Originally Posted by RotaryGuyCDN

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Mazda expects to recall RX-8s
Automaker: Engines failing vacuum test must be replaced

queryvar="mazda,expects,to,recall,rx-8s"; Mark Rechtin | | Automotive News / August 21, 2006 - 6:00 am











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MONTEREY, Calif. -- After suffering a black eye from disclosing that it won't count RX-8 owners' opinions in its internal customer-satisfaction scores, Mazda says it may have to replace the engines in many of its flagship sports cars.

The voluntary recall of all 2004 and 2005 vehicles, and some 2006s, is expected to be announced this week or next. It involves damage to the catalyst resulting from oil leaks in the RX-8's rotary engine.

Any engine that does not pass a vacuum test must be replaced, said Robert Davis, head of product development and quality at Mazda North American Operations.

Engines prone to failing the test are mostly in hot climates and use synthetic oils.

Mazda also will check each RX-8's battery and starter, which tend to fail in cold climates.

"We're going to give these cars the white-glove treatment," Davis said. "We would rather replace the engine than have the dealer crack them open."

Davis would not disclose the projected failure rate of the engines or the cost to replace them.

Mazda has a remanufacturing center in North Carolina that will rebuild faulty engines and return them to service.

The recall comes after a video Webcast by two dealers who attended the July 11-13 National Dealer Advisory Council meetings in Newport Beach, Calif., was leaked on the Internet.

In the video, dealers said problems with the RX-8 were unfairly lowering Mazda customer-satisfaction scores.

Mazda informed the dealers that RX-8 owners would continue to be surveyed, but that the responses would not factor into dealer customer-satisfaction scores.

Mazda has issued service bulletins on such trouble spots as squeaky brakes and engine flooding.

Originally Posted by El Kabong

So why aren't the same problems occurring in Australia and Malaysia, which are both pretty hot places, no? Seems like Australia would be a torture test ground for RX-8's, maybe.

-Kabong

Originally Posted by DOMINION

You know when I had my probs with my 8 and my mazda dealer, this is ex what the service goone told me... Makes me think. How long till they stop making this car...

Originally Posted by otherside

Tomorrow!!!

Originally Posted by zoom44

bunny send me a pm and ill email you the docs when they hit

Originally Posted by devious12

Yah maybe we can get back on topic, I was really missing the suspense of the armagedon atmosphere in this thread! Can we please keep talking about the end of the world again!

Originally Posted by BunnyGirl

K. I've heard a varying range of between 1000 up to 2000 and mine is 1858 so I don't know. Allegedly my VIN number means my car was built the third week of production but I don't know officialy what week they started production since it changed so much along the way when it was going to. Mine was built during February week 1 and I was told it was "born" on February 1.

I'm not specifically worried about anything with it, since I have had no issues with my car so far, right about 6500 miles. I was more interested in finding out so I know if I have to take it in for this or not.

Originally Posted by otherside

If Mazda believes that the failure was caused by aftermarket modifications such as FI, you will be denied a new engine as a result.

Originally Posted by Ryan13b

Basically that at light throttle cruise the seals aren't getting proper lubrication. The new flash cures that issue, but can't repair the damage done.

Originally Posted by Tamas

Does "aftermarket modifications" also include anything else the dealer feels like to blame? I mean, if someone has a RB or AEM intake, is it also a basis for denying engine replacement?

Originally Posted by msrecant

I have a 2004 with a 5/03 build date. So what you are telling me is that because I mostly do city driving, with its terrible gas mileage, I may actually end up "dodging the bullet" on this issue. I almost never drive at light throttle cruise.

Who ever thought that poor gas mileage might be a savior .....

Originally Posted by Ryan13b

but it definitely increased my oil consumption. I went from never adding oil, even after 4000 miles, to adding oil every 1500 miles or so.