The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Cx-7. the contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle overheated and the turbo system malfunctioned, causing the engine to sludge and the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that there was sludge in the engine and advised that the engine would need replacing. The engine was not replaced. The failure mileage was 93,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

I was experiencing a shake in the steering wheel at high speeds, which we attributed to a tire/wheel/alignment issue. I made an appointment when the check engine light came on. The dealership told me I needed the timing chain (and assorted peripherals) replaced...for the second time in two years. The first time was covered by warranty, but only after I produced the records to show the oil had been changed regularly. The second time was not covered under warranty. It cost $1500 to replace the entire assembly that was less than two years old. The dealership has recommended ignoring the manual on oil changes (every 7500 miles) and changing it every 3000 to hopefully catch any further issues. They said because the turbo runs very hot, it burns up the oil quickly. My car was very low when I took it in. They also said the check engine light will not go on due to low oil, but only for low oil pressure. The other issue I had was related to the rear view mirror. I have the auto-dim with compass, which was installed by the dealer when I bought the car. It has failed twice and been replaced under warranty. The second time was around 65K miles. Less than a month after my warranty ran out, the entire mirror fell off the windshield. In the early 2007 models, the clip that holds the mirror can not be replaced if it breaks. I had to have the entire windshield replaced in order to re-attach the mirror. I was told even though the mirror would have been covered since it had just been replaced, the windshield was not covered. That was another $250 to replace a perfectly good windshield just because the clip couldn't be fixed. I have seriously considered just trading this car in because I doubt very much it will be worth more than scrap value in a few more years.

- Media, PA, USA

We were driving home on christmas eve going about 65 mph when the cars engine just died. We lost all power to the car including the power steering. Thankfully we were on a straight stretch and due to time of night there were not many other cars on the road. We were able to coast to the side of the road safely. The car was towed to a dealership where it was discovered the timing chain broke and damaged the engine in the process. After researching this online I discovered hundreds if not thousands of complaints about a broken timing chain that required replacement of the engine. Some of these complaints were as early as 30,000 miles. There was even discussion about a recall on the timing chain from Mazda saying that it was defective but Mazda was not always honoring this recall. Obviously based on these complaints there is a problem with the timing chain in the 2007 Cx-7 that needs to be addressed. Mazda is not doing anything about it and trying to get out of the mess they created.

- Evansville, IN, USA

I bought my 2007 mazdacx7 in Feb 2012.ive only had the car for 8 mths when the turbo went out also the piston rings, first the driver side window came off the track could'nt let window down anymore, the the driverside door handle broke, called Mazda they said the handle would cost $200 to replace, could'nt afford to fix it still broken, then in 10/20121 the turbo went out, called the dealer where I bought the car from and he told me to take the car to Mazda dealership, so I did Mazda mechanic told me that it would cost over $2500 to fix the turbo no counting what else is wrong with the car because the car started smoking soo bad before I left the Mazda dealership the mechanic at Mazda said it doesn't make sense to fix my truck because who I bougt the car from they sold me a lemon that I might as well buy another car, the mechanic told me to be careful not to drive my car because it's not safe to dridealer where I bought the car from and the manager gave me the run-A-R in another I would have went somewhere else, well for 3 weeks they gave me the cold shouler, nasty behaviors even hanging the phone up in my face, that hurts they sold me a recall car Mazda said anyhting over 71000 miles the manufacture warranty doesn't cover well when I bought the car it only had 65000 miles so the dealer said and I checked the mileage upon buying the car, im still not undrstanding there's something missing from this puzzle, even the grill wasn't right on the car after I bought it the next day while driving the car the grill fell down.my car smokes sooo! bad it nusafe to drive and I have 2 granddaughters that need to go to school. I'm at my ends with that dealer.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Mazda CX7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was found that the vvt timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the turbo had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 56,800.

- Port Richie , FL, USA

Check engine light due to the egr valve = exhaust gas recirculation valve being stuck in the open position with 51K miles. The dealership replaced the valve (part number L3K9-20-300A) and the gasket (part number lf6T-20-305) for $882.63 being that it was not covered under my certified pre owned warranty or my extended warranty since it is part of the emissions package I paid, in full, out of pocket. I have checked several online forums and have seen this is a common occurrence for 2007 CX7 between 25K and 55K miles. I think this is a much larger problem than regular wear and tear requiring an investigation.

- Houston, TX, USA

Driving East across the bay bridge from sf, the engine made a wheezing noise. After a mile the power dropped, and the car would only travel at 30 mph. No engine light came on to warn of this, even during the event. At this point it was obvious that it needed repair attention, and we found a Mazda dealer/repair shop relatively close by to drive it to. Once they had a chance to diagnose the problem, they reported to us that engine 'sludge' was to blame. The timing chain had been rubbing, and the vvt actuator had been compromised. Turbo galleys were also plugged. In Jan. Of this year, Mazda posted an extended warranty for Cx-7's timing chain and vvt. However, the dealer informed us after checking with Mazda that we were not eligible for the warranty. Gaps in our history of repair was the given reason. After an appeal, the rep from Mazda said the highest authority had reviewed the claim and again declined to help. We have read numerous complaints from other Cx-7 owners with the same problem. Many of them have also been denied the use the warranty that Mazda has extended.this is a vast and scary problem with this vehicle.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

While driving the car the ac compressor made a noise and ceased to work. I noticed a strange smell coming from the car followed by smoke coming from the engine compartment. I pulled over and opened up the hood to find smoke pouring off of the ac compressor and a large amount of sparks shooting off of it. This indecent occurred 4 months after the extended warranty on the ac compressor ran out. I'm not sure why this isn't an issue that is subject to a recall, as there was a very real danger of a fire breaking out.

- Souderton, PA, USA

Vehicle was traveling North bound when check engine light came on as well as at on the driver console, the car would not accelerate or shift from 3rd gear in the middle highway causing the vehicle to decrease in speed.

- Houston, TX, USA

On 7/11/12 my wife was driving on the entrance ramp to the fl. Turnpike when her Mazda CX7, 07 engine turned off completely without warning. She was on a one lane road with a blind sided curve when this happened. A 18 wheeler truck was coming up behind her and almost rear ended her vehicle. Fortunately the driver of the truck was able to stop before hitting my wife car. After a investigation of the engine problem I found out that it was a bad timing chain that caused the vehicle to shut off the way it did. I called the Mazda manufacture and they told me that they were aware of the timing chain problem and that's why they sent out letters for an extended warranty on the timing chain problem. The also stated that the only way they would replace the part is if I could show records of every oil change that was done on the car from the time of purchase. Being that I purchased the vehicle used I am not able to show all the oil change records they request. The point is that the manufacture recognized that there is a problem with the timing chain. They should be doing a immediate recall on the car to fix the problem before somebody gets seriously injured or killed..if you can I ask you to please help with this matter..

- Homestead , FL, USA

The vehicle suddenly stopped running while traveling at 65 mph on interstate 95. The vehicle was safely moved to the side of the road where it was then towed to the dealer where it was purchased. The service representative indicated that the engine would have to be opened at a cost of $500 to determine the cause of the problem. They suspected that the timing chain had broken. After consulting with Mazda customer service, I was advised to have the vehicle towed to a Mazda dealer. The vehicle was towed to thompson Mazda in baltimore, Maryland where it was confirmed that the timing chain had broken and that the engine would have to be replaced. Mazda had provide an extended warranty on the timing chain for 7 years or 70,000 miles. The warranty indicated that if there was a timing chain noise to bring into a Mazda dealer to have it serviced under the warranty. At no time was there a noise experienced from the engine. Mazda also indicated that the vehicle had to have service records to be covered. Since the vehicle was purchased used in April 2011 we only had our service records and the car fax service records. Mazda indicated that because there was a gap in the service records, between 31000 miles (the last record shown by car fax) and 54000 miles (when we had purchased the vehicle), they would not cover the cost of replacing the engine. It is my belief that Mazda knew there was a defect in the timing chain and had they been proactive in recalling the vehicle and replacing the timing chain the engine would not have had to be replaced at a more significant cost of $7,200.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

Felt slight jolt, and immediately less power, then engine just stopped. My opinion is that the timing chain first "jumped" a tooth, then failed altogether. I was able to coast safely off to the shoulder, where I called for a tow. Car was flatbedded back to the dealer at my request, as they have done all work on the car since day 1. dealer stated several days later that engine had no compression in two of the four cylinders, and a remanufactured engine would be required at a cost of $6400. Later, having researched this, it is a common problem and seriously premature for this mileage and for a car driven moderately and on which all recommended maintenance has been performed (by this dealer). I stated Mazda should stand behind this and contribute all or part of the repair bill. Several days later, dealer states Mazda refused.

- Ontario, NY, USA

My husband was driving the vehicle down a backroad highway going 60 when all of a sudden the car stopped. There was no notice, no noise nothing. The pos was towed to the local Mazda dealership. The looked at the vehicle and said "timing chain..$3000". ok, not what we expected but fine, fix it. 24 hours later, they called to advise that the engine is blown $7000. I contact the Mazda customer service ( aka people who are trained to tell you that you are sol) to see if there was any recall or any other things that may cover this. No, nothing but a extension was mailed Jan 2012 to advise that the timing chain was extended for repair. No notice was received and the address they had on file was correct. So here we sit with a worthless pos that nobody wants to take responsibility for. I would rather have it sit in the drive way and we share 1 vehicle than put 7000 into this car. I see that we are not the only people that have been taken advantage of by Mazda. Has anyone called recently into customer service to hear the list of recall notices" it take 8 mins for the automated system to list them all. This company needs to take responsibility for it's worthless machines! if a class action lawsuit ever comes out, I will join in a heartbeat. Can the NHTSA please look into this" I know that we are not the only people... no time in life should an engine need to be repaired with only 76K on it!!!

- West Monroe, LA, USA

My husband was driving home when he suddenly heard a loud whining noise then lost power. On the way to the dealer, he noticed it was smoking.

- Forest City, PA, USA

My Mazda began making a clanging sound at ignition. I took the Mazda to sussman Mazda in abington, pa. I was told that thought the warrant 5 yrs/60,000 miles had expired. However, Mazda had extended the warranty on the vvt actuator and timing chain due to this being a know problem. I was asked to produce all maintenance records on the car. I did not have every single service record and was denied repair by Mazda. I called the Mazda corporate office and spoke with a representative. The representative told me that my claim was denied. I asked to speak with a supervisor but I was denied. I called back and was told that a supervisor would call me back on 08/30/12. It is 10pm and no one has called me back. It appears that Mazda is doing everything possible not to repair a known defect on the Mazda CX7. There are numerous complaint online of many CX7 owners going through the same situation that I have. I cannot drive the car due to fear off the timing chain failing.

- Warminster, PA, USA

While driving on interstate highway, loud ticking and whirring sound came from engine. Black smoke came from rear tailpipes and white smoke from under the hood. Vehicle lost power and stopped.

- Shreveport, LA, USA

While driving home from work 8/23/12, my husband noticed that the A/C was not cooling and that the engine started making a squealing noise. He stated that the A/C compressor was failing. Fortunately for us, he made it home safely. If it failed completely while driving, the car (or he) could have died in the middle of the interstate.we had received the extended warranty notice for the A/C compressor. So, we took it to our local Mazda dealership/service department for repair. The technician stated that we had just exceeded our warranty coverage. Our vehicle turned 5 years old on 6/30/12 and has 60,598 miles. He stated that we would have to contact the Mazda corporate office to request assistance. The corporate representative stated that they would contact our dealership and take the matter under review. She stated that if they denied the claim there was no one else at Mazda that would discuss this with us. I agree with other complaints filed to date...apparently, someone will have to be killed before anyone issues a recall.

- Piney Flats, TN, USA

I drove 200 miles stopped the car to get something to eat, when I restarted it a loud whistling noise came from engine and wouldn't stop. Called roadside assistance and it was towed 2 days later because it happened on a Saturday night. It took 3days for it to be fixed and I'm not sure it is running properly. I also had the timing chain replaced at 60,000 miles. I will never buy another Mazda.

- Orland Park, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2007 Mazda CX7. The contact stated that when driving over 20 mph, there was a loud noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there was a faulty turbo engine charger which needed to be replaced. There were no recalls for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified who confirmed that there were no recalls and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 78,590.

- Longbeach, CA, USA

While driving with my ac (air conditioning) on, it suddenly started blowing warm air. The car filled up with a burnt tire like smell and I quickly turned the air conditioning off. After giving it a few minutes and parking my car on a shoulder lane, I turned the air conditioning back on to see if it's going to start working again (while the car was still running). My ac was still blowing warm air but now there was a loud noise what appeared to be coming from the engine along with the burnt tire like smell. I decided to return home and have my husband take a look at it before I contact the dealership service to fix it. As my husband open the hood of the CX7 and I turned on the ac there appeared to be alot of sparks coming from the ac air compressor, right beside the engine. This looks as if it can potentionally set on fire. Mazda did send out a warrenty extension letter (ssp 81) back in 2010 for this very same issue. This warranty extension was covering vehicles up to 5 years/60000 miles.

- Des Plaines, IL, USA