Mazda RX-8 Recall Impacts 70K Vehicles Over Fuel Leak, Fire Risk

Nearly 70,000 Mazda RX-8 vehicles may have defective fuel pump seals, which are prone to deteriorate from heat exposure, potentially causing fuel leaks and fires. 

A Mazda RX-8 recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on November 14, following at least six reports of the fuel pump sealing rings deteriorating and causing fuel leaks. To date, no injuries or fires have been reported in connection with the recall.

Mazda’s investigation was first opened in September 2013, after the manufacturer received a consumer complaint about a fuel pump leak. However the initial investigation was closed after the initial determination suggested the cause of the issue was improper maintenance.

The leaking fuel pump investigation was reopened by Mazda in October 2014, after a second field report was received, which indicated that the fuel pump seal had failed, allowing fuel to escape the pump. After receiving five additional consumer complaints by January 26, 2015, Mazda further investigated the incidents and determined the fuel pump seals were deteriorating due to insufficient heat resistance, causing them to crack and leak fuel.

Mazda determined that under certain circumstances, when the seal cracks due to excessive heat exposure and in the presence of an ignition source, vehicle occupants could be at risk of a fire hazard. Mazda concluded the investigation On October 24 of this year, deciding to issue a safety recall.

Included in the recall are an estimated 69,447 model year 2004 through 2008 RX-8 vehicles manufactured by Mazda North American Operations from April 10, 2003 through February 18, 2008. For a full list of the impacted vehicle identification number (VIN) ranges please visit the NHTSA’s safety recall report.

Mazda announced it will begin notifying owners of the fuel pump seal issue and send a second notice to owners when the parts become available to remedy the recall. Within the second notice, owners will be instructed to schedule a repair appointment at their local Mazda dealer, who will replace the fuel pump sealing ring set and add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank, free of charge. Customers with additional questions regarding the recall may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 and reference the recall number 0516J.