Catalytic Convertor Problems of Mazda RX8

2004 Mazda Rx8. Consumer writes in regards to several defects in the vehicle. The consumer stated about a year after having the vehicle, the rear tail lights started filling up with water. Also, the vehicle stopped running with no warning. The consumer was informed the vehicle needed a catalytic converter. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, he was informed the vehicle needed two oxygen sensors. After the oxygen sensors were replaced, the stalling continued. The consumer had the vehicle towed the dealer, where he was informed the vehicle needed a new engine.

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The contact owns a 2004 Mazda RX-8. He stated the vehicle hesitated to start and that while driving it failed to operate at minimal speed. He also stated the vehicle would not accelerate properly. The check engine warning light illuminated and he noticed smoke coming from under the hood and the middle interior console. An independent mechanic stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that there was a previous campaign pertaining to the same failures; however, the repairs were made with the original owner. The contact is responsible for paying the repair cost. The contact stated the part was reprogrammed but not replaced as relayed to him by the manufacturer. No repairs had been made. The failure and current mileages were under 101,000.

A new catalytic converter was purchased from a Mazda dealer in mayaguez, puerto rico on August 29, 2009. The same was placed on the vehicle, a 2005 Mazda RX-8 shinka model, one week after the purchase since we had to wait for the arrival of this part and a new set of spark plugs that was also purchased at a price of $200. 00. The car was not in use until the end of September 2009. On September 24, 2009 the car had a failure and I could see smoke coming out of the car and the car turned off in the middle of the highway. I could smell burnt plastic and saw melted plastic coming below the car. The day all this happened, it was raining so the car was protected from a fire due to the rain. I got pictures of some of the melted parts. After the car was towed to the dealer they told me that the heat produced by the catalytic converter burned the new spark plugs, the spark plugs cables, the modules and that there was ash on the system that needed to be cleaned. They do not want to replace all the parts that burned at the consequence of the faulty catalytic converter since my car guarantee was no longer valid. They did not make any efforts to solve the problem knowing that all the damages were due to the faulty condition of the catalytic converter. They will only provide a new catalytic converter ($1500. 00 cost) but I have to pay about the same amount for the rest of the damage. I knew that another client had the same problem with a new catalytic converter on the same model of car and that the part was also supplied by autoland. I have seen on the internet other complaints about these faulty catalytic converters. Mazda should be responsible for the damages produced by the failure of their catalytic converters. Udated 01/13/10.

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Purchased Rx8 04/28/04, has had check engine light on nearly whole time of ownership, after 3 trips to the dealer at 50 miles one way, were finally told that the catalytic converter was bad. Had to special order so have to take the car back for the 4th time to get fixed. I don't see how a catalytic converter could be bad on a brand new car.