Methods for context sensitive detection of failing I/O devices sample and record a response time of an I/O device for each of a first plurality of time intervals to generate a first plurality of sampled and recorded response times, and to determine whether or not at least one I/O error has occurred in each of the first plurality of time intervals. A mathematical model is applied which characterizes the first plurality of sampled and recorded response times. The mathematical model is applied in accordance with an I/O device category corresponding to the I/O device. The mathematical model provides a frame of reference for defining an I/O failure.