The 2011 Mazda RX-8 is a unique sports car with a distinctive rotary engine and rear-wheel drive dynamics, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict and significant safety recalls warrant careful consideration.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
Model-year guides
2011 modelSpecifications by model year
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 16 | 22 | 18 | 14.7 | 10.69 | 13.07 |
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | coupe | 2 | 1.3 | Premium | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | GVWR |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Rollover | Rated vehicle | tpms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 5 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 4 DR RWD | standard |
Model year reports
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
Carfocal currently has 1 published RX-8 report, covering 2011 through 2011. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2011 Mazda RX-8 is a unique sports car with a distinctive rotary engine and rear-wheel drive dynamics, but its 'Below Average' reliability verdict and significant safety recalls warrant careful consideration.
Published year coverage: 2011.
There is no single reliability answer for every Mazda RX-8. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2011 mazda rx-8 is a unique sports car with a distinctive rotary engine and rear-wheel drive dynamics, but its 'below average' reliability verdict and significant safety recalls warrant careful consideration. and the 2011 mazda rx-8's value proposition is heavily influenced by its 'below average' reliability and the potential for costly repairs associated with its rotary engine and critical recalls. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
1 published year-specific report are available for comparison.
Across Carfocal's published RX-8 guides, recurring problem areas include Apex Seals, Ignition Coils, and Fuel Pump. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Apex Seals, Ignition Coils, and Fuel Pump.