2011 Mazda Rx-8 problems
The Mazda RX-8 is a sports car manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Mazda between 2003 and 2012. It was first shown in 2001 at the North American International Auto Show. It is the direct successor to the RX-7. Like its predecessors in the RX range, it is powered by a rotary Wankel engine. The RX-8 was available for the 2003 model year in most parts of the world.
The Mazda RX-8 utilizes a rotary Wankel engine, and the non-reciprocating piston engine uses a triangular rotor inside a near oval housing, producing from 141 kW (189 hp) and 164 lb⋅ft (222 N⋅m) of torque, to 177 kW (237 hp) and 159 lb⋅ft (216 N⋅m) of torque from launch. A myriad of various drivetrains are available in the Mazda RX-8.
The RX-8 was discontinued for the 2012 model year without a successor. It was removed earlier from the European market in 2010 after the car failed to meet emissions standards. Due to falling sales from Europe coupled with rising Yen prices, Mazda could not justify the continued sale of the RX-8 in other markets. 192,094 units were produced during its 9-year production run.
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Common 2011 Mazda Rx-8 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a detailed list of common problems with the Mazda RX-8 2011 based on complaints from owners:
- Gear Knob Light Failure:
- Owners have reported issues with the gear knob not illuminating due to wiring becoming loose or breaking. Mazda produced a modified version of the gear knob to address this common problem.
- Engine Problems:
- The unique high-performance rotary-style engine in the RX-8 has been reported to be unreliable, especially after 60,000 miles. This can lead to the need for a replacement engine, which is a significant investment.
- Power Steering Problems:
- Owners have experienced issues with the power steering randomly going in and out. A DIY solution involves changing the battery cable ends to address this problem, which can affect the vehicle's handling.
- Starter Issues:
- Faulty starter motors have been a common problem in the RX-8, causing difficulties in starting the car. When starting becomes problematic, it is often attributed to issues with the starter motor.
- Ignition System Issues:
- The RX-8 suffers from a weak ignition system, leading to problems like underpowered starter engines, coil packs prone to failure, and issues with plugs and wires. Ignoring these issues can result in reduced performance and engine damage.
- Carbon Deposits on Engine's Oil Injectors:
- Carbon deposits building up on the engine's oil injectors can lead to engine wear and rapid deterioration. Blocked injectors can cause the engine to spray oil unevenly, affecting performance and longevity.
These common problems highlight some of the key issues that Mazda RX-8 owners have faced with their vehicles, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any emerging issues to ensure the longevity and performance of the car.
What is the common problem in Mazda RX-8?
Common Mazda RX-8 Issues include: Hot start problems (signs of poor compression). Growling noise and loss of power (sticking SSV or tune valves). Engine Management Light flashing whilst driving (real-time detection of engine misfire).
What years to avoid Mazda RX-8?
Avoid the 2004-2006 cars. Mazda also tried to sell the Rx8 as a "normal" car with "normal" service intervals, which wasn't really adapted to the needs of a rotary engine!
What is the weakness of the RX-8?
What makes the RX8 so special is also it's one 'weakness'. Namely the nature of the rotary motor in a daily driver. The Renesis motor in the RX8 is a naturally aspirated rotary motor that tends to stop enjoying it's place in life around the 100k mile mark.
How long do RX-8 engines last?
While many have 100,000+ mile lifespan, far too many have gone far less. There is no single item that can be changed to double the engine life. It requires four changes AND your adherence to common maintenances that all cars require (oil changes, air filter service, etc.).
2011 Mazda Rx-8 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mazda Rx-8 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Mazda Rx-8 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Mazda Rx-8 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Mazda Rx-8.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1FE1RP6B0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 being diagnosed, the vehicle caught on fire and burned. The contact did not have any details of the fire. The vehicle was diagnosed and stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JM1FE1RP6B0
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 stall on the road and then caught on fire at their shop. They claimed that their own business insurance fire fixed the damages but I believe that the car is damaged beyond repair. Furthermore, they held the car since February 2023. Until now, July 2023 the Guam dealership is unable to fix my car. To add, the repairs they claim far exceed the market value of the car and the car is at a total loss. I consider it totaled. I do not feel safe driving this car. 2011 Mazda RX-8 Recall Item Affected: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Date Announced: 09/24/2021Description of Recall: 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. Action Need To Fix It: 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 are expected to be mailed November 23, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5121I.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-10
- VIN: JM1FE1SP780
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JM1FE1S48B0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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, THE SERVICE TECH CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SHOCK HAD COMPLETELY FAILED AND WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE UPPER SEAL AND THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR SHOCK HAD ALSO FAILED, BUT WAS NOT LEAKING THAT MUCH FLUID. HE TOLD ME THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE AND ASKED THAT I RETURN THE RENTAL CAR AND PICK UP MY MY VEHICLE, WHICH I DID. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME HE WAS ORDERING THE REAR SHOCKS. ON MAY 9, 2013, I RECEIVED AN AUTOMATED CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP STATING THAT MY PARTS HAD ARRIVED. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I CALLED THE SERVICE TECH, WHO ASKED IF I COULD DROP THE CAR OFF ON MONDAY, MAY 13, 2013, FOR THE REPAIRS. I EXPRESSED CONCERN TO THE SERVICE TECH THAT WHEN I DROVE OVER THE SLIGHEST IMPERFECTION IN A ROAD, THE REAR END WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE, WHICH WAS REAR END SUSPENSION BOTTOMING OUT. THE SERVICE TECH ASSURED ME THAT THE CAR WAS FINE, AND THAT I COULD DRIVE IT OVER THE WEEKEND. LATER THAT EVENING, AROUND 8 P.M., I DROVE INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOUSE AND THE DRIVER'S LOWER SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED AND SHEERED OFF WHERE THE STRUT CONNECTS TO THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR OUT OF THE STREET AND FULLY INTO THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
2011 Mazda Rx-8 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2011 Mazda Rx-8.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. Mazda is also recalling 2005-2006 MPV vehicles in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2011 Mazda Rx-8 car reviews
Positive 2011 Mazda Rx-8 car reviews
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Hey there! I'm excited to share my experience with my two RX8s. My first one was a 2005 model that I drove for miles and miles until I sold it with 105,000 miles on it. It was a very reliable car, but the fuel mileage was a bit weak. Since 2011, I've been driving my 2009 RX8 Sport, which I bought with 39,000 miles on it. It now has 90,000 miles and has been a great ride overall. I did have to replace the radiator at 55,000 miles and the A/C compressor at 70,000 miles, but I learned my lesson and only buy Mazda parts now. I've been doing oil changes every 3,000-3,500 miles with 5/20 weight, and at 70,000 miles, I switched to 10/30 for more protection. About a year ago, I put a tuner on it and bumped the HP up to 250. Now, from a start to 60mph, it's about a second faster and the throttle response is much faster too. The gas mileage has improved to 17-18 in town and 22-24.5 on the highway, which is about 2 MPG better. The power curve kicks in around 4800 RPMs and goes well past the red line. I'm really looking forward to seeing the next-gen Rotary with a turbo back under the hood. This would take a great handling mid-engine design, fun-to-drive sports car to the next level. Piston engines just don't compare to the power and simplicity of a rotary. Thanks for reading!
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I love your car! It handles great and always puts a smile on my face. People always comment on it too - what a great purchase!
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What a fantastic car! It's so much fun to drive and we always get compliments on it wherever we go. From the stylish tires and rims to the beautifully designed interior, it's clear that every detail was carefully considered.
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The RX8 by Mazda may not be for everyone, but it can be a great fun automobile if properly cared for. It is important to drive this car with particular care, as it can be very fast. For best results, it is recommended to have the dealer service the car, as they are familiar with its unique needs. Following the guidelines in the owner's book is also highly suggested.
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This is a fantastic commuting and weekend fun vehicle. Mazda truly knows how to utilize the Wankel engine to its fullest potential. My mileage is significantly better than the EPA estimates: I am averaging 24 to 26 mpg in a 40/60 city/highway commute. My car is an automatic 6-speed and I drive as if I enjoy the rotary experience. It's frustrating to hear reviewers claim that this car is a gas guzzler based solely on the EPA numbers.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Mazda Rx-8 problems:
Here's Why You Should Buy The 'Unreliable' Mazda RX-8 - YouTube
Dec 7, 2017 ... The Mazda RX-8 is a car people avoid like the plague, but based on the evidence in this video, it's a car that deserves a second chance!
Most Common Mazda RX-8 Problems - GT Automotive
Mar 11, 2024 ... 5 Common Mazda RX8 Problems ... The power steering is one of the first things owners tend to experience issues with. Various reports detail that ...
10 Problems That Give The Mazda Rx8 A Bad Reputation - YouTube
Jun 15, 2017 ... In this video, we'll go through 10 rx8 problems that give the car a bad reputation. USA & ASIA: STARTER MOTOR (manual transmission): ...
Suffering From a Misfire? START HERE. - RX8Club.com
Aug 31, 2011 ... The coils on the RX8 have long been known to cause problems and misfires in these cars. ... , 08-30-2011 08:03 AM ... Mazda RX-8 Ignition Coils - ...
Reliability of a Mazda rx-8? : r/cars
Aug 4, 2014 ... Are there any other common issues? Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and ...
Other years of Mazda Rx-8
Are you having problems with your 2011 Mazda Rx-8?
Oswaldo Kreiger 2024-11-28
I recently purchased a brand new JDM import, but unfortunately, the steering rack has been rattling incessantly despite the car only having 10,000 km on it. While this has been frustrating, I am currently in negotiations with the dealer to have the steering rack switched. On the bright side, the car is fantastic! It has a great engine, handles well, has a comfortable cabin, and looks great too!
Lucas Lynch 2024-09-19
The car's engine stalls frequently and is prone to flooding if driven for less than 40 minutes, which is not ideal for inner city living where parking spots need to be frequently shuffled. Despite reporting the performance drop off to Mazda, they were unable to find any issues. Unfortunately, a dropped rotor was the final straw and a full engine replacement was necessary. Regrettably, Mazda Australia declined to provide any customer goodwill. While legal action is an option, it is not feasible at this time.
Buford Shields 2024-03-22
I've been a sports car enthusiast for years, and my all-time favorite was my '75 Alfetta GT with its perfect 50/50 weight distribution. However, this car doesn't quite match up to my memories of it. The only other rotary car I've driven was an old MX2, which was a right-hand drive imported by a service man and traded through a local dealership. It was a real hot rod, unlike this car which doesn't have nearly enough torque. Nonetheless, the features are nice, and I particularly like the variable speed/temp redline and rev-limiters. If you're going to own a sports car, you should drive it hard, but this car doesn't quite have the same level of performance. That being said, I don't regret my purchase at all.
Alfonso Kunze 2024-01-23
I recently leased this vehicle for two years and returned it to the dealership as soon as the lease was up. While the gas mileage wasn't great, it was still a good deal considering the thousands of incentives that kicked in. The car is a great option for someone who wants a super handling sport car with 4 doors, but doesn't mind sacrificing a bit on gas mileage and durability of mechanical parts. Leasing this car could be a great idea!
Adelbert Kerluke 2024-01-02
My experience owning this vehicle has been disappointing due to excessive oil consumption. Despite having the oil changed, the oil light comes on after only 1000 miles, which the dealership has dismissed as normal on multiple occasions. However, this level of oil consumption is unacceptable for a car in this price range.