Is the Mazda RX-8 Reliable?

Q: Is the Mazda RX-8 reliable?

The Mazda RX-8 scores 72/100 on the VinCheckEngine reliability index, which rates as "Good" for the 2004–2011 model years. Run a free VIN report at vincheckengine.com for vehicle-specific analysis.

Q: What year RX-8 is most reliable?

Among recently analyzed years, the 2011 Mazda RX-8 scored highest with a reliability score of 57/100. Fewer recalls and complaints were reported for that model year.

Q: How many miles does a RX-8 last?

With regular maintenance, most Mazda RX-8 owners report 150,000–200,000+ miles of reliable service. High-mileage examples frequently appear at auction. Always verify with a VIN history report before purchasing a used RX-8.

2004–2011 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.

The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sportss — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.

72/100

Good

Reliability Score

Total Recalls

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

Recall intensity (what drives the score)

0.0 recalls/yr vs. sports median 0.0/yr

Safety record (separate score)

Lowno open investigations · 0 deaths, 0 injuries on record

Own a Mazda RX-8? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Mazda RX-8 Reliability by Year

Model Year	Recalls	Injuries	Deaths	Reliability Score	Rating
2011	2	—	—	57	Fair
2010	2	—	—	57	Fair
2009	2	—	—	57	Fair
2008	4	—	—	57	Fair
2007	4	—	—	57	Fair
2006	4	—	—	57	Fair
2005	5	—	—	57	Fair
2004	6	—	—	57	Fair

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the RX-8 Compares to Similar Vehicles

Mazda RX-872/100

Sports Category Average74/100

The RX-8 scores 2 points below the average sports. Consider checking years with lower complaint volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mazda RX-8 reliable?+

The Mazda RX-8 scores 72/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 8 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 29 recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year RX-8 is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2011 RX-8 achieved the highest reliability score of 57/100 with 2 recalls and 0 complaints.

How many miles does a RX-8 last?+

With consistent maintenance, most Mazda RX-8 owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used RX-8 will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.

More Mazda RX-8 Research

Common Problems

Detailed breakdown of every reported defect for the Mazda RX-8.

Years to Avoid

Which RX-8 years have the most problems — and which are the best buys.

Check a Specific Mazda RX-8 VIN

Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.

Run a Free VIN Report →