RX-8
Mazda RX-8: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditGenerations and technical specifications
Mazda RX-82003–2012
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model code | SE3P / FE |
| Production | February 2003 – June 2012 |
| Model years | 2003–2012 |
| Body styles | Quad coupé |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Engines | 1.3 L Renesis twin-rotor |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed RC4A-EL automatic 6-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,703 mm |
| Length | 2003–2008: 4,425 mm 2009–2012: 4,470 mm |
| Width | 1,770 mm |
| Height | 1,340 mm |
| Kerb weight | Manual models: 1,309–1,373 kg Automatic models: 1,384 kg |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Assembly | Japan: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Plant) |
| Designer | Ikuo Maeda Wu-Huang Chin (interior designer) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2011 | 1.3 L, 2 cyl | 6-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2004–2011 | 1.3 L, 2 cyl | 6-speed manual | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
| 2004–2005 | 1.3 L, 2 cyl | 4-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | Petrol (premium) |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2011 | 1.3 L, 2 cyl · 6-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 12.4 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.2 L/100 km |
| 2004–2011 | 1.3 L, 2 cyl · 6-speed manual · Rear-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km |
| 2004–2005 | 1.3 L, 2 cyl · 4-speed automatic · Rear-wheel drive | 13.1 L/100 km | 14.7 L/100 km | 10.7 L/100 km |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Engine | Power | Mass | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Petrol | 1308 cm³ | 170 kW (231 PS) | 1390–1429 kg | 284–299 g/km (NEDC) |
| 2010–2011 | Petrol | 2616 cm³ | – | 1265–1390 kg | 299 g/km (NEDC) |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Subcompact car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2004–2011 |
| Powertrains | Petrol |
| Engine displacement | 1.3 L |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Transmission types | Manual, Automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (premium) |
| Configurations listed | 16 |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 227 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,520 L |
| Powertrains (EU) | Petrol |
| Engine displacement (EU) | 1,308–2,616 cm³ |
| Power (EU) | 170 kW (231 PS) |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 1,265–1,429 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,700 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2004–2012 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2003–2011, 2014, 2016 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and drivetrain | 239 | 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Engine and cooling | 200 | 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Airbags | 117 | 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Steering | 112 | 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 76 | 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Electrical system | 48 | 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Body and structure | 34 | 2004, 2006, 2007 |
| Visibility and wipers | 32 | 2004, 2005, 2006 |
| Speed control and cruise | 29 | 2004, 2005, 2009 |
| Suspension | 22 | 2004, 2005, 2010 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2004–2011: 815 complaints, 33 with a crash and 15 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.