It started to click and squeak. I was driving through the intersection when the pedal bracket snapped when me and my children almost got hit by a coal truck because of this. I had to take it to my dads shop and weld it which I'm still unsure of how long it will last since the metal is thin and it is squeaking again.

- Stump Creek, PA, USA

Clutch assembly faulty design. While driving and shifting gears (manual transmission) the clutch pedal assembly snaps, resulting in the loss of ability to shift gears. After pulling over to the side of the road, the car had to be started in 1st gear to drive to safety. The thin metal tears away from around one of the bolts that holds the assembly to the firewall. This is happening on other Rx-8's of people I associate with to the point that welding up the old bracket is becoming common. Mazda has not come up with a stronger assembly since they introduced the Rx-8 in 2004. The alternatives to correct the issue (out of warranty) is to: (a) purchase a new one from Mazda. (B) have your old assembly welded or purchase a remanufactured welded one. (C) purchase a bracket that adds support to the assembly I did both B & C, welded and added support.

- Buford, GA, USA