NHTSA RX-8 clutch pedal failure investigation

Redhawkjrt · 10-09-2009, 11:29 PM

From Autoblog.com:

"Mazda's RX-8 sportscar is under the watchful eye of NHTSA for a problem that could effect far fewer vehicles but the problem is equally serious. The safety administration has reportedly received 40 complaints of 2004-2008 models that have experienced clutch pedal bracket failure, and in 15 cases, the rotary-powered Mazda was moving and the drivers couldn't change gears normally as a result. Two of those drivers could have found themselves in a more dangerous situation, as the clutch pedal was reported to have become wedged under the brake pedal.

At this point, NHTSA is just beginning to investigate these issues, and if a recall results in either case, the government agency will assuredly issue notice."

It would be nice if there was a redesign - recall on these; on the other hand, it would definitely not be nice to have this problem at the wrong time, like, say, on the Dragon!!!!

Phoenix7 · 10-10-2009, 12:41 PM

well no...if it does get jammed UNDER the brake won't that mean gears will not be engaged?

The Partsgroup · 10-11-2009, 03:16 PM

We had one break at the top where it mounts to the backing plate. I ebded up bracing the area up that broke with small angles and rewelded it back up. It's a very crapy design in my opinion since the metal in that area is extremely thin. A recall would be nice for my street car but race cars or track cars can beef up that area to be safe!

10-09-2009, 11:29 PM	#1
Redhawkjrt Brake, Turn, Go! Repeat. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Springfield, Il. iTrader: (0) Posts: 114 Rep Power: 16	NHTSA RX-8 clutch pedal failure investigation From Autoblog.com: "Mazda's RX-8 sportscar is under the watchful eye of NHTSA for a problem that could effect far fewer vehicles but the problem is equally serious. The safety administration has reportedly received 40 complaints of 2004-2008 models that have experienced clutch pedal bracket failure, and in 15 cases, the rotary-powered Mazda was moving and the drivers couldn't change gears normally as a result. Two of those drivers could have found themselves in a more dangerous situation, as the clutch pedal was reported to have become wedged under the brake pedal. At this point, NHTSA is just beginning to investigate these issues, and if a recall results in either case, the government agency will assuredly issue notice." It would be nice if there was a redesign - recall on these; on the other hand, it would definitely not be nice to have this problem at the wrong time, like, say, on the Dragon!!!!

10-11-2009, 03:16 PM	#3
The Partsgroup Rotary Fan in Training Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (1) Posts: 76 Rep Power: 17	We had one break at the top where it mounts to the backing plate. I ebded up bracing the area up that broke with small angles and rewelded it back up. It's a very crapy design in my opinion since the metal in that area is extremely thin. A recall would be nice for my street car but race cars or track cars can beef up that area to be safe! __________________ The PartsGroup Inc. Your Source For New & Used RX8 Parts www.Partsgroup.com 256-309-0492