At a Glance
The Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 has 24 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Suspension linkage condition being the most reported. Tyres & Wheels is the most common MOT failure category. The most serious issue flagged is Suspension linkage pins, bushes or ball joints worn, rated as dangerous. Based on 232K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →
Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.
Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 MOT Pass Rate
Across 232K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 (2003–2012) has a fail rate of 35.1%.
UK average fail rate (2006–2012): 39.0%
Common Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 Problems
Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.
Suspension linkage condition
18,745
occurrences
Catalytic converter efficiency low
15,438
occurrences
Wiper blades deteriorated
13,486
occurrences
Tyre condition
6,339
occurrences
Spark ignition emissions above threshold
5,899
occurrences
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Problems by mileage
Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Mazda Rx-8 Mk1, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.
367 distinct problems · 364,998 total occurrences in current filter
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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 problems?
Based on DVSA MOT data for the Mazda Rx-8 Mk1 (2003–2012), we have identified 24 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Suspension linkage condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common MOT failure category.
How reliable is the Mazda Rx-8 Mk1?
This generation has 232K MOT tests on record with a 35.1% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.
What commonly fails the MOT on a Mazda Rx-8 Mk1?
There are 159 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Mk1 (2003–2012), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.
Can I report a problem with my Mazda Rx-8 Mk1?
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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