2009 Mazda RX-8 Reliability ReportKeepScore 35/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2009 Mazda RX-8
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2008 Mazda RX-8 earns a 45.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (renesis rotary) (critical severity).
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump.
2009 Mazda RX-8: Buy or Avoid?
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is a thrilling, unique sports car, but it comes with significant inherent reliability challenges primarily centered around its rotary engine. This vehicle is a high-risk proposition for most buyers, demanding deep mechanical knowledge and a substantial repair budget to truly enjoy its performance without constant anxiety.
Biggest Strengths
- Exceptional handling and driving dynamics
- Unique high-revving rotary engine experience
- Distinctive styling and practical rear suicide doors
2009 Mazda RX-8 — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2009 Mazda RX-8. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2009 Mazda RX-8
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings.
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 2009 Mazda RX-8?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Mazda RX-8 — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mazda RX-8. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2009s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2009 Mazda RX-8
Parts and accessories matched to your 2009 Mazda RX-8
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Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2009 Mazda RX-8? Keep it that way.
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