This page covers 3 recalls and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Mazda RX-8.
18–19 mpg combined
12.4–13.1 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 has 3 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
The airbag issue stems from a known long-running defect where the inflator can rupture rather than deploy normally, scattering sharp metal shards toward the driver and passengers. A prior recall attempted to address this, but vehicles that were never brought in for that repair remain at risk under a follow-up recall. There is also a fuel system concern: the fuel pump mounting rings can leak gasoline, and if that fuel contacts an ignition source, it raises the risk of a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel may leak from the fuel pump mounting rings in certain 2009-2011 RX-8 and 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6 vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will install new fuel pump mounting rings and add a thermal insulation pad to the fuel tank on RX-8 models at no cost.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash because the propellant degrades over time from heat and humidity exposure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator with a different one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
