I am the 2nd owner of a 2004 RX-8 which I purchased back in 2008-9. Throughout the time I had it I must've changed the spark plugs 4-5 times and didn't think much at the time - just that it was to be expected of a "rotary engine". This past November the car died out in the midst of traffic so, thinking it was an electronic issue, I disconnected the battery for about an hour. By then I didn't want drive it until I could get it checked. A day later it just wouldn't start. I came on this site and found that the problems I was experiencing was common and that there was a Recall 4206F that spoke to my issues (my car falls within the vin #s listed) so I towed the car to my local dealership wherein I found my car was never brought in for this campaign. It took about a month for them to run all the tests and eventually filing a claim to replace the spark plugs, catalytic converter (which was the problem fore it was "clogged", and even the engine. Apparently the parts and service dept. have to run it through their warranty dept. and eventually on to their area rep. who has recently said that (and this is tentative as the service rep. wants to confirm) 1. warranty was expired, 2. the window allowed for recall has elapsed, and 3. that it is a "maintenance" issue. I think that frankly that's a load of ****. 1. what does warranty have to do with a recall, 2. no where in the letter or accompanying recall guidlines is there mention of a time frame to have it addressed aside from the Emissions Law Information paragraphs wherein it "recommends your vehicle or engine serviced as soon as possible. Failure to do so could be determined as lack of proper maintenance of your vehicle." which I never received directly (but have had it serviced - regularly), and 3. the only way I can see it be a maintenance issue is if i don't regularly maintain my vehicle (which I do) and this area rep. is contacting the dealership for history - which will not be there because I only just brought it here (Guam) from California.

Does anyone know if there is anything I can do from here? Of course I will fight them and give them a hell of a time but if you have any useful information to share please do. Anything I can bring to their attention will help.

 

get all the records you can. they're going to fight you on lack of maintenance.

 

did you change your own oil? Either way, grab all receipts of purchased oil/ filters, any other service that was performed on the car.
A good idea is to log into Mazda USA and record your oil changes there.

Good luck