2004 Mazda RX-8
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Recalls on the 2004 Mazda RX-8
Air bags: inflator module
These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
Air bags: inflator module
Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida,…
Air bags: inflator module
The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other…
7 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 515 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2004 Mazda RX-8 at a glance
- Engine
- 1.3L 2-Rotor
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd, Automatic 4-spd
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Coupe
Other Mazda RX-8 years
Free Car Finder
Still deciding on the 2004 Mazda RX-8?
Answer a few quick questions and see your top 3 used cars, with the years to shop.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2004 Mazda RX-8?
Owners have filed 515 complaints about the 2004 Mazda RX-8 with NHTSA, most often about the power train. There are 10 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2004 Mazda RX-8 reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 10 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2004 Mazda RX-8?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2004 Mazda RX-8 listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.