I saw this site and figured if anyone had information on my problem it would be this group.
I have a 2004 RX8 and it is about to get its 3rd engine.
Do you know if this is a common problem and if so has anyone had any luck getting Mazda to help
I don't race or anything i am just a regular driver and the car can't go more than 35k without needing a new engine.
I love the car but the enigne is killing me.
Any info would be great.
Thanks

 

Need more details about your engines and car. I have 40K and am on the original engine.

 

2004 replaced the engine at 32k and now it is at 69k and it seems like I have to put another one in it.
The dealer replaced the last one but it is out of warranty now.
It will not start and there no water in the radiator and there is coolent and water in the oil.

 

I would guess coolant seal failure. But I could be way off...some of the guys on here, like Guitarjunkie, that build engines may chime in.

Did you take your car for the recall?

other info:
Is this an automatic?

Do you live in a hot climate?


Edit: Saw your comments, Abbid. That's what was leading me to ask about his climate. Especially if he lives in a cold climate and is pushing the car before it's not warmed up...

 

Some people have gone beyond 100k with theirs. The most common to have early failure have been autos that have been driven very gently as odd as that may sound.

Paul.

 

it doesn't get that cold here (Louisiana).
The engine was replaced September 05 by the dealer.
Has there been another recall since then?

 

Mazda is replacing a relatively large number of rotary engines. It seems that many of the replacement engines are rebuilt ones and I have read some where that Mazda was having trouble with the company hired to do the rebuilds. The odds are you are getting engines that have failed in other cars, rebuilt but obviously the original problem that caused these engines to fail has not been corrected just patched.

If your on your third engine it is time to demand a brand new engine, not one of their poorly rebuilt ones.

 

There's been a recall since then where they are running diagnostics on the engines, and adjusting the oil metering system. You should have received a letter from Mazda.

Do you let your engines warm up completely before hard acceleration or going high into the RPMs? Is it an automatic?

 

The dealer said the last one was a new one but I don't know if he just ment new to me.
How do you find out if it was a new one or a referb?
Right now I would be happy with them replacing it with anything that will run so I can sell it. Like I said I love the care but I can't dump 8k into it when it is something they should fix.
I just don't see why I have to replace the engine every 18 months.
I just know as soon as the dealer sees that it is out of warranty they are going to stick it to me.

 

yes it is an automatic, but it does that the sport shift thing. I don't know if that matters.
I don't abuse the car at all I just use it to get from a to b, nothing crazy.

 

To chime in, have you had the engine recall done with the compression testing and whatnot that surfaced around August of this year? You may qualify for another engine, under warranty coverage extended by Mazda.

 

I don't remember when it was and what was covered but I did bring it in for a recall.
I think it was on the first engine. I will have to check my paperwork.

 

It's generally argued that rotary engines need to be pushed in the upper rpms to keep them healthy. I've known a few very good rotary mechanics also adhere to such theory. If you were just going "a to b" and not getting agressive with it that may have been part of the problem.

The recall you're speaking of was probably for the gas tank issue. You should call MNAO and ask them regarding the latest recall. There have been two for this car.

 

from my knowledge goin on your third engine? sounds like a lemon to me! then again if it is your third engine, it could be something else in the car that is fkin up your engine. I would seriously have your dealer look at the car.. then again this is my 2nd rotary so what do i know....just my opinion

 

I suggest doing whatever you can to get another engine on their dime and get the hell out from under the thing. Cut your losses. I'd probably buy another 8 though.
Whoever is building those replacement engines sucks! Could be that the installation is messed up. If you're not a rotary addict like many here and you don't need 4 seats it's hard to go wrong with the VQ.