Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2004 Mazda RX-8 Reliability ReportD- grade · high risk · system-by-system breakdown

42/ 100

KeepScore

HIGH RISK

Grade: D-

A driver's car with an Achilles' heel, demanding constant vigilance and deep pockets for its complex rotary heart.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2004 Mazda RX-8

  • The system most likely to surface first: rotary engine compression (critical severity).
  • Has 10 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
  • Outscores the 2005 Mazda RX-8 by 7 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.

Is the 2004 Mazda RX-8 Worth Buying?

The 2004 Mazda RX-8 is a truly unique sports car, but its revolutionary rotary engine design presents significant and frequent reliability challenges that make it a high-risk proposition for the average owner. While offering an unparalleled driving experience, expect substantial proactive maintenance and a high probability of major engine work throughout its lifespan.

Biggest Strengths

  • Exceptional handling and driving dynamics
  • Unique, high-revving rotary engine character
  • Distinctive, timeless sports car styling

What Tends to Fail First on the 2004 Mazda RX-8

The systems that break first on the 2004 Mazda RX-8. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Rotary Engine Compressioncritical
2
Ignition System & Catalytic Convertermajor
3
Oil Metering Pump (OMP) & Oil Consumptionmoderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

2004 Mazda RX-8 Recall History

10 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2005 MPV, 2004 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

What breaks on the 2004 Mazda RX-8?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other Mazda RX-8 Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mazda RX-8. Click any year for its full report.

2004 Mazda RX-8 Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2004 Mazda RX-8

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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