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.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
110,750 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2008 Mazda CX-7 engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Mazda CX-7 Owner Comments

problem #2

Mar 132018

CX-7 30.2

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

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

I BOUGHT A MAXDA CX-7 2008 ON 02/28/18 FROM RUSS DARROW MAZDA FOR ALMOST $6000 CASH WITH A CLEAN CAR FAX REPORT. TWO WEEKS LATER THE CAR WAS CUTTING OFF EVERY TIME I MADE A STOP. I TOOK IT TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT HAD A MAJOR OIL LEAK THAT HE COULD NOT LOCATE AND THAT I SHOULD TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. HIS EXACT WORDS WERE "I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY WOULD LET IT OFF THE LOT LIKE THAT."

SO I TOOK THE CAR BACK. THEY SAID THEY WOULD EXCHANGE IT BUT THEY HAD NOTHING COMPARABLE AT THE LOT. THE SALESMAN ADVISED ME TO RETURN THE NEXT WEEKEND AND LOOK. I FINALLY LOCATED A SUB PAR VEHICLE, THAT I WOULD TAKE TO CUT MY LOSES.

AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE MANGER, THE SALES GUY COMES BACK AND SAYS THEY WOULD GIVE ME A $3000 TRADE IN VALUE FOR A CAR I HAD PURCHASED FROM THEM LESS THAN A MONTH BEFORE FOR $6000.

NOW STUCK WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL MAZDA, THAT HAS MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS. AT THIS POINT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLASHING AT ME AND I DON'T HAVE $2000 TO FIX IT. I WAS TRYING TO TAKE MY SAVINGS AND BUY ME A CAR FOR ME AND MY FAMILY, AND ENDED UP GETTING SCREWED BY RUSS DARROW MAZDA. SINCERELY, SAD

- newnora3, Milwaukee, US

problem #1

Jan 062015

CX-7 2.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,500 miles

I got this Mazda 2008 CX 7 at Carmax, in December 2014. In January the engine light was on, they fixed a gasket. February twice engine light on again, they fixed. They send it to the dealer Mazda to repair. I hear noise in my car and the fans in the radiator never turn on. I bring my car to them, and mechanic said is was normal. Now in May, the light was on they fixed the egr valve. I am frustrated. I am single mom. I think they doing really bad mechanic job. what I should I do, lemon law doesn't cover this car.

- bestrada, yucaipa, CA, US

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