2006 Mazda RX-8 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2006 Mazda RX-8
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2008 Mazda RX-8 earns a 45.
- The system most likely to surface first: rotary engine (renesis) (critical severity).
Should You Buy the 2006 Mazda RX-8?
The 2006 Mazda RX-8 is a uniquely engaging sports car, but its Wankel rotary engine presents significant, well-documented reliability challenges that demand specialized maintenance and deep pockets. This is not a vehicle for the faint of heart or those seeking trouble-free ownership; it requires proactive care and an understanding of rotary mechanics to stand any chance of longevity.
Biggest Strengths
- Exceptional handling and driving dynamics
- High-revving, smooth rotary engine character
- Unique styling and pillarless rear access doors
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2006 Mazda RX-8. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Mazda MPV vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2005-2009 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 17V-011 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2006 Mazda RX-8?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Mazda RX-8 by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mazda RX-8. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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