report power train problems most often (3 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 39,600 miles.

Are Mazda recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mazda dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.