Used car guide

2003 Mazda RX-8: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Mazda RX-8 first registered in 2003: we looked at the 276 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 276 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

276MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
67%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
3,200typical miles a year
34%had suspension flagged

Common 2003 Mazda RX-8 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Mazda RX-8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    34% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    33% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    29% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    23% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    15% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Mazda RX-8

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mazda RX-8?

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Other years

Every year of the Mazda RX-8 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2011–Too few tests
2010306Brakes 26%
2009824Brakes 25%
20081,215Brakes 32%
20071,804Suspension 32%
20061,702Suspension 31%
20051,137Suspension 32%
20041,506Suspension 32%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mazda RX-8 cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score