Mazda RX-8 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mazda RX-8 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 114 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 178 of 442, and 33.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is malfunction indicator lamp (4.5% of tests).
Ranked 178 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,910 Mazda RX-8s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 33.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mazda RX-8 is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
33.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
3,900
Typical age at test: 17 years
Mazda RX-8 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mazda RX-8 MOT faults
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.5% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.8% of tests
- Position lamp: not working3.6% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3% of tests
- Service brake performance: excessively binding3.1% of tests
- Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.9% of tests
What the Mazda RX-8 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust and emissions | 13.1% | ▲ 2.6× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 11.4% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Suspension | 11.2% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Brakes | 7.7% | ▼ 21% less often |
| Body and structure | 4.2% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Tyres | 3.8% | ▼ 35% less often |
| Visibility | 3.4% | ▼ 48% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.0% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Steering | 1.6% | ▼ 37% less often |
| Wheels | 0.6% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
What MPG does the Mazda RX-8 do?
Official economy for the Mazda RX-8 ranges from 24.6 to 26.7mpg across the 3 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2008–2010). A typical petrol version manages 25.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mazda RX-8?
Any Mazda RX-8 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mazda RX-8 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMazda RX-8 specs and running costs
Official figures for 3 versions sold in the UK between 2008 and 2010.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
24.6–26.7 mpg
CO2
267–299 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX-8 R3 231psM6 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 24.6 mpg | 299g | £790 |
| RX-8 192 PSM5 · listed 2008 | Petrol | 26.7 mpg | 267g | £790 |
| RX-8 231 PSM6 · listed 2008 | Petrol | 25.2 mpg | 284g | £790 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Mazda RX-8 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 25.2mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mazda RX-8Buying a used Mazda RX-8?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Mazda models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mazda RX-8 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mazda RX-8 is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 114 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mazda RX-8?
The most common MOT fault is “Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction”, found in 4.5% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mazda RX-8 do?
Official economy for the Mazda RX-8 ranges from 24.6 to 26.7mpg across the 3 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2008–2010). A typical petrol version manages 25.2mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mazda RX-8?
Any Mazda RX-8 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mazda RX-8 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £790 a year.
›How many Mazda RX-8s fail their MOT?
33.0% of Mazda RX-8s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mazda RX-8 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.