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.

3.9

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
31,274 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.

2008 Mazda CX-7 steering problems

steering problem

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2008 Mazda CX-7 Owner Comments

problem #8

Nov 072017

CX-7

  • miles

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

There was blue smoke in 2013 and the engine oil had been burned to nearly empty. It was fixed with my own pocket but in happen again. Fyi, the first time it happened at almost 40,000 miles and right now is 62000miles. Right now there is a problem of the power steering pump which may out of control when it makes turn. I read anticle say that Mazda will recall cx 7 including year 2008. When I call them today they said no such kind of recall. I read a lots of article complaining Mazda Cx-7 regarding of these two issue. Hope your department can follow up to protect consumer. Also when the car runs in highway of fast enough there's no smoke but when it runs slow the smoke come out tremendously. Thanks.

- Flushing, NY, USA

problem #7

Jul 312017

CX-7

  • miles
Recall 9716H (front lower control arm) was sent out in October 2016 and 10 months later there is no solution or eta to the solution. In the interim, we are driving a potentially unsafe vehicle during dangerous times of the year (winter). Recall 1317F (air bag inflator) I was denied a service appointment due to a technicians strike and offered no recourse or options in the interim. Announced safety issues when no immediate repair is available, should at minimum be have the requirement to offer drivers a safe and comparable rental vehicle while a solution is put into place. We are in a situation where Mazda has now essentially said "we sold you an unsafe car so just keep driving it until we fixing it fits into our schedule".

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #6

Jul 272016

CX-7

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Cx-7. the contact stated that NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V356000 (air bags) for the frontal passenger inflator and 16V593000 (steering) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received the recall notifications in July and October of 2016. The contacted stated that both dealers (hamilton Mazda 2201 NJ-33, hamilton township, NJ, 08690, 609-587-7600 and open road Mazda of East brunswick 352 NJ-18, East brunswick, NJ 08816) stated that parts were unavailable, and that the contact would have to wait when the interim letter was issued. Due to the extended wait times on the telephone, the contact was not able to notify the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Kendall Park, NJ, USA

problem #5

Feb 032017

CX-7

  • 101,000 miles

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

Mazda Cx-7 recall 9716H. Rcvd recall notice in 10/2016 but no further notices & told in notice that parts were not available to correct the dangerous recall. Had no idea how disastrous this problem could be. Driving my Cx-7 on old willets path, smithtown, NY on 2/3/17 @ approx. 6:30pm with my 4 children in the car, traveling less than 35 mph when the right wheel came off the axle of the car. The wheel was the right side passenger side of car. The car then began to turn into oncoming traffic as a result of losing control of the car. Cars had to move out of my way as it was almost out of control. I feared for the life of myself and my 4 kids in the car. Thankfully I was able to luckily gain control of the car due to my 30+ yrs experience as a driver and force the car onto the shoulder of the right side of the road, sliding into dirt. The car skidded approx 75 feet on pavement. (photos attached) the cause of the accident was diagnosed by my mechanic as the ball joint and lower control arm of the car completely snapping/ breaking caused by erosion/corrosion, which is exactly what the recall is for. Car was towed as was not drivable. The tire cause damage to the axle wheel, and other parts of the car and engine as described by smith haven Mazda, where car is currently being repaired. Had I been traveling at a higher rate of speed, this could have been a deadly matter and myself and 4 children could have been killed. I am so upset that Mazda did not immediately notify their customers to completely stop using these cars due to the dangerous risk of death/crash. I no longer want to be an owner of this Mazda and want to ditch this car for fear of what could have happened to my family; unacceptable safety notification by Mazda. Had myself or children been killed or hurt, I would be suing Mazda. Will Mazda consider offering me any compensation on trading/selling this car?

- Smithtown, NY, USA

problem #4

Feb 102015

CX-7

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Cx-7. the contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely tight and was difficult to maneuver left and right. The dealer indicated that there was a premature failure with the ball links associated with the lower ball joints. The driver side ball joints. Months later, the steering wheel was difficult to turn left and right again. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they replaced the ball joints on both sides of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V593000 (suspension) months ago, but the remedy and parts had not yet been supplied to the dealer. The dealer indicated that the two repairs were separate from the steering recall. The VIN was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V356000 (air bags). The failure mileage was not available. Parts distribution disconnect. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Sicklerville, NJ, USA

problem #3

Jan 052011

CX-7 4-cyl

  • 40,000 miles
There was a knocking almost as if the car was a diesel, brought the car to milford Mazda in milford ct after purchasing the vehicle a month earlier at bobs in milford ct. The Mazda dealer replaced the vvt December 2012 the service engine light goes on and I take it to the local garage and they get a code for camshaft, I bring the car to Mazda who tells me upon arrival with out even looking at the vehicle that I need a new engine and it wouldn't be covered under my extended warranty because they are sure there is sludge in the engine, yea same story everyone else gets. I faithfully had my oil changed every 5,0000 miles max as this was drilled in my head growing up from my dad. Approximately some time in March I was driving to work I get this loud whining sound coming from the engine and the car loses all power the turbo went. I have a new turbo installed and still supposedly need another vvt just 2 years after they replaced this part and now there is a humming/whining noise coming from the rear of the car not to mention (2) tie rods are bad. This car is no doubt a piece of crap that I still owe 13K on and Mazda corporate will not even return my call. There has to be something that can be done with all the same complaints.

- Trumbull, CT, USA

problem #2

Dec 102012

CX-7 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
The power steering failed. Almost impossible to steer car to safe stop on side of road. The power steering hose was cut by the end of the crankshaft at the end of the engine and all the fluid leaked out causing the pump to stop and burn up. The hose was cut by long-term rubbing by the end of the crankshaft that spins outside the engine cover. The hose is located next to the shaft that spins. It sliced into it causing a leak.

- Napa, CA, USA

problem #1

Sep 302009

CX-7

  • 47,189 miles
Without warning the cabin of my Mazda Cx-7 filled with smoke and the powersteering went out. Apparently faulty ac compressor burned belts and knocked out powersteering. Mazda replaced compressor with new revised compressor.

- Wrentham, MA, USA

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