NHTSA — Steering Problems

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
56,894 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.

2007 Mazda CX-7 steering problems

steering problem

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2007 Mazda CX-7 Owner Comments

problem #19

May 012016

CX-7

  • 77,000 miles

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

While driving the wheel and steering became impossible to control. The car was only stopped by a wall on the highway. My husband was driving and had a heart attack during this incident with the car. The airbag on the drivers side was deployed.

- Bayside, NY, USA

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problem #18

Feb 212018

CX-7 4-cyl

  • miles
Recalls my # [xxx] kevin [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Lebanon, TN, USA

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problem #17

Aug 102016

CX-7

  • miles
My vehicle is affected by NHTSA recall #: 16V-593 recall date: 08/10/16. It has been two years since the recall and Mazda still does not have parts available to repair my car. My vehicle is affected by Mazda recall #: 1317F NHTSA recall #: 17V-429. It has been once year since the recall and Mazda still does not have parts available to repair my car. I believe that Mazda has no intention of ever repairing my vehicle.

- Louisville, CO, USA

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problem #16

Aug 282017

CX-7

  • 112,500 miles

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

NHTSA recall #16V-593 - this recall indicates that there is the risk of significant loss of steering control increasing the risk of a crash. This recall is taking an inordinate amount of time, and I think that it is imperative that this be expedited in order to replace the part before it becomes a more severe issue which could include litigation. The steering control is a vital part of the operation of this vehicle and I don't think that it is feasible or fair to the owners of Mazda vehicles to be placed in such a precarious situation. This issue needs to be escalated so that existing owners of these vehicles can get the replacement parts that are needed as soon as possible. My vehicle is beginning to experience some of these steering issues, and I keep my car properly maintained, but the expense of the replacement of these control arms at this time is a difficult expense. Please help me to have this issue escalated.

- Denver, CO, USA

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problem #15

Jul 092017

CX-7

  • 0 miles
Mazda recall #: 9716H (NHTSA recall #: 16V-593) this recall is dated 8/10/16. From Mazda's recall notice, "the ball joint and lower control arm may separate, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash." So almost a year and nothing....recall still "remedy not available""???? what are they waiting on" seems extremely irresponsible/greedy (do not want to incur the cost)

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

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problem #14

Jun 202016

CX-7

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Cx-7. the contact stated that the steering wheel was tight and difficult to turn left or right. In addition, the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer (shortline Mazda,90 havana St, Aurora, co 80010, (303) 364-2200 ) was contacted and they indicated that the part needed was not available for NHTSA campaign number: 16V356000 (air bags). The vehicle was also included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V593000 (suspension) and the dealer made no mention of that recall and when the parts and remedy may be provided from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and the contact was waiting to determine if they may be able to supply a solution to the dealer for the failures as well as the remedy and parts for the two recall repairs. The vehicle was last left at the dealers due to the steering wheel failure and the air bag warning light remaining illuminated. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Aurora, CO, USA

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problem #13

Aug 112016

CX-7

  • 124,000 miles

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

My vehicle was recalled exactly 10 months ago under Mazda # 9716H, NHTSA # 16V593000. This is a safety related recall, as steering control may be lost. After 10 months, parts are still not available. I am putting my family at risk every time we travel in this vehicle. How can a car be recalled as a safety risk and no parts available for almost a year" what are the NHTSA and Mazda doing about this? if my car loses steering and an accident results, who is responsible"

- Norton, OH, USA

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problem #12

May 242017

CX-7

  • 148,000 miles
Takata recall I was notified by Mazda of NHTSA recall number's 17V-012 and 16V-593 (manufacture recall number 0717A and 9716H), informing me how I may experience significant loss of steering that may result in a crash, plus I was advised not to ever have a passenger in my vehicle in the event of a crash as metal fragments from the passenger airbag could cause serious injury or death. It has been nearly a year since the first notice and nearly 6 months since the second notice, yet nothing has been done. Mazda says parts are not available. Nothing injurious has happened, my complaint is how Mazda seems to not be doing anything about this and I risk my life and others with every drive I must make.

- Ankeny, IA, USA

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problem #11

May 142017

CX-7

  • 123,600 miles
Takata recall: Passenger side airbag light comes on intermittently and sometimes stays on or blinks. While driving the vehicle at 60 mph it swerved without warning to the right causing the passenger side tires to fall off the shoulder of the highway and nearly resulting in loss of control.

- Siloam Springs, AR, USA

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problem #10

Apr 062017

CX-7

  • 118,000 miles
Mazda hasn't been able to make recall parts available in a timely manner resulting in my lower control arm/ball joint to break away from my tire causing me to loose steering while turning. Also being broke down on railroad tracks and needed to get my car and myself to safety. My car had to be lifted with equipment to be moved resulting in both left and right front fender damage! this is very inconsiderate and poor business manner!!!

- Blanchard, PA, USA

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problem #9

Jul 012016

CX-7

  • miles

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

I received the primary notification of safety recall in July 2016. I have not received any more information since then, the air bag indicator pops in the dashboard often and I cannot take my care to the emission test until the problem is corrected.

- Chicago, IL, USA

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problem #8

Mar 172017

CX-7

  • miles
Shortly after purchasing vehicle replaced timing, turbo, exaust, ball joints, tie rod ends & much more. Timing was first, then driving and turbo went out. 2 days ago car sitting in driveway, not running, started smoking from under hood, butst into flames and burnt up. Mazda said no recalls, clearly not true according to website. Almost burnt my house also as it was sitting in driveway and couldnt be moved. If we would have been inside the car, I doubt we would of had time to get pulled over & out as thats how quick it burnt!

- Brookville, IN, USA

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problem #7

Oct 012016

CX-7

  • 62,000 miles
Subject: Recall https://www.cpsc.gov/newsroom/news-releases what is the update on letter that I received in October 2016 regarding the recall on my 2007 Mazda Cx-7 for a defect which relates to the front suspension lower arm ball joint fitting causing a loss of steering control"?"this letter stated that repair parts are not currently available and I will receive notification from Mazda when parts available. It now has been almost 5 months since my notice without any update. I am alarmed to think that I am driving an unsafe car with no remediation to date. Please advise.

- Wallingford, CT, USA

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problem #6

Mar 222013

CX-7 4-cyl

  • 55,882 miles
Started smelling strong burning rubber odor emanating through vents of car while in operation, exited highway upon seeing white smoke fuming from under hood. Loss control of steering and vehicle shut off and would not crank again. Mechanic determined ac compressor has seized and serpentine belt was snapped due to friction from pulleys. If I had stayed on freeway instead of exiting, with the lost of steering I surely would have posed a danger to myself as well as others on the road. This complaint is one of numerous thousands that have been filed on behalf of Mazda and its Cx-7 model. There should be a recall issued for the ac compressor before it causes serious injury and/or fatality.

- Memphis, TN, USA

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problem #5

Dec 152011

CX-7 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
While driving on the freeway at about 70 mph, my 2007 Mazda CX7 randomly lost power. I was able to pull to the side of the freeway even though the steering wheel became very hard to turn. I was very lucky there were not many cars around me. The motor would only rev when I pushed the gas pedal. I had the car towed to a mechanic. The next day I was told that my motor and turbo needed to be replaced. The repairs would total to about $8,000. I already owe $15,000 on the auto loan. I only had the car for one year, the motor went bad at 60, 000 miles?. I'm a full-time student and a mom, my husband makes less than $30K a year. We cannot afford the repairs at this time. As a result, the car is sitting on our driveway.

- Sun City, CA, USA

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problem #4

Oct 222011

CX-7 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
Purchased my vehicle 15 months ago at 38,000 miles. In October, I was driving along and the car stopped running. No warning, nothing on the dash lighting up, the vehicle just started loosing speed. The steering was going as well. I put the vehicle in neutral to try and get the steering back and it was a hard steer to the side of the road. I tried starting the vehicle and it would turn but not start. Two tows later, I find, to my surprise at 62,000, that I need a new engine. My timing chain either broke or has derailed. This all happened on October 22nd. It is now November 10th and I still do not have an exact diagnosis nor a vehicle. Yes, warranty is done at 60,000 miles, but what vehicles loose and engine at 62,000 in this decade? and, thankfully, I was not on a highway when this happened as I'm not sure what happened to the steering in this whole process.

- West Dover, VT, USA

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problem #3

Nov 092009

CX-7

  • 50,000 miles
A/C compressor locks. No power steering, overheats and dies suddenly.

- Panama City Beach, FL, USA

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problem #2

Jan 192010

CX-7

  • 51,000 miles
While driving at night at highway speed, noise started to come from engine compartment. Seemed to come and go, but suddenly smelled smoke and lost power steering. Nearly had a head on collision. This was a very serious near miss. Managed to get car to neighborhood car repair shop. After inspection, cause was determined to be seized A/C compressor that led to cascading failures. Cost to repair all damage was $2250. I have since read that this is a common failure on Mazda Cx-7 and still no recall? I will be sending a claim to Mazda usa and would also be interested in joining any class action suite to recoupe all my costs and to force Mazda usa to make a recall. Family's lives are at stake.

- Katy, TX, USA

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problem #1

Mar 082009

CX-7

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Cx-7. while driving at an unknown speed, the power steering, brakes, and the entire electrical system failed. The contact could not stop the vehicle. Approximately three minutes later, the power steering and brakes returned. The dealer stated that they had never before experienced this type of failure. The vehicle is currently at the dealer for repair. The failure and current mileages were 35,000.

- Saint Peters, MO, USA

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