Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2011 Mazda RX-8 Reliability ReportF grade · high risk · system-by-system breakdown

35/ 100

KeepScore

HIGH RISK

Grade: F

A driver's dream that often becomes a mechanic's nightmare due to its temperamental rotary heart.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

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.

1
Rotary Engine Compression (Apex Seals)critical
2
Ignition System (Coils, Plugs, Wires)major
3
Catalytic Converter Failuremoderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2011 Mazda RX-8

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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