mazda RX-8 problems

1 safety recall. 5 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

Reliability score

8.6 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

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 · other

Safety concerns of Sam Leman Mazda located in blooomington IL installed a radiator from auto zone instead of using Mazda-approved parts. Sam Lemans modified other vehicle components to make the auto zone part fit and initially suggested using zip ties. My vehicle was held from…

12/07/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11703597.0

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 · NHTSA ODI #11192194.0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

critical NHTSA 18V403000 15/06/2018

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.

Common questions

Is the 2010 Mazda RX-8 reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Mazda RX-8 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

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?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 5 complaints on file, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. 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.