With an engine designed for race cars, the RX-8 demands more maintenance than most modern drivetrains. For its 2008 redesign, Mazda addressed some of the model’s most glaring flaws, but second-gen RX-8s may still suffer from reliability problems.
The Mazda RX-8 debuted in Japan in 2002 and was available in North America from 2004 through 2011. Mazda powered the RX-8 with its 1.3L Renesis engine, a unique and zesty rotary powertrain. But even some Mazda fans felt the RX-8 missed the mark.
In this article, we will review all of the Mazda RX-8 problems you should know about.
Wankel’s Rotary Engine Has its Drawbacks
The Mazda RX-8 is one of the only cars featuring a rotary engine (named after its inventor, Felix Wankel). A rotary engine is compact, lightweight, and capable of high rpms. A rotary-engine-powered Mazda even won 1991’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
But Wankel’s engine has some drawbacks, as the fastest wearing component of any rotary is its engine seals. When the apex seals between the triangular rotor and its circular housing break down, a rotary engine burns oil and loses progressively more compression. Eventually, the engine must be removed and rebuilt or replaced. The rotary engine in the 2004 through 2007 RX-8 suffers from especially weak apex seals, which wear out quickly. RX-8s for 2008 and later model years feature stronger apex seals, which seems to have resolved the issue.
Some RX-8 owners, such as host Kristian Visintin of YouTube’s Driven by Madness, argue that mixing 2-stroke oil into their gas tank prolongs their engine’s life. But owners agree that rotary engines must still be rebuilt early—many before 100,000 miles—according to the RX-8 Help website.
RX-8 Ignition System Issues
RX-8s also suffer from a weak ignition system. Ignition problems include an underpowered starter engine, coil packs prone to failure, and plugs and wires that require replacement often, according to Driven by Madness.
Worn-out ignition coil packs leave unburnt fuel and oil, which in turn clogs the catalytic converter. Visintin specifies that a clogged catalytic converter is one one the most common RX-8 problems and leads to reduced performance, bad emissions, and eventually a check-engine light. If ignored, a clogged catalytic converter will eventually trap heat and exhaust gas in the engine and wear out the rotary engine’s apex seals.
Mazda’s redesigned 2008 RX-8 upgraded the car’s catalytic converter to better resist clogging. But the manufacturer did not upgrade the 2008 RX-8’s coil packs or other ignition components. Many owners consider an aftermarket ignition system a mandatory upgrade for any RX-8, such as this RX-8 with Corvette ignition coils.
Rotary Engines Can Be Costly to Maintain
RX-8s are subject to some significant recalls. For example, every model year of RX-8 was involved in the Takata airbag recall, in which dangerous airbags were discovered in many vehicles across multiple manufacturers. Mazda offered to replace these airbags free of charge. Mazda also recalled 2004 RX-8s to replace the control arms in the vehicle’s front suspension and the fuel pump.
You can find out if there are outstanding recalls on any car by searching its VIN right here on Vehicle History.
RX-8s also suffer from carbon deposits building up on the engine’s oil injectors. Blocked injectors only spray oil on the sides of the engine rotors and cause the engine to wear out rapidly.
Automotive critic Doug Demuro calls the RX-8 “a fun car you probably shouldn’t buy” and cites the difficulty of finding a mechanic experienced with the unique engine. National Speed Inc agrees that you must find a specialized rotary mechanic when you own a rotary and adds that parts are often expensive.
Mazda’s RX-8 is a Problematic Car to Consider
The RX-8 is far from the most reliable or hassle-free car around. However, fans have found creative ways to keep their beloved sports cars on the road. If you are an automotive enthusiast, an RX-8 could be a perfect project for you. But if you are seeking reliable transportation, you will probably find an RX-8 to be downright problematic.
Photos: Mazda
