MotorDeets

2011 Mazda RX-8: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 Mazda RX-8: 3 recalls, 4 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
4owner complaints
1mention a crash
19best combined mpg
2011 Mazda RX-8
Photo: Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #18V402000 · 2018 · 308,591 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: 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.

Airbags Vehicle recall #19V488000 · 2019 · 211 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: 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.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #21V744000 · 2021 · 13,891 vehicles

What's wrong: Fuel May leak from the fuel pump mounting rings.

Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Suspension1
Visibility/Wiper1
Other / unknown1
Fuel system1
Fuel & propulsion1

What owners describe

The 2011 Mazda RX-8 has 4 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 8 RX-8 model years for complaints (well below the 98 average). Neighboring years: 2010 (5 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.3 L 2-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive162319Premium
1.3 L 2-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Mazda RX-8.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2011 Mazda RX-8 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2011 Mazda RX-8 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2011 Mazda RX-8 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 Mazda RX-8 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2011 Mazda RX-8 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Mazda RX-8. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 Mazda RX-8 problems?

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (1), visibility/wiper (1), other / unknown (1).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Mazda RX-8 get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (1.3 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 Mazda RX-8 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other RX-8 years

20042005200620072008200920102011