At a Glance
The Mazda Rx-8 has 24 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Mk1 (2003-2012) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 233K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mazda Rx-8 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mazda Rx-8 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Mazda Rx-8 Generations
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Most Common Mazda Rx-8 MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda Rx-8 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 25.55% |
| 2 | Brake pads or linings worn | 11.37% |
| 3 | Front lamp not working | 5.55% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.01% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 4.38% |
| 6 | Exhaust system fault | 3.28% |
| 7 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.18% |
| 8 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.04% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.84% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.75% |
| 11 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.21% |
| 12 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.96% |
| 13 | Position lamp not working | 1.81% |
| 14 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 1.76% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 1.70% |
| 16 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.62% |
| 17 | Tyre condition | 1.60% |
| 18 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.48% |
| 19 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.42% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.42% |
| 21 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.28% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 1.17% |
| 23 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.07% |
| 24 | Airbag warning light on | 0.97% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.82% |
| 26 | Chassis condition | 0.82% |
| 27 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.69% |
| 28 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.68% |
| 29 | ABS fault | 0.56% |
| 30 | Parking brake condition | 0.55% |
| 31 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.51% |
| 32 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.51% |
| 33 | Fog lamp not working | 0.47% |
| 34 | Seat belt condition | 0.44% |
| 35 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.43% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.35% |
| 37 | Horn not working | 0.26% |
| 38 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.26% |
| 39 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.22% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.21% |
| 41 | Steering rack fault | 0.18% |
| 42 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.16% |
| 43 | Engine oil leak | 0.16% |
| 44 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.16% |
| 45 | Front suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 46 | Track rod end worn | 0.14% |
| 47 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.14% |
| 48 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 49 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 51 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 52 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 53 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 54 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 55 | Brake fluid leak | 0.08% |
| 56 | Driver airbag fault | 0.08% |
| 57 | Steering free play excessive | 0.08% |
| 58 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 59 | Brake pedal fault | 0.07% |
| 60 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 61 | Rear suspension fault | 0.06% |
| 62 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.06% |
| 63 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 64 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 65 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 66 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 67 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Universal joint worn | 0.05% |
| 69 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 70 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.05% |
| 71 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 73 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.04% |
| 74 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 76 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 77 | Driveshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 80 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 81 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 82 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 83 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.03% |
| 84 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 85 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 87 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 90 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 92 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 93 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.02% |
| 94 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 98 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 99 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 101 | Torque or reaction arm worn | 0.01% |
| 102 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 103 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 104 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 106 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 107 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 109 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 110 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 114 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 121 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 125 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 127 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 133 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 145 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 148 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 149 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda Rx-8 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda Rx-8, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mazda Rx-8 problems?
Based on analysis of 233K Mazda Rx-8 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 24 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension linkage condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda Rx-8 generation has the most problems?
The Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 (2003-2012) (2003–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (30). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mazda Rx-8?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda Rx-8 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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