2010 Mazda RX-8
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2010 Mazda RX-8 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 5. The most common issue is seats/restraints problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: 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. three people attempted to. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.
5
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 5)
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
1 complaints- • 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. THREE PEOPLE ATTEMPTED TO
“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. THREE PEOPLE ATTEMPTED TO”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (4)
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles. Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings.
Risk: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Mazda RX-8
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Mazda RX-8
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Mazda RX-8 Service Intervals
SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2010 RX-8, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: 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. THREE PEOPLE ATTEMPTED TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: 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 VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐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. FAMILY MEMBER IS A M
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Mazda RX-8 — Year Comparison
How does 2010 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 0
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 5
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2010 Mazda RX-8