Model year guide

2006 Mazda rx-8

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2006 Mazda rx-8 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 23 on record.

2006 Mazda rx-8 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2006 Mazda rx-8 at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints60
Combined18–19 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2006 Mazda rx-8 recalls 5

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #18V402000 · manufacturer #2618F · 15/06/2018

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 Caro…

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Ow…

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #18V404000 · manufacturer #2618F · 15/06/2018

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-…

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 6, 2018 for MPV vehicles. The recall began July 9, 2019 for RX-8 vehicles. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4.…

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #17V474000 · manufacturer #1417G · 26/07/2017

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2004-2008 RX-8, and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other factors, including manufacturing variability that, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-8…

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #17V354000 · manufacturer #1017E · 01/06/2017

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles. Heat from the engine and the exhaust may cause the main fuel pump pipe to crack.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump filter kit, free of charge. The recall began on July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1017E.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #16V793000 · manufacturer #1017E · 31/10/2016

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured April 10, 2003, to February 18, 2008. The affected vehicles have fuel pump sealing rings that may deteriorate due to exposure to heat from the engine or exhaust pipe.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump sealing ring set and add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 0516J.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2006 Mazda rx-8 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2006 Mazda rx-8 MPG & running costs

Combined18–19 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,450
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S6) or Manual 6-spd
Passenger volume89 cu ft
Cargo volume8 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$10,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2006 Mazda rx-8 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$22,250
Fuel only$22,250
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
174.4 in
Width
69.7 in
Height
52.8 in
Wheelbase
106.3 in
Curb weight
3,051 lb
Front track
59.1 in
Rear track
59.1 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2006 Mazda rx-8. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deploymen…

NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021

Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems. Dur…

NHTSA #EA15001 · Air Bags · opened Feb 2015

Air Bag Inflator Rupture Closed

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems. Dur…

NHTSA #PE14016 · Air Bags · opened Jun 2014 · closed Mar 2015

CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET FAILURE Closed

On September 23, 2009, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation to investigate allegations of the clutch pedal bracket failures in MY 2004 - 2006 Mazda RX8 vehicles. In response to an information request letter sent by ODI, Mazda stated that the failure mechanism may be related to an improper fastener attachment sequence to the body. The improper sequence may create a distortion of th…

NHTSA #PE09045 · Power Train · opened Sep 2009 · closed Aug 2010

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 174

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 174.

Product Quality Information (PQI) DESCRIPTION Service Information MT-041/12 is no longer valid. It has been unpublished and superseded by the Field Quality Information Report (FQIR) reporting system.

Bulletin SA-055-26 · Aug 2026

This bulletin supersedes the previously issued bulletin(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red text. 09-042/04 12/10/04 DESCRIPTION Some vehicles may exhibit inoperative electric rear window defroster grid lines, integral antenna concerns causing radio…

Bulletin 09-022-26 · Electrical System, Visibility/wiper · Jul 2026

This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems.…

Bulletin SA-029-26 · Power Train, Service Brakes, Engine · Apr 2026

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focu…

Bulletin SA-039/25 · Structure · Aug 2025

When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.

Bulletin SA-036-25 · Aug 2025

Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris (leav…

Bulletin SA-032-25 · Jun 2025

Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

Bulletin SA-058-24 · Structure · Aug 2024

In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, S…

Bulletin 09-038-24 · Electrical System · Aug 2024

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services perform…

Bulletin SA-011-24b · Jul 2024

Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services perform…

Bulletin SA-011-24a · Jun 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RX-8 RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 8

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2006 Mazda rx-8. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Airbag

Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage t…

Transport Canada #2019496 · Sep 2019

Airbag

Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2019496. Please see recall 2019496 for more information. On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a res…

Transport Canada #2018038 · Jan 2018

Airbag

On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be p…

Transport Canada #2018036 · Jan 2018

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the fuel pump discharge pipe may crack and cause a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel filter body with an improved part.

Transport Canada #2017289 · Jun 2017

Airbag

Note: The recall for the 2005-2008 RX-8 models has been superseded by recall 2018038 (Mazda Recall 2018A), and the recall for the 2005-2006 MPV models has been superseded by recall 2018578 (Mazda Recall 2618F). On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contai…

Transport Canada #2017011 · Jan 2017

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the fuel pump sealing rings may deteriorate from being exposed to heat from the engine and exhaust pipe. Over time, this could cause the fuel pump rings to crack, which could result in a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel pump ri…

Transport Canada #2016568 · Nov 2016

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Mazda rx-8

The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda between 2003 and 2012. It was first shown in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is the direct successor to the RX-7. Like its predecessors in the RX range, it is powered by a rotary Wankel engine. The RX-8 was available for the 2003 model year in most parts of the world.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2006 Mazda rx-8 trims & engines on record

Engines
1.3L 212 hp

2006 Mazda rx-8 vehicles on record

Other Mazda rx-8 model years

2006 Mazda rx-8 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Mazda rx-8 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2006 Mazda rx-8. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Mazda rx-8?

Across all 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, power train, visibility.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Mazda rx-8 get?

The 2006 Mazda rx-8 has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.