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Mazda RX-8 reliability by build year

Coverage 2003-20101 named generationCoupePETROL

We've only got 639 MOT tests for Mazda RX-8 models built around 2007 (18 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Mazda RX-8 built around 2007: about average at the MOT

Mazda RX-8 models built around 2007 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Mazda RX-8 by number plate

Key figure

25% of MOT tests on Mazda RX-8 models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mazda RX-8 models built around 2007 involves the suspension.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Mazda RX-8's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Over the last three years, fail rates rose, then fell back. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your RX-8's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

RX-8 SE3P

SE3P (2003-2010)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROL

22.0% fail rate, built around 2010 (15 years old)

Likely between 16.6% and 28.5%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 30.1%)

From 182 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Mazda RX-8.

See every build year for the Mazda RX-8

By age

Mazda RX-8 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Mazda RX-8 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
6927.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
18222.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
34224.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
55028.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
63925.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
53727.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
38423.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
38628.5%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 18-year-old Mazda RX-8 models

These issues come from 18-year-old Mazda RX-8 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    16.1%
    Advisory: 177Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    13.2%
    Advisory: 123Fail: 10 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.4%
    Advisory: 105Fail: 11 (9% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.7%
    Advisory: 83Fail: 2 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    9.1%
    Advisory: 57Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 639 MOT tests on 18-year-old Mazda RX-8 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 18-year-old Mazda RX-8 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension29%
  2. Body & structure + Suspension28%
  3. Body & structure + Brakes25%
  4. Suspension + Tyres22%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 334 MOT tests on Mazda RX-8 cars built around 2007 (18 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Mazda RX-8.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

9 recalls in all

8 of the 9 Mazda RX-8 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Driver's front airbag may fail to deploy correctly
  • Fuel may leak
  • Possible fuel leak

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes to compare

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5%
    Dangerous
    2.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 25.4% for the Mazda RX-8, both built around 2007.

    2,921 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    Porsche Cayman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.5%
    Dangerous
    3.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93%

    Lower fail rate: 17.8%, against 25.4% for the Mazda RX-8, both built around 2007.

    1,627 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Jaguar Xkr

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.7%

    Lower fail rate: 20.7%, against 25.4% for the Mazda RX-8, both built around 2007.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,221 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  4. 4

    Jaguar XK

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.2%

    Lower fail rate: 21.1%, against 25.4% for the Mazda RX-8, both built around 2007.

    1,742 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the Mazda RX-8 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 639 18-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Mazda RX-8 ever sold: 3,089 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2007 (18 years old): 639 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.