Reliability Report · Multi-Source Data

Mazda RX-8 (2009–2011) Reliability

The Mazda RX-8 (2009–2011) scores 81/100 on our composite reliability index — good territory — drawn from DVSA, NHTSA data. The most-flagged failure mode is rotary apex seal wear + hot-start flooding on the 13B engine, typically surfacing between 60,000 and 140,000 km. Workshop repair runs €3,000–€7,000. Estimated used prices span €5,100–€7,300.

Composite Score
81
/ 100
Good
Sources: DVSA · NHTSA · latest 2026
Market Snapshot
Listed model years2009–2011
Est. used price€5,100–€7,300
Documented issues1
Listings in catalogue17
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Reliability by Source

Each independent organization measures reliability differently. TÜV reports inspection defect rates by age band. ADAC reports pan-European breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. NHTSA aggregates US consumer complaints. DVSA MOT data is the UK fleet's annual safety inspection — every car 3+ years old. Lower variance across sources = higher confidence in the composite.

NHTSA (US Complaints)
Model years 2007–2013 · 2026 report · n=51
51 complaints across 5 sampled year(s); resolved model="RX-8"
View source ↗
87
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2004–2014 · 2024 report · n=4083
4,083 UK MOT tests · overall 28.5% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
80
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2003–2013 · 2023 report · n=3186
3,186 UK MOT tests · overall 28.8% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
79
/ 100

UK MOT Reliability Detail

Based on 4,083 MOT tests in the UK during the 2024 reporting period. Score for each age band reflects this model's fail rate vs the UK-fleet baseline fail rate at the same age — a generation-aware metric.

Age 10–14 yrs
89
16.9% fail vs 32.1% fleet
166 tests
Age 15–20 yrs
80
29.0% fail vs 38.8% fleet
3,917 tests

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

#1
Catalyst emissions
756
39.0%
#2
Component mounting prescribed areas
368
19.0%
#3
Headlamp
312
16.1%
#4
Linkage ball joint dust cover
254
13.1%
#5
Headlamp aim
248
12.8%

Categories ranked across all MOT tests of this model in the UK during the 2024 period. "Condition" covers cosmetic / wear issues; suspension and braking dominate the rest.

Known Issues

Specific failure modes documented across European workshops, owner forums, and TSBs. Costs in EUR (and USD reference) reflect typical retail European labor + parts ranges — specialist shops at the low end, dealer pricing at the high end.

Rotary apex seal wear + hot-start flooding
Typical at 60,000–140,000 km · 13B
RX-8 Renesis rotary loses compression (apex seals) and floods on short hot restarts; engine rebuild common. Compression-test before buying.
€3,000–€7,000high

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