The NCT record
Mazda RX8
Coupé. Measured from 1,374 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: Well below average
One of the least reliable cars for its age. We'd look at alternatives first.
NCT pass rate: 60% (Above average for its age)
Fails the NCT more often than average, but mostly on things like bulbs and tyres, not the engine or suspension.
60 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 1.50× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 12 years old — a 2014 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 8 | 63% | 64% |
| 2017 | 9 | 64% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 58% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 56% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 57% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 48% | 42% |
| 2012 | 14 | 45% | 38% |
| 2011 | 15 | 45% | 36% |
| 2010 | 16 | 38% | 35% |
What tends to fail on it
Emissions
DPF and EGR condition, service history, oil quality
€100–400 for a service, or a catalytic converter — up to €1,200 at worst.
Chassis & body
sills, subframe, suspension mounts, wheel arches for rot
€400–800 for welding corroded structure — up to €2,000 at worst.
Lighting & electrical
every bulb, indicator, battery condition, corroded connectors
€10–250 for bulbs, or a battery — up to €400 at worst.
Suspension performance
bounce test each corner, uneven ride height, knocking over bumps
€250–450 for shock absorbers, in pairs — up to €700 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€95–165 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other coupé options
- BAudi A5(Above average)
- CVolkswagen Beetle(About average)
- CBMW 420(About average)
- CVolkswagen Scirocco(About average)
- AAudi TT(Well above average)
- DMercedes-Benz CLS(Below average)
Other Mazda models
- CMazda 3(About average)
- CMazda 6(About average)
- BMazda 2(Above average)
- DMazda CX 5(Below average)
- CMazda 323(About average)
- EMazda Mazda 5(Well below average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.