Omori

...I hope!

My RX-8, now with over 15K miles has been mechanically great - I look forward to driving her everyday.

However, about 2 months ago, I started getting water in my drivers side tail light. I've read about other owners on this forum getting water in the tail lights too.

First time at the dealer, they replaced the light and washed the car. When I got home, I noticed water in the tail light again.

Called them back and they ordered another light. They figured that maybe the replacement light was damaged.

2nd replacement. Same thing.

For the 3rd time, the knew something else was going on. So the sent my car to the body shop and gave me a rental car for the day. Following the 2004 TSB, they adjusted my trunk fit and replaced the tail light again.

So far, 2 days, and 2 washes, and the tail light looks clear. Yeah!!! I think we finally got it.

I must say, Stamford, CT Mazda has been a pleasure to deal with. They have responded to this problem without hesitation and have always been great to deal with for the general service of the RX-8. I've heard some dealer nightmare stories so I guess I'm lucky to have a responsive service department at my dealer.

clmantis21

when you took the car for the first time, did they automatically order you a replacement tail light? I think i might be having the same problem with my driver's tail light.

gateCrasher

I had the same problem! I'm in Houston, so I took my car to Jeff Haas and they fixed me up without blinking an eye. They also flashed my PCM and painted my rotor hubs. Great service.

/gC

Omori

Yeah, they ordered the replacement light without hesitation.

chrism

same happened to me....the time i brought it in it was hot out so the water evaporated and they did it on my word

clmantis21

how long did it take for the replacement tail light to come in?

and how long the the install take?

Omori

It took 3 or 4 days for the replacement tail light to come in.

Swapping out the light only took and hour or so. Dropped it off at 9, grabbed some coffee and breakfest, came back and it was done.

However, as I mentioned, the straight swaps didn't solve my problem.

So they had to send my RX-8 to a Mazda Body Shop (Stamford doesn't have a Body Shop onsite). They gave me a rental car for 1 day and I picked up my car late in the afternoon, the next day.

I really didn't mind giving up the car for a day to have the problem fixed for good. This problem seems to affect early 2004 cars. So, if you are having this problem, check the TSB and see if you car falls in the VIN range. Get the trunk adjusted and save yourself the problem of replacing the light multiple times.