Most common 2011 Mazda RX-8 problems
Share of the 4 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mazda RX-8 complaints by model year
Best RX-8 years: 2011, 2010, 2009. Years to avoid: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
2011 Mazda RX-8 recalls (3)
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pump mounting rings. Dealers will also add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 vehicles. Repairs will be performed free of charge.
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…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge.
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,…
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Mazda RX-8:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
2011 Mazda RX-8 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3L 2-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
| 1.3L 2-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Mazda RX-8 a good car?
Based on 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 RX-8 rates better than average: 85% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RX-8 at the same age. It is one of the best RX-8 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mazda RX-8?
The fuel & propulsion system — 2 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (1) and windows, wipers & sunroof (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda RX-8 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2011 Mazda RX-8, the most recent from September 24, 2021 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mazda RX-8?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2010 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. See the full Mazda RX-8 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 Mazda RX-8 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 49,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.