Avoid: 2005, 2004 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2010
8 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 8 model years, the Mazda RX-8 has 814 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 42 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine and engine cooling. 2004 drew the most complaints (514), 2011 the fewest (4).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mazda RX-8 vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $8,084–$11,583.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2004 (514 complaints). Lowest: 2011 (4).
Sentiment is deeply polarized and highly dependent on owner expectations and mechanical aptitude.
Leading to loss of power, hard hot starting, and requiring a full engine rebuild. Cited as the primary, inevitable failure point.
Described as having "borderline carbureted V8 fuel economy," achieving under 20 MPG (less than 12 L/100km), and consuming oil by design.
Can occur if started and shut off without sufficient warm-up, requiring a clearing procedure.
Stock coils are a known weak point, causing hard starting and misfires.
Engines are sensitive to overheating; stock radiators may be inadequate, especially for spirited driving.
Owner insights cover all generations of the RX-8. Individual model years are broken down above.
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