2004 Mazda RX8. Consumer writes in regards to several defects in the vehicle. The consumer stated about a year after having the vehicle, the rear tail lights started filling up with water. Also, the vehicle stopped running with no warning. The consumer was informed the vehicle needed a catalytic converter. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, he was informed the vehicle needed two oxygen sensors. After the oxygen sensors were replaced, the stalling continued. The consumer had the vehicle towed the dealer, where he was informed the vehicle needed a new engine.

- San Diego, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX8. The contact stated whenever it would rain, water would leak into the passengers side tail light. The dealer advised there were no recalls for the failure and repairs would be at the owners expense. In addition, the contact stated when accelerating from a complete stop the accelerator pedal would become extremely resistant to applied pressure or would sporadically lunge forward without warning. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and could not offer a remedy. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 34,500 the consumer believed the vehicle also had transmission problems, due to it not shifting properly in 1st and gear. Updated 07/06/10. Updated 07/08/10 updated 07/09/10.

- Glendale, CA, USA

The rear passenger tail lamp on the 2004 Mazda Rx-8 is known to collect water inside the lamp, sometimes as much as 2 inches or more. This is a known issue with Mazda and they will replace the lamp only in under warranty. But according to the Mazda dealer where I purchased my vehicle, water in a tail lamp is considered a safety hazard and will not allow the vehicle to pass the annual Texas department of public safety inspection in the state of Texas. According to the dealer, although it is considered a safety hazard by the Texas department of public safety, the replacement of the lamp would not be covered by Mazda since my vehicle mileage exceeds the warranty. If it is considered a safety hazard by the Texas department of public safety and is not acceptable to their inspection procedures and it is a known defect by Mazda, I believe that Mazda owns the responsibility in replacing the tail lamp.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA