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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
86,942 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda CX7. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic was performed. The failure was located as the emissions gas recirculation valve. The dealer replaced the egr valve and the failure was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 66,600.
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Cx-7. while driving approximately 40 mph, the contact heard a loud grinding noise outside of the vehicle and blue smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated the failure was contributed to engine sludge. The technician advised that the engine be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 50,835. The VIN was unavailable.
I bought the car at 30K miles in November of 2011. I have since driven 15K miles on it. I noticed a click in the engine. I took it to the dealership where they proceeded to tell me that everything was fine and I needed to get a 45K mile maintenance on it. I told them the clicking was bothering me. They said that was fine. I got the car back and the noise appeared to have gone... but reappeared after a few days. I went back to the dealership and told them that a car under 5 years old with less than 50K miles on it shouldn't make that noise. They finally admitted there was a problem with the timing chain, causing a leak in the oil which put sludge in the engine. They told me it was my fault etc. I proceeded to look online and there were thousands of other people with the same problem. From the research I have done, they aren't even making the car anymore and I'm sure it's due to these same engine problems. My dealership told me it was my fault... and the other people on townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.F1826A6/0 had the exact same problem. I hope someone does something about this! the dealership tried to switch out the car saying that they were trying to help... and after driving it for 10 minutes... I told them the beginning noise was in this car as well. He acted aloof and said he didn't hear it... until we were back at the dealership. Then he said... 'oh... I hear it now' they need to do a full recall of this car. Working so hard to finally be able to get a car makes you so happy... but to get ripped off in the end.... it's awful. I feel completely vulnerable and it's terrible. Thanks for even having this website... hopefully we can get this car off the market!
Ac failed on long trip. Temp gauge did not indicate overheating, no warning lights were lit up. After arriving at destination 5 hours from home, turned off engine and saw smoke coming from rt front hood area near wheel. Tried to start, not turning over. Added coolant to over flow (it was empty). Still not starting. No Mazda dealer open in area (closest one was 45 miles South in ft wayne. Time was approx 2pm on Saturday. Enterprise rent a car also not open except airport locations (they are open 8-12 on sats). Knew there was a w-mart nearby w/ auto service. Our vehicle is parked in large mcdonald's lot near the back out of the way, relatively safe location...clld and spoke w/ [xxx] at wal-mart. He offered to come look at the car after work-w/in 15 min he was there. Because engine not turning over, he at first was concerned engine may have seized up/head gasket blew etc. He isolated the ac clutch as the problem by manually turning over the engine and then taking belt off completely. Started right up... he then proceeded to drive us to airport in ft wayne, had our car towed to his repair shop, accessed the problem area and advised me what part to order.the man is a saint. We spent 4 hours at airport until enterprise took mercy on us and rented us a car even though I only have a debit visa. Part has been ordered from dealer where we purch car.they matched price online of $289.01 and shipping to Indiana is only $12 will arrive by end of day tomorrow. Not sure what labor cost will be. Unable to order only clutch from Mazda. Don't need pump but will have extra in case it fails in the future. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Cynthiana, KY, USA
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- Reynoldsburg, OH, USA