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2011 Mazda

RX-8

Auto (S6), 2 cyl, 1.3 L

Mazda RX-8: best and worst years
2011 Mazda RX-8

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2011.

PhotoIFCARPublic domainWikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Subcompact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S6)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Engine & performance

HP
212
Power to weight
0.068 hp/lb
Axle ratio
4.30
Cyl
2EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG City
16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
MPG Comb
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Fuel $/yr
$4,050EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
174 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
70 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
53 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
106 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,109 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
89 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Cargo Vol
8 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Recalls
3
Owner complaints
4
Theft rate
1.3 per 1,000 produced (CY 2011 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE20%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM20%
  • SUSPENSION20%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER20%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER20%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 5 total.

Mazda RX-8: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

172 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 21, 2026POWER TRAINSA-029-26

    This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services ar

  • Dec 17, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSA-061-25

    If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.

  • Aug 22, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYSA-039/25

    Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar

  • Aug 14, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERSA-036-25

    When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.

  • Jun 19, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERSA-032-25

    Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris (leaves, dust, dirt....ect.) may fall on the blower motor causing a fluttering type noise or odor.

  • Aug 15, 2024STRUCTURE:BODYSA-058-24

    Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

  • Aug 15, 2024ENGINESA-057-24

    If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.

  • Aug 8, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER09-038-24

    In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer’s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will

  • and 164 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.