CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2007 Mazda CX-7 has numerous reports filed with the NHTSA about engine & A/C problems.

Owners report problems with the 2007 CX-7's Variable Valve Timing (VVT) & timing chain failing, causing major damage to the engine — Mazda uses an interference design so typically the valves are bent & the entire engine needs to be replaced. Mazda dealers typically quote $9,000 for an engine replacement.

There is also a trend of the turbo failing at low mileage.

Finally for the 2007 CX-7 there is a clear pattern of A/C compressor failure at relatively low mileage. Owners report smoke & occasionally the serpentine belt catches fire when the A/C compressor clutch seizes while driving. Mazda extended the A/C warranty to 60,000 miles, however many owners report their A/C compressor failed very soon after the 60k mark.

In 2011, Mazda began a "Special Service Program" that extended the warranty to 7 years/70,000 miles covering turbocharger oil leaks & excessive timing chain noise — an early sign of timing chain failure. However coverage under the program requires perfect documentation of all required maintenance with other stipulations. Buyer beware.

9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,900
Average Mileage:
107,800 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. brand new engine (2 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
  3. new throttle body (1 reports)
  4. repair variable valve timing (1 reports)
2007 Mazda CX-7 engine problems

engine problem

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2007 Mazda CX-7 Owner Comments

problem #6

Dec 012015

CX-7 Grand Touring 2.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 97,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After the turbo crapped out and was replaced... the VVT decided to fail.. no power, smoke and stuttering. Took it to the dealer... again.. they said it was a common problem. few thousand later.. viola' good as new.. until the turbo began leaking oil.. profusely. Will not buy another mazda

- sfcmcgan, Roy, WA, US

problem #5

Oct 212015

CX-7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,000 miles

At first did not pass NC inspection. I'm driving my car under waiver condition. Shows 3 points in computer; catalytic, oxygen sensor and evaporation system not ready. No engine light on. Car running bad especial when I stop at lights or others stop signs.

- Juan X M., Charlotte, NC, US

problem #4

Apr 082015

CX-7 GT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I was driving to a local auto service garage, and upon crossing some rail road tracks, the engine developed a loud clicking noise, it lost significant power output, but I was still able to drive it slowly to across the street from the garage. Then the engine cuts out and the check engine light came on, along with the battery indicator light on the dash board.

The car repair shop folks told me the engine does not start and there is evidence of valve and piston damage, and I will need to replace the engine. Likely cause is the timing chain jumped time (skipped gears). Parts and labor is estimated at $7400. Before this happened, even a year ago, I started noticing the engine making louder ticking sounds than it used to, and I believe this is a symptom of the timing chain part of the engine starting to fail. If I had addressed that issue (probably a $1500 repair), then perhaps the engine would not have self-destructed.

- czbo, Niskayuna, NY, US

problem #3

Feb 012015

CX-7 LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car stopped on the road while driving and I am getting different diagnosis. Some are saying it is turbo charger and my mechanic is saying the engine needs to be replaced. This is awful and very disappointing. It seems a lot of people are having same issue. Mazda, please do something. I am very angry and disappointed

- jusbello, Oakville, ON, canada

problem #2

Jan 072012

CX-7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,513 miles

considering there was very little warranty on this car the repair bill and parts cost is terrible, not to mention I was in traffic on a very busy street and my dealership closed right after i bought this car. i had to take it to the dealership an hour and a half away.

- norao, Purvis, MS, US

problem #1

May 072011

CX-7

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,256 miles

Luckily my power train warranty covered this problem. But in doing research online I found this is a VERY COMMON problem on the Mazda Cx-7. Very sad that a car that's barely four years old would need a whole new engine already! It was not a cheap car!

- Meghan D., San Antonio, TX, US

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