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.
This Mazda was a Valentine gift in 2008. The dealership has done all of the work, oil changes, replaced turbo everything. The last thing they did was change the antifreeze coolant. My check engine light came on and I pulled over right away - luckily we were by a rest area - open the hood and it smells like antifreeze - we are about 75 miles away from home - have the car towed home - Monday - take the car in and they have it a week before they tell us that we have compression issues, and a blown head gasket - HOW - it just happens - no, not with a car that is taken care of. Not one drop of oil anywhere on this car - so why did your engine fail?
Update from Aug 22, 2019: This vechile is sitting in the driveway - we had the head gasket fixed elsewhere only to have the temperature thing go out. - Mazda wouldn't budge - It made me mad that they wouldn't stand behind their product.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This Mazda was a Valentine gift in 2008. The dealership has done all of the work, oil changes, replaced turbo everything. The last thing they did was change the antifreeze coolant. My check engine light came on and I pulled over right away - luckily we were by a rest area - open the hood and it smells like antifreeze - we are about 75 miles away from home - have the car towed home - Monday - take the car in and they have it a week before they tell us that we have compression issues, and a blown head gasket - HOW - it just happens - no, not with a car that is taken care of. Not one drop of oil anywhere on this car - so why did your engine fail?
Update from Aug 22, 2019: This vechile is sitting in the driveway - we had the head gasket fixed elsewhere only to have the temperature thing go out. - Mazda wouldn't budge - It made me mad that they wouldn't stand behind their product.
- Tammi B., Creve Coeur, IL, US