Mazda RX-8: Ignition Coilpack Failure (Mazda Recall Issued)

Series 1 RX-8 ignition coilpacks (primary and secondary coils) were subject to a Mazda recall due to premature failure of the coil insulation, leading to misfires, no-start conditions, and hard starting. The Renesis uses four coils feeding leading and trailing plugs on each rotor. Coil failure causes severe misfiring and can contribute to catalyst damage. The recall covered replacement with revised coilpacks, but many affected cars in the used market may have non-updated parts.

• Severe misfiring under acceleration or at idle
• Check engine light with misfire codes (P0301-P0304 equivalents for rotary)
• Hard starting or failure to start
• Engine stuttering or cutting out at low rpm

1. 1

   Ask if the coilpacks have been replaced and confirm recall was completed.

2. 2

   Inspect coilpack connectors for heat damage or corrosion.

3. 3

   Run the engine to warm temperature and check for misfiring at idle or light throttle.

4. 4

   If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan for misfire or coil-related OBD fault codes.

Parts involved: Catalytic converter.

$450 to $1,300 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

• “Has the Mazda coilpack recall been completed on this car?”
• “Have the ignition coilpacks ever been replaced?”
• “Has the car ever misfired badly or thrown ignition-related fault codes?”

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.