2011 Mazda RX-8 Reliability ReportF grade · high risk · system-by-system breakdown
Quick Facts · 2011 Mazda RX-8
- The system most likely to surface first: rotary engine compression (apex seals) (critical severity).
- Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
- Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2010 Mazda RX-8 earns a 38.
Is the 2011 Mazda RX-8 Worth Buying?
The 2011 Mazda RX-8, while an exhilarating driver's car, carries an exceptionally high risk of major engine failure, making it a perilous used car purchase for most. Its unique rotary engine demands specialized and expensive maintenance, often requiring a full rebuild at surprisingly low mileages. Avoid this vehicle unless you are a dedicated rotary enthusiast with substantial financial reserves for inevitable major repairs.
Biggest Strengths
- Exceptional handling and steering feel
- High-revving, smooth rotary engine character
- Unique styling and balanced chassis
What Tends to Fail First on the 2011 Mazda RX-8
The systems that break first on the 2011 Mazda RX-8. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
2011 Mazda RX-8 Recall History
3 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 American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-716 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 2011 Mazda RX-8?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Other Mazda RX-8 Years to Consider
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Mazda RX-8. Click any year for its full report.
2011 Mazda RX-8 Alternatives
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2011 Mazda RX-8
Parts and accessories matched to your 2011 Mazda RX-8
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Frequently Asked Questions
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