2011 Mazda RX-8 — Full Specifications
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The 2011 Mazda RX-8 is a saloon/sedan powered by a 1.3L 2-cyl premium gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 23 mpg (UK) / 19 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 22–23 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mazda RX-8 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Mazda RX-8: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 23 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.3L 2-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 89 cu ft (2,520 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 8 cu ft (227 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 23 combined / 19 urban / 28 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 19 combined / 16 city / 23 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 291 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,350 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2011 Mazda RX-8, all with the 1.3L 2-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 18 to 19 mpg (US), or 22 to 23 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3L 2-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (16/23) | 291 | $4,350 |
| 1.3L 2-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (16/22) | 307 | $4,550 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 89 cubic feet (about 2,520 litres) and luggage volume at 8 cubic feet (about 227 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Mazda RX-8
Running Costs: 2011 Mazda RX-8
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Mazda RX-8 at 23 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,581 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Mazda RX-8 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Mazda RX-8 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (1). 2 campaigns carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 21V744000, reported 24 September 2021. Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Air bags — campaign 19V488000, reported 24 June 2019. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 18V402000, reported 15 June 2018. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Mazda RX-8. The most-reported areas are Fuel system (1), Fuel/propulsion system (1), Unspecified (1). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 2 reported fires.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Mazda RX-8
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 2 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Visibility (1 owner complaint) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Mazda models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Mazda RX-8's 23 mpg is 11 mpg below that make average. Its 291 g/km CO₂ figure is 93 g/km higher than the 198 g/km Mazda average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Mazda RX-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Mazda RX-8 have?
It's fitted with a 1.3L 2-cyl premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Mazda RX-8?
The most efficient configuration returns around 23 mpg (UK) combined, or 19 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 22 to 23 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Mazda RX-8 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Mazda RX-8 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Mazda RX-8 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Fuel system (1). 2 campaigns carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Mazda RX-8?
Among the 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Fuel system (1 complaint), Fuel/propulsion system (1 complaint), Unspecified (1 complaint). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2011 Mazda RX-8 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 89 cubic feet (about 2,520 litres) and luggage volume at 8 cubic feet (about 227 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.