Does the Mazda RX-8 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mazda RX-8 records 23.28 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 30.61 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−7.33, 95% interval −8.11 to −6.55). It ranks 549 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Mazda RX-8 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group 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”, recorded 1,241 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 1,241 | 6.39 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 835 | 4.30 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 756 | 3.89 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 431 | 2.22 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 362 | 1.86 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 19,422 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Mazda RX-8 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
18.2% of Mazda RX-8 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 1,759 miles later (2,257 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,257 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Mazda RX-8 2003 · Mazda RX-8 2004 · Mazda RX-8 2005 · Mazda RX-8 2006 · Mazda RX-8 2007 · Mazda RX-8 2008 · Mazda RX-8 2009 · Mazda RX-8 2010 · Mazda RX-8 by postcode area · Mazda RX-8 body, chassis and structure failures · Mazda RX-8 brakes failures · Mazda RX-8 vehicle identification failures · Mazda RX-8 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mazda RX-8 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mazda RX-8 road wheels failures · Mazda RX-8 seat belts and airbags failures · Mazda RX-8 steering failures · Mazda RX-8 tyres failures · Mazda RX-8 visibility failures