Two problems related to power steering fluid have been reported for the 2004 Mazda RX8. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The coolant overflow hose is above power steering harness. The fluid leaks on the electrical power steering harness causing a loss of continuity and ground,causing a loss of power steering at start up and while driving and turning on city streets and highways. Its just a matter of time before this faulty electrical power steering unit and power steering module will result in injury and or death.
Power steering fails due to faulty power steering harness connections. This failure happened while driving on the expressway at 65 mph. (very dangerous). This is a very common problem with RX-8 owners. Power steering connectors are situated directly under coolant fluid reservoir tank overflow hose. If coolant leaks on these connectors it fouls the connection resulting in power steering loss. Insufficient soldering of these connectors to the connection housing by the manufacturer is also to blame. This harness has been revised 3 times by Mazda in hopes of correcting an extremely dangerous malfunctioning part. There should be a recall sent to all Mazda owners to have the faulty power steering harness f151-67-shob and f151-67-shoc replaced with the most recent revised part f151-67-shod free of charge and cost of labor.