NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2010 Mazda RX-8. Most complaints involve suspension (1) and air bags (1). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2010-2011 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under recall 18V-716 but have not yet been repaired.
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.
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Mazda6, 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6 and 2004 MPV vehicles nationwide. 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 Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On July 9, 2019 this recall was expanded to include certain 2004-2011 RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-354 but have not yet been repaired.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Mazda RX-8 vehicles that were previously recalled under
recall 18V-017 but have not yet been repaired. 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.
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Suspension
1 report
“THERE IS ALREADY A PRIOR RECALL ON LOWER CONTROL ARMS FOR EARLIER MADE MAZDA RX-8S. WHY ARE THE LATER MODELS ALSO NOT INCLUDED? IS IT BECAUSE THE MODEL I HAVE THERE WERE NOT AS MANY MADE, SO NOT AS MANY LEFT ON THE ROAD? YOU CAN HEAR A DULL POP WHEN TURNING THE CORNER TIME. FAMILY MEMBER IS A MECHANIC, HE ADVISED WHAT THIS WAS, AND TO CHECK FOR RECALL . . .WELL THERE IS ONE, JUST FOR 2004-2008 MODELS, WHY DOESN'T THE RECALL INCLUDE 2009 & 2010 ALSO? *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSA·Filed Jun 26, 2020·SuspensionODI 11330941
Air bags
1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA RX-8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED TWO YEARS AGO. SINCE THEN, THE AIR BAGS HAVE BEGUN TO PUSH OUT OF THE DASHBOARD. HILEY MAZDA OF FORT WORTH (9000 WEST FWY, SUITE B, FORT WORTH, TX 76108, (817) 367-4000) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,400. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED A REFERENCE NUMBER, BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSA·Filed Mar 28, 2019·Air bagsODI 11192194
Power train
1 report
“CLUTCH PEDAL MOUNTING BRACKET SNAPPED AT THE BOLT WHICH RESULTS IN CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING PROPERLY. THE ISSUE RENDERS THE CAR USELESS UNTIL REPAIRED. IT OCCURRED TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS FORCED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED.”
Owner complaint to NHTSA·Filed Jan 16, 2018·Power trainODI 11063125
4 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2010 Mazda RX-8 problems?
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (1), air bags (1), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Mazda RX-8 get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Mazda RX-8 at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).