I’m still considering a RX8 at some point in the future, the one thing that is making a little nervous is the ability of the a/c to cool the car effectively. I did a search to look see what topics were available, but I couldn’t tell if there was some kinda of resolution to the issue of weak A/C or the irregular cycling.

Living in Houston, this is quite important to me, I can handle the cars other quarks, such as the mpg, and oil issues, it’s a sports car so higher maintenance is just part of the entry fee. Was there ever a recall due to the weird cycling? Its even cold in Houston now, so testing one out wouldn’t really help. Any thoughts are appreciated, especially from those in hot climates.

 

I have a Aug 2003 build and it was fine, actually too cold in the 105-108 degree days we had here in So Cal.

I

 

No recall - A/C works as designed.

I've had my car since July. Temp was in the upper 90s for most of July and August here in the St Louis area, and the A/C worked just fine.

 

Hi. I'm new here (been lurking for months). I thought I'd chime in on this one.

The only time I find that the AC is inadequate is when it's really hot (like over 90F), you're not moving (no engine RPM), and in direct sunlight. Even then it's not like it doesn't work, it just doesn't put frost on your nipples.

I've found the AC to be fine in my four months (and a day) of ownership.

 

I can tell you definitively there is a fix. My bill states as service done when I said the A/C is poor (more detail of course):

"CHECKED ESI AND NO HELP. GOT UPDATED CONTROLER FOR A/C PROBLEM. INSTALL A/C CONTROLER AND PROGRAMMED AND ALL WORKING GOOD AT THIS TIME"

Whether it works or not will take til next summer.

 

Some vehicles do have an issue with the AC, including mine. I have been told twice by Mazda, that they are aware of the problem and workings towards a solution. My dealer has even told me that they have received more and more cars in for the same problem. Hopefully a fix is on the works for those vehicles that need it. In fact, this is what Mazda has written to me.

“In regard to your inquiry, Mazda is aware of the concerns customers are having with the A/C system on the RX-8. Our Product Engineers are working on a couple procedures at this time. However, they are still in the testing mode and nothing has been made official yet.”

 

I never noticed the A/C on account of me never using it. I alwyas open the window because i like the sound of the engine rev. I also had a crappy car with no A/C before that so I don't know how a good A/C is supposed to work.

 

I believe there was a problem in early cars due to the US not having the climate control like the rest of the world. I don't think this is a problem now.

 

Not true. I have an "early car" - first shipment, first boat. No A/C problem (knock on wood).

If there is a problem, it must be sporadic.

 

The problem is real, jonalan. You are just fortunate it doesn't affect you but it sux for those of us who are affected. I'm first shipment, 2nd boat (Port Hueneme offload) and the a/c is definitely deficient. Just when it almost starts to get cool, it starts to blow hot, and it never gets what I would call "cold."