BestCarRank
Mazda

2011 Mazda RX-8

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mazda RX-8 has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is fuel system problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: 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. while the vehicle was. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 1 crash report

5

Total Complaints

0

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

FUEL SYSTEM

2 complaints
40%
  • 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. While the vehicle was
  • The incident occurred on 02/08/2023. Prior to this, I brought my car to the dealership due to a recall to fix gas mounting rings, recall number . I do not feel comfortable with their repairs and I do not believe that the dealership performed the repairs properly which caused my car to smoke and stal
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 2 fire reports

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. While the vehicle was

— NHTSA complaint filing

SUSPENSION

1 complaints
20%
  • 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 OBTAINED THE RENTAL CAR, TH
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

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 OBTAINED THE RENTAL CAR, TH

— NHTSA complaint filing

VISIBILITY

1 complaints
20%
  • THE RING/ASSEMBLY HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR CRACKED WITH NORMAL USE (PUTTING THE VISOR DOWN (NO EXCESS FORCE WAS USED) AND THE VISOR FELL INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF VISION, OBSCURING VISION. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PUT THE VISOR BACK UP AGAIN. THE RING FELL OUT OF THE CAR INTERIOR.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

THE RING/ASSEMBLY HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR CRACKED WITH NORMAL USE (PUTTING THE VISOR DOWN (NO EXCESS FORCE WAS USED) AND THE VISOR FELL INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF VISION, OBSCURING VISION. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PUT THE VISOR BACK UP AGAIN. THE RING FELL OUT OF THE CAR INTERIOR.

— NHTSA complaint filing

OTHER

1 complaints
20%
  • THE RING/ASSEMBLY HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR CRACKED WITH NORMAL USE (PUTTING THE VISOR DOWN (NO EXCESS FORCE WAS USED) AND THE VISOR FELL INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF VISION, OBSCURING VISION. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PUT THE VISOR BACK UP AGAIN. THE RING FELL OUT OF THE CAR INTERIOR.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

THE RING/ASSEMBLY HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR CRACKED WITH NORMAL USE (PUTTING THE VISOR DOWN (NO EXCESS FORCE WAS USED) AND THE VISOR FELL INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF VISION, OBSCURING VISION. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PUT THE VISOR BACK UP AGAIN. THE RING FELL OUT OF THE CAR INTERIOR.

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Repair Costs

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
SUSPENSION(~50K mi)
$500
VISIBILITY(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500

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:

  • FUEL SYSTEM: 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. While the vehicle was

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SUSPENSION: 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 OBTAINED THE RENTAL CAR, TH

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • VISIBILITY: THE RING/ASSEMBLY HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR CRACKED WITH NORMAL USE (PUTTING THE VISOR DOWN (NO EXCESS FORCE WAS USED) AND THE VISOR FELL INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF VISION, OBSCURING VISION. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PUT THE VISOR BACK UP AGAIN. THE RING FELL OUT OF THE CAR INTERIOR.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: THE RING/ASSEMBLY HOLDING THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR CRACKED WITH NORMAL USE (PUTTING THE VISOR DOWN (NO EXCESS FORCE WAS USED) AND THE VISOR FELL INTO THE DRIVER'S LINE OF VISION, OBSCURING VISION. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PUT THE VISOR BACK UP AGAIN. THE RING FELL OUT OF THE CAR INTERIOR.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mazda RX-8 — Year Comparison

How does 2011 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
0
Fire reports
2
Crash reports
1
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
80

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2011 Mazda RX-8