IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2003–2012 Mazda RX-8

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2003–2012 Mazda RX-8. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Low Compression and Hot-Start Failure

SeriousEngine

Wear in the rotary engine reduces compression, making the car increasingly hard to restart when warm and often leading to an expensive rebuild.

Estimated cost: £2,500–£5,000Affects: 2003–2012

Typical symptoms

  • •Long cranking when hot
  • •Weak idle
  • •Loss of power high in the rev range

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Insist on a rotary compression test
  • ✓Start it fully cold and restart it hot
  • ✓Be wary of sellers who only talk about mileage

Rear Arch and Sill Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

UK RX-8s rot around the rear arches, sills and front chassis rails, and fresh underseal can hide serious structural work.

Estimated cost: £500–£2,500Affects: 2003–2012

Typical symptoms

  • •Bubbling paint around arches
  • •Rusty inner sills
  • •Corrosion advisories on MOT history

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Inspect the rear arch lips and sill ends
  • ✓Check under the front floor and chassis rails
  • ✓Avoid cars with suspiciously fresh underseal and no photos

Ignition Coil Failure and Catalytic Converter Damage

ModerateEngine

Weak coils cause misfires and incomplete combustion, which can quickly overheat and destroy the catalyst on a rotary that already burns oil by design.

Estimated cost: £250–£1,200Affects: 2003–2012

Typical symptoms

  • •Misfire under load
  • •Strong fuel smell
  • •Engine warning light or failed emissions test

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask when the coils, plugs and leads were last changed
  • ✓Listen for a crisp idle
  • ✓Check for catalyst or emissions-related invoices

Buying Tips for the 2003 Mazda RX-8

  • ✓A proper hot-and-cold compression test is far more important than a shiny body or low odometer reading.
  • ✓Check for evidence of regular ignition-coil, plug and lead replacement; weak ignition quickly damages the catalytic converter.
  • ✓Inspect rear arches, sills and front chassis rails carefully because rusty shells can make even a good engine uneconomic.

Browse 2003–2012 Mazda RX-8 in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2003–2012 Mazda RX-8 vehicles.

View 2003–2012 Directory

Other Mazda RX-8 Year Periods

2003–2012

Looking at a specific 2003 Mazda RX-8?

Enter the registration number to check its full MOT history, outstanding finance, write-off status, and more.

Free Vehicle Check