Service bulletins for the 2005 Mazda RX-8
A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.
180 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.
By type
By component
By trouble code
By topic
| 00-001-20-3689 | 2020-04-03. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; POWER TRAIN; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. |
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| 09-006-20-3673 | 2020-01-30. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12). |
| 09-003-20-3671 | 2020-01-23. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. • Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. • When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. • This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. • Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the “Speedometer Replacement Label”. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. • In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda’s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO’s services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense. |
| 04-001-20-3672 | 2020-01-23. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern. |
| 02-002-20-3651 | 2020-01-23. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal. |
| MT-002-19 | 2019-12-20. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT. If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. Metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure) may rest inside the intake manifold. When the new engine assembly is installed, debris in the intake manifold will be ingested into the new engine and cause internal damage. |
| MT-002-19 | 2019-10-04. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE. If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely. Metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure) may rest inside the intake manifold. When the new engine assembly is installed, debris in the intake manifold will be ingested into the new engine and cause internal damage. |
| SA-013-19 | 2019-04-25. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. MAZDA IDS INOPERATIVE WITH VCM-II LICENSE EXPIRATION MESSAGE - If you encounter an IDS inoperative problem with VCM-II license expiration message, follow the instructions below: 1. CLICK HERE to download the resetting tool to your PC desktop. 2. Reboot your PC, DO NOT start any application after restarting. 3. Run the resetting tool by double clicking the "Reset.bat" file (on your desktop from step 1). 4. Press any key after reading the notifications about the resetting tool. |
| 00-003-19-3583 | 2019-03-21. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT. In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually. |
| 09-003-19-3555a | 2019-03-20. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS. Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a fairly large temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the light housing. It is normal for very small water drops to appear in certain locations on the light units where the air is stagnant (condensation), making the lens look whitish (fog). This happens mostly in the corners and narrow spaces, and will typically clear during warmer ambient temperatures, or when the lights have been on for some time. |
| MT-012-18 | 2019-03-04. Service bulletin. STRUCTURE:BODY; STEERING. If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine. If your dealer does not have a GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine, sublet the vehicle out for repair. To find the location of a GSP9700 near your dealer, visit Hunter?s web site at www.gsp9700.com and click on ?Locate a GSP9700 Road Force Balancer.? |
| 09-009-19-3566 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense. |
| 09-005-19-3562 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12). |
| 09-004-19-3543 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. Refer to DAG Exchange Central (MXConnect>Parts and Accessories>Parts>Programs>Exchange Central) for component availability, source of technical support and prior authorization requirement. NOTE: Always check for a TSB that may modify or eliminate prior authorization for a specific symptom for a given component. |
| 09-003-19-3555 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a fairly large temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the light housing. It is normal for very small water drops to appear in certain locations on the light units where the air is stagnant (condensation), making the lens look whitish (fog). This happens mostly in the corners and narrow spaces, and will typically clear during warmer ambient temperatures, or when the lights have been on for some time. |
| 09-002-19-3554 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid anypotential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference,which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) is used. Floor mat is stacked one on top of another. |
| 09-001-19-3553 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT. When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit (or a MAZDA CONNECT tuner and amp unit (TAU)) with replacement tuner for any reason, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with active working SAT radio. |
| 04-001-19-3556 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES, AIR. Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine. This is a normal operating noise of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Do not attempt any repairs. If you encounter a customer complaint for this concern, explain that the noise comes from the ABS/TCS/DSC "Malfunction Detection Function" initial check and that there is no problem. This initial checkis a necessary function to ensure the normal operation of the ABS/TCS/DSC system. It occurs when the vehicles first moves forward under the following conditions. NOTE: Some customers may describe that the noise does not occur all the time. It does occur all the time, but the sound is more likely to be heard on a slow start and not on a quick start (quick acceleration) when engine noise is louder. |
| 02-004-19-3574 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. STEERING. Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road. |
| 02-002-19-3546 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. WHEELS. Some automotive cleaning products contain strong acid or alkali. When these types of cleaners are used to clean the wheels on Mazda vehicles, the chemicals contents penetrate the clear coating of the wheel surface and damage the paint under the clear coating. The damaged area has the appearance of dark stains. |
| 02-001-19-3550 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION. Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal. |
| 01-004-19-3558 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is caused by high amounts of sulfur in the gasoline being used in the vehicle. Sulfur is normally eliminated during the refining process, but the EPA regulation of sulfur in gasoline differs from state to state. Vehicles using fuel containing high amounts of sulfur will most likely emit sulfur smell from the exhaust system.When high sulfur fuel is burned, there is a chemical reaction in the catalytic converter causing the sulfur tooxidize. As the vehicle is driven, the oxidizing reaction odor in the converter will decrease with mileage and age. |
| 01-002-19-3552 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating types) 1. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard): JIS codes are six-digit alpha-numeric markings molded into the top of the battery to identify a battery by the capacity (amps), dimensions, and battery terminal type. Vehicles manufactured in Japan come from the factory with a JIS rated battery. NOTE: Replacement batteries may use a CCA rating. If so, use the CCA rating listed on the battery. 2. CCA (Cold Cranking Amps):CCA ratings are normally located on a sticker affixed to the top of the battery to indicate a battery's Cold Cranking Amps. CCA rated batteries are supplied with domestically produced vehicles. NOTE: If an incorrect CCA rating is entered into the Mazda GR8-1291, it will result in a false result and invalid Warranty Code from the tester. This will also result in unnecessary replacement of batteries. |
| 01-001-19-3551 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure. |
| 00-002-19-3561 | 2019-02-19. Service bulletin. SERVICE BRAKES. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claims are subject to denial or debit. Tool Number Description Pricing PC1923MAZ Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe Check eStore or call for current pricing OBTAINING TOOLS This tool can be ordered through Mazda eStore. You can log on to eStore at: http://dealers.mazdausa.com CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION For warranty or product information contact Mazda Authorized Service Equipment at 877-768-6657. Customer service representatives are available from 7:30 AM until 7:00 PM CST, Monday through Friday. SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL (SST) PART NAME: OVERVIEW Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe PART NUMBER: PC1923MAZ APPLICABLE MODELS: All USAGE: To machine brake rotors on the vehicle. |
The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.