ProblemsByVin File / 2010-MAZDA-RX-8 NHTSA data synced 4 days ago

2010 · Mazda

Mazda RX-8 problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 5 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

Reliability score

8.6 / 10

Limited NHTSA data — only 5 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2010 RX-8?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2010 RX-8's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 RX-8 · seatbelts

My stepdaughter placed her infant/carseat in the rear seat of our 2010 Mazda rx-8. She reached for the closest seatbelt (that turned out to be the front seatbelt) and latched the car seat in place. After she sat down in the front passenger seat, she realized her mistake.…

12/20/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10371808.0

2010 RX-8 · suspension

There is already a prior recall on lower control arms for earlier made Mazda rx-8s. Why are the later models also not included? Is it because the model I have there were not as many made, so not as many left on the road? You can hear a dull pop when turning the corner time.…

06/26/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11330941.0

2010 RX-8 · airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mazda rx-8. The contact stated that the air bags were replaced two years ago. Since then, the air bags have begun to push out of the dashboard. Hiley Mazda of fort worth (9000 west fwy, suite b, fort worth, tx 76108, (817) 367-4000) stated that the…

03/28/2019 · at 40,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11192194.0

2010 RX-8 · powertrain

Clutch pedal mounting bracket snapped at the bolt which results in clutch not engaging properly. The issue renders the car useless until repaired. It occurred to me on the highway and I was forced to make an emergency stop and have the car towed.

01/16/2018 · at 61,100 mi · NHTSA ODI #11063125.0

View all 5 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2010 Mazda RX-8? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

critical NHTSA 18V403000 June 15, 2018

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-017 but have not yet been repaired

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 18V017.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2010 Mazda RX-8 reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 5 owner complaints have been filed for the 2010 Mazda RX-8, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2010 Mazda RX-8?

Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2010 Mazda RX-8 without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What's the most common problem on the 2010 Mazda RX-8?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Mazda RX-8 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Mazda RX-8?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 5 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Mazda/RX-8. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Mazda. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.