Yes, today I noticed that I got one of these too... my windshield defroster button is cracked.
Now, I know that this is a warranty repair - but just don't feel like letting the dealer tear apart my interior and surely break something while replacing the button.
I have the AuxMod connected to the radio and the wired remote of my MP3 jukebox is molded into the ashtray so obviously there are a few things that the mechanic wouldn't know about and that's why I would prefer doing the disassembly myself.
Was there anyone who took out the head unit him/herself and the dealer was willing to fix it?

Another option is to ignore the problem - but I'm wondering if this would lead to the button completely separating into two pieces as time goes by. Did this happen to anyone or is there someone who chose to live with the issue and it didn't get any worse?

I'm wondering what's the reason for this happening en masse - seems like a quite common occurrence. This would probably warrant a TSB at least.

(This thread was moved from the "Issues and problems" section since it appears not too many people read that forum...)

 

you are correct
this will get more attention here

 

yea, i took the head unit out on my 04 to install xm and some custom switches on the dash, took the 8 to the dealer, they fixed the defroster button, no questions, they did not connect the switch wires back, they forgot which went to which plug but that was no big deal, i connected them back, ya should not have any problem

 

mine cracked too, i would've never noticed until I sat in the passenger seat..

 

Mine cracked and the dealer replaced it under warranty with an upgraded replacement part. Mazda seems aware of this issue since the designed a new upgraded part. The part is the entie 5 button vent control unit.

 

After sitting around reading these types of problems people had with their RX8 had to go check myself to see if i had the same problem. Sure enough my rear defrost button was split on the side, something i didn't even noticed until i checked. I guess its time for me to visit the good old dealership, hopefully they don't give me a hard time.

 

hehe yea.. mine cracked last week.. but its just a minor defect. no biggie.

not worth the trip to the dealership in my opinion.

 

Never noticed, think i might have to go check her really quick.

 

Mine cracked too after 20 years. Maybe getting a new one for the next 20 years.

 

Hi, a broken window defroster button is a fairly common problem on the RX-8. I understand correctly that you don't want the dealer to dismantle the interior, especially with the additional modifications you have. If you feel up to it, try removing the main unit and replacing the button yourself.
Many people have had similar experiences and sometimes just replacing the button is enough. As for its mass occurrence, it seems to be a manufacturing defect.
regards, emily