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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-MAZDA-RX-8NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2011 · Mazda
Mazda RX-8 problems
2 critical safety recalls on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 4 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
7.8 / 10
Limited NHTSA data — only 4 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 3 active recalls on file.
2
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 RX-8?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 4 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 3 active recalls 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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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 RX-8· fuel systemFire
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Rx 8. The contact stated after performing NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V744000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) while driving at 35 MPH, the contact smelled the odor of smoke in the vehicle, but no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer.…
On may 7, 2013, I brought the vehicle to paretti Mazda of metairie because a fluid was leaking from somewhere near the driver's side rear tire. The service tech told me they would take care of it and directed me to enterprise rental for a rental car. About an hour after I…
Had a problem with your 2011 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.
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
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. 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.
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. The recall began July 6, 2018. Mailing to the affected RX-8 owners began July 6, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2618F. Note: With the addition of the RX-8 vehicles, this recall fully supersedes recall 16V354.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed November 17, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5121I.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir 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 →
Limited NHTSA data. Only 4 owner complaints have been filed for the 2011 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 2011 Mazda RX-8?
Only 4 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 3 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2011 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 2011 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 2011 Mazda RX-8?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 4 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/2011/Mazda/RX-8.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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