The 2006 Mazda RX-8 has 5 recalls, the most serious being defective airbag inflators on both the driver and passenger sides that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Both frontal airbag inflators are affected by the same underlying problem: moisture can work its way into the inflator over time, and in a crash where the airbag deploys, the inflator can explode rather than inflate normally, scattering sharp metal pieces toward the driver and passengers. This is the well-known Takata-type inflator issue, and it affects both seating positions on this vehicle.
On the fuel system side, there are two separate fire risks. Heat from the engine and exhaust can crack the main fuel pump pipe, allowing raw fuel to drip into the engine bay where it can ignite. A second fuel concern involves the sealing rings around the fuel pump, which can also break down from prolonged heat exposure and begin leaking fuel. Either leak creates a fire risk any time there is a nearby ignition source, which in an engine compartment is essentially constant. Taken together, these two fuel system recalls mean the car can develop a fuel leak through either the pipe itself or the seals that are meant to keep it closed.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can explode during a crash due to propellant breaking down over time from humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may rupture due to moisture entering the unit and manufacturing inconsistencies that accumulate over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine and exhaust heat can cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump filter kit at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump sealing rings may deteriorate from engine and exhaust heat exposure, potentially causing fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump sealing rings and install a thermal insulation pad on the fuel tank at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
