NHTSA — Unknown Or Other Problems

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

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.

2.4

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
63,536 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Mazda CX-7:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2008 Mazda CX-7 Owner Comments

problem #8

Jun 012020

CX-7

  • 130,000 miles

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

Timing chain is rattling

- Fresno, CA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #7

Jul 102018

CX-7

  • 110,000 miles
A/C compressor went out. All parts needed to replace is compressor/condenser-dryer/expansion valve. Total of $2778 working fine. Stopped at store 15 min. Start back up and no A/C

- Chandler, AZ, USA

Add Complaint
problem #6

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

Add Complaint
problem #5

Feb 102016

CX-7

  • 85,000 miles

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

Mazda issued a warranty extension on the A/C compressor because of a known problem. My compressor broke after this extension. It created a safety concern as the clutch broke off of the compressor cause sparks to fly from the loose rubbing metal. Sparks were not caused from electric arc. When the clutch originally seized the engine / compressor began to smoke. I turned off the ac and drove home. Upon driving the car to to the repair shop with the ac off, the clutch separated and began sparking. This clutch could have separated and shot like a projectile. Ac compressor broke while on highway. I have the old part should you like to see it.

- Tampa, FL, USA

Add Complaint
problem #4

Sep 232014

CX-7

  • 80,000 miles
The ac quit working in the car. Hot air will blow but will not blow cold air

- El Paso , TX, USA

Add Complaint

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

engine complaint electrical issue heater complaint transmission complaint paint defect CX-7 recall
problem #3

Aug 282011

CX-7 4-cyl

  • 56,100 miles
The driver's seat under welding which attaches the chair to the body of the car, under the seat, has become detached for no known reason. The front end of the driver's seat unit is no longer attached to the frame of the car yet the back end of the seat is still attached by the motor controls to the power seat. The driver's seat actually rocks back like a rocking chair lifting & moving the seat and backrest as one unit. The broken weld is actually visible when looking under the driver's seat. The motor to the power seat has been functioning but is deteriorating. The seatbelt cannot protect me from this defective seat, if I were rear-ended it would be likely that I, the driver, would be flung backwards into the back seat which could fatally injure one of my children.

- San Diego, CA, USA

Add Complaint
problem #2

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

Add Complaint
problem #1

Jun 012008

CX-7

  • miles
My car is a 2008 Mazda Cx-7 and this summer I began to use the ac which never seems to cool off my car. It blow cold air but not very cold and I have to keep it at level 4 and push the other button that makes it blow harder. Which I think is the circulation button. I should not have to keep it on full blast and with the ac button and the one next to it depressed all the time to cool my car off. I don't think it is running correctly.

- Sugar Hill, GA, USA

Add Complaint

Not what you are looking for?