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Mazda · Sports Car · 2003–2012

Mazda RX-8 SE3P

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Engine Overview

The Mazda RX-8 SE3P is available with one engine variant at 192 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.3L Wankel · Benziner· 192–231 PS Engine Change
2003 2008
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
2003 2012
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2008 2012
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses

The Mazda 1.3L Wankel (Benziner, 192–231 PS) comes with 3 different engines: 13B-MSP (2003–2008, Stay Away!) und 13B-MSP (2003–2012, Stay Away!) und 13B-MSP (2008–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.3L Wankel!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Sills and wheel arches heavily rusted

Poor factory corrosion protection leads to rust on sills, wheel arches and wing edges. Bad RX-8s are barely worth saving after 15 years. Rust-free examples are genuinely rare.

Symptoms: Visible rust and paint bubbling at sills and wheel arches; rust-through at the bumper transition area
from 80,000 km
Ad rocker panel Mazda RX-8 SE3P repair panelwheel arch RX-8 repair
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
813 complaints · 2003–2012
Powertrain
239 ⚠ 2
Engine & Cooling
150 ⚠ 3
Airbags
117 ⚠ 16
Steering
112 ⚠ 8
Engine
50

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (239 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (150 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (117 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda RX-8 SE3P (2003–2012) — 5 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. One problem engine: 13B-MSP (1.3L Wankel). Typical issues affect Rust, Electronics, Body, Suspension.

RX-8 (13B-MSP, 2003–2008) — Stay Away!: Apex Seal Wear, Catalytic Converter Destruction from Ignition Failure, Compression Loss and Engine Failure. Power: 192 PS.

RX-8 (13B-MSP, 2003–2012) — Stay Away!: Apex Seal Wear, Catalytic Converter Destruction from Ignition Failure, Compression Loss and Engine Failure. Power: 231 PS.

RX-8 (13B-MSP, 2008–2012) — Stay Away!: Apex Seal Wear, Catalytic Converter Destruction from Ignition Failure, Compression Loss and Engine Failure. Power: 205 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mazda RX-8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda RX-8 SE3P have? +
The Mazda RX-8 SE3P has 5 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda RX-8 SE3P? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the 13B-MSP (1.3L Wankel). Problem engine: 13B-MSP (1.3L Wankel) — stay away!
Which Mazda RX-8 SE3P engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda RX-8 SE3P — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The 4-port Renesis willingly spins into territory where piston engines gave up long ago. Master the rituals — warm it up, check the oil, never shut off cold — and you own one of the most unique sports cars of its class. No turbo, no excuses, just revs.
Is the Mazda RX-8 SE3P worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Mazda RX-8 SE3P — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda RX-8 SE3P? +
The Mazda RX-8 SE3P is available with engine variants from 192 to 231 hp. Petrol: 13B-MSP (1.3L Wankel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee