Mazda RX-8
From 4,367 MOT tests. Average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer RX-8s fare better: 2010 models pass at 80.1% vs 72.2% for 2004.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits and emissions levels exceed default limits. The top issue, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, caused 190 failures in 2024. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 190 |
| emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits | 171 |
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 144 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 127 |
| engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction | 109 |
| significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake | 102 |
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 92 |
| lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer | 88 |
| a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 78 |
| vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced | 72 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 38.3% of RX-8 failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 8.7% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. Breakdown cover may be worth considering for this model. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £163.
Mazda RX-8 on UK roads
The fleet is shrinking: 676 scrapped or exported in the past year, a net loss of 676. At this rate, roughly 11 years until none remain. Now at 31.3% of its peak (23,825 in 2009 Q2).
Quarterly breakdown
| Quarter | On road | SORN | New | Gone | Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q3 | 2,089 | 5,378 | +0 | -62 | -62 |
| 2025 Q2 | 2,177 | 5,352 | +0 | -32 | -32 |
| 2025 Q1 | 2,090 | 5,471 | +0 | -229 | -229 |
| 2024 Q4 | 2,138 | 5,652 | +0 | -353 | -353 |
| 2024 Q3 | 2,410 | 5,733 | +0 | -167 | -167 |
| 2024 Q2 | 2,520 | 5,790 | +0 | -50 | -50 |
| 2024 Q1 | 2,502 | 5,858 | +1 | -141 | -140 |
| 2023 Q4 | 2,547 | 5,953 | +0 | -70 | -70 |
7 variants on the road
| Variant | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rx-8 231 Ps | Petrol | 918 | 45% |
| Rx-8 192 Ps | Gas | 383 | 19% |
| Rx8 R3 | Petrol | 320 | 16% |
| Rx-8 Pz | Petrol | 140 | 7% |
| Rx-8 40Th Anniversary Le | Petrol | 128 | 6% |
| Rx-8 Kuro | Petrol | 98 | 5% |
| Rx-8 Evolve | Petrol | 55 | 3% |
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics, 2025 Q3. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 80.1% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits |
| 2009 | 75.7% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources |
| 2008 | 73.6% | emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits, significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake |
| 2007 | 75.6% | emissions levels exceed default limits, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
4 earlier years
| 2006 | 70.1% | emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits, the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired |
| 2005 | 70.2% | the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, emissions levels exceed default limits |
| 2004 | 72.2% | the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction |
| 2003 | 78.2% | emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits, emissions levels exceed default limits |
Typical mileage
Half of all RX-8s tested had between 56,006 and 88,376 miles on the clock.
At 70,557 median miles, the RX-8 has 0.038 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Mazda models
| Mazda 2 | 74.5% |
| Mazda 3 | 75.2% |
| Mazda MX-5 | 78.7% |
| Mazda 6 | 75.5% |
| Mazda CX-5 | 84.2% |
Common questions
What is the Mazda RX-8 MOT pass rate?
The Mazda RX-8 has a 73.3% MOT pass rate based on 4,367 real MOT tests. This is around the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mazda RX-8?
The most common MOT failure on the Mazda RX-8 is the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, which caused 190 failures. Other common issues include emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits.
How many Mazda RX-8s are on UK roads?
There are 2,089 Mazda RX-8s currently licensed on UK roads, with 5,378 on SORN.
What is the typical mileage of a Mazda RX-8 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mazda RX-8 is 70,557 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 56,006 and 88,376 miles.
Buying a used RX-8?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 73.3% pass rate and an average repair bill of £163 when things go wrong, budget accordingly. 38.3% of failures on this model could actually strand you, so breakdown cover may be worth considering.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.