CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2008 Mazda CX-7 has numerous reports filed with the NHTSA about engine & A/C problems, continuing these defect trends from the 2007 model year.
Owners report problems with the 2008 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 2008 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.
4.0
definitely annoying
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
39,800 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
lubricate caliper sliders every couple of months (1 reports)
About 6 months after purchasing my 2008 Mazda CX-7, I began to hear noise coming from the rear brakes, mostly on the passenger side. I had the dealer look at at but they could not solve the problem.They suggested to replace the rotors, which I did not think was the problem. I brought it to Midas and they cleaned and lubricated the sliders between the calipers. This made the noise go away, but about 2 months later the noise returned. I decided to bring it to another brake outlet and they inspected the brakes, indicating that the rotors were in good shape, no need to replace and the sliders were well lubricated. They could not determine what was causing the noise. I really had a vehicle that makes any kind of annoying noise, and this noise was very annoying. I brought it to a 4th brake outlet and again, they could not find anything wrong with the brakes, and even told me that all cars make noises when the brakes are applied....duh...I am no idiot. I asked them to lubricate the sliders which they did and again the noise disappeared for about 2 months.
Do I have to do this service to my brakes every 2 months to have quiet brakes. This makes no sense to me. There has to be a more permanent solution to this annoying problem. Any suggestions, or solutiions would be greatly appreciated. My next course of action may be to get rid of this vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
About 6 months after purchasing my 2008 Mazda CX-7, I began to hear noise coming from the rear brakes, mostly on the passenger side. I had the dealer look at at but they could not solve the problem.They suggested to replace the rotors, which I did not think was the problem. I brought it to Midas and they cleaned and lubricated the sliders between the calipers. This made the noise go away, but about 2 months later the noise returned. I decided to bring it to another brake outlet and they inspected the brakes, indicating that the rotors were in good shape, no need to replace and the sliders were well lubricated. They could not determine what was causing the noise. I really had a vehicle that makes any kind of annoying noise, and this noise was very annoying. I brought it to a 4th brake outlet and again, they could not find anything wrong with the brakes, and even told me that all cars make noises when the brakes are applied....duh...I am no idiot. I asked them to lubricate the sliders which they did and again the noise disappeared for about 2 months.
Do I have to do this service to my brakes every 2 months to have quiet brakes. This makes no sense to me. There has to be a more permanent solution to this annoying problem. Any suggestions, or solutiions would be greatly appreciated. My next course of action may be to get rid of this vehicle.
- David H., Pembroke, Ontario, canada