2007 Mazda CX-7: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Feb 16, 2017 · Airbags, Suspension · 160,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 mazda cx-7. While driving various speeds, the vehicle vibrated and made a knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arms failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v593000 (suspension); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 13, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 105,000 miles · PA

Prior to this date, which lead up to the last incident, upon getting the first few oil changes, at a dealership where I purchased the car, the engine began to sound like a truck (oil used was not synthetic and I were scheduled to come back in 5-months). When I inquired about it, I was told, "that was the way it was supposed to sound". After that comment, I changed to another dealership for service. The knocking continued, to this day, still. Over the years, the system lights would come on periodically (passenger air bag, check engine light and tire sensor) and the cooling fans would run after you turned the car off. Most times, they would reset themselves. Moving along, recently on 07/15/14, I was returning home for the evening and the car shut down on me. The steering control was hard but I kept it from crashing the wall on lincoln dr. As I flagged the traffic to proceed, I was able to start the car only to advance to the end of the drive. Before I reached home, the car shut down 5-times. Finally reaching home it sat until I were able to get it to another dealer, closer to home. How about, the engine is shot, the radiator had a leek, I knew nothing about and the dealer says, "it will not start, now". I drove it to the dealer. Oil light was on and smelling as if I burned something, while it knocked. Check engine light and passenger air bag light were on when it cut-off, as I pulled into their driveway. I restarted the car found a parking space. Once the ignition shutdown, the cooling fans came on. Dilemma, I leased the car new in 2007. I bought it, with present car payments until 2016, in 2010. The dealer requests the engine and radiator to be replaced. There is no warranty, especially after 100,000 miles and I have scrap on my hands. Where does one go from here as mazda used to be reputable? The engine shouldn't have any problems before 200,000 miles.

Filed May 21, 2014 · Engine · 98,300 miles · IL

Car started to make a ticking noise from the right side of the engine compartment. Took it to a mechanic and was diagnosed as a timing chain related issue. Will cost about $1500 in parts and labor to replace timing chain, vvt valve, and sprockets.

Filed Mar 24, 2014 · Engine · 49,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 mazda cx-7. The contact stated that the vehicle would continuously exhibit a ticking noise from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the noise was normal but they were unable to determine what was causing the noise. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 49,000 and the current mileage was 49,500.

Filed May 29, 2013 · Engine · 65,000 miles · TX

While driving on the highway I heard a ticking noise after a few seconds later the car lost power and smoke came out of the exhaust. When I pulled over I took the cover off from the engine and noticed that there was oil coming out from where the top of the oil goes.the oil pressure on the block was compromised due to failure of the turbo. When taken to the roger beasley mazda dealership and the car was cranked the dip stick shot out from the engine. The dealership indicated that there was carbon build up but could not explain why. The car was towed to another acs certified mechanic and confirmed that the engine failure was due to the failure of the turbo. Before taking the trip on 4-18-2013 I took my car the mazda of mesquite dealership because I heard a ticking noise and the technician indicated that the noise was normal. Also the technician performed msp 36 reflashed PCM with updated software and cleared all fault codes since there was a recall. Three weeks later the engine goes out. The manufacture warranty expired, but have a in service warranty. The in service warranty agency denied the claim indicating that it was not normal wear and tear of the engine failure. I contacted the dealership and also emailed the manufacture to express my concern and both agencies directed me back to the in service warranty. Both the dealership and in service warranty are not willing to assist in the cost being that the cx7 model is a lemon in my opinion. There have been many claims against this model by other consumers in which was confirmed by the employees at the georgetown roger beasley mazda dealership. The employees indicated that the cx7 model has a lot of problems that is why the cx5 replaced the cx7 model. Since the claim was denied I have spent over 1000 which does not include any repairs, on a side note I was 300 miles away from home.

Filed Aug 30, 2012 · Engine · 115,000 miles · LA

While driving on interstate highway, loud ticking and whirring sound came from engine. Black smoke came from rear tailpipes and white smoke from under the hood. Vehicle lost power and stopped.

Filed May 19, 2012 · Engine · 68,500 miles · OH

Purchased 2007 mazda cx-7 with 65,000 miles. At the time was told it had a new turbo. Had the vehicle 2 months and the erg valve died (technician stated they should last 100k miles) was replaced at my cost of $850. When replacing the erg valve they also noticed a worn tube that will cost an additional $180 at my cost. They also noticed the new turbo was smoking and this was an extended warranty coverage from mazda to 70k miles (I was at 68,5000). They are adding a whole new pcv vent kit at dealer expense). Now I am hearing a loud ticking noise whenever I turn on the A/C which could be either the vvt timing chain or the air conditioning system. Both are known defects of 2007 cx-7's and will cost about $1,000 to fix for each issue. The timing chain is covered until 70k miles so I'm trying to get this fixed by the dealership now before I run out of warranty. However, the AC issues were only covered to 60 k miles and I am beyond that coverage so I will have to fix that at my cost. If you do a quick google search you will see extensive documentation of these same issues amongst many mazda owners. Mazda refuses to recall such parts and only this year (4-5 years later) did they extend warranty coverage on some known defects knowing that most people would be beyond the warranty limit of 60/70k miles. There are many reports of engines seizing due to the AC and timing chain issue. I am quite frankly terrified to drive this car and seeking a very comprehensive extended warranty to hold me over until I can trade it in and get something reliable! I work for a car dealership so I know that these issues are legitimate with this vehicle.

Filed May 7, 2012 · Engine · 83,000 miles · CA

After owning our 2007 mazda cx-7 for over 5 years, we received an extended warranty notice that the timing chain was defective and at risk of breaking. Having noticed a slight ticking noise already, we immediately took it to the dealership where it was purchased. They examined it and notified us that even though our car was 5 years old and at risk of failure due to a factory defective part, the warranty was only extended to 70,000 miles and mazda would not cover any costs since our odometer was at 80,000. I went home, did some online research, and discovered that our year and make of vehicle also had a tsb from mazda for a defective timing vvt actuator that could cause the same clicking sound. We had never been notified of this by mazda or the dealership. I called mazda customer care immediately and they assured me that the timing chain was the source of the clicking noise. Two weeks later the vvt actuator in question did fail. Mazda assumed liability and replaced the defective vvt assembly and timing chain, but refuse to cover any of the costs to repair the severe damage caused to our engine as the direct result of this part failure.

Filed Feb 22, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 79,800 miles · CO

Our 2007 mazda cx7 suddenly lost power and I was forced to stop the vehicle in the center median of the highway, as I was unable to move to the right due to other traffic. Vehicle was towed back to the dealership where problem was diagnosed as a broken pin on the variable valve time actuator (vvt). There was no prior indication of a problem with the vehicle (no warning lights) prior to the engine stopping. Dealership has indicated that complete engine replacement is recommended by mazda. Currently the vehicle is awaiting arrival of an adjuster from extended warranty company to see if repairs/replacement will be covered. Additional online research has indicated that this is a well-document and frequently occurring problem with this make/model of vehicle, yet manufacturer has neglected to initiate a full recall. Rather they issued a "service bulletin" (#01-002/08) that addresses a vvt noise when starting engine. Bulletin states "some vehicles may exhibit a loud ticking noise from the variable valve timing. (vvt) this is caused by the lock pin of the variable valve timing actuator not fully engaging. Heat treatment has now been added around the hole of the variable valve timing rotor lock to prevent this from happening." it is believed that had my vehicle exhibited any symptoms, I could have had the service bulletin repairs made, and the engine failure due to the broken pin would have most likely been avoided. This should have been a recall, and not addressed by a service bulletin. There is strong evidence, as discovered via the internet, that multiple cx7 vehicles have had this exact same type of failure where the vehicle has suddenly stopped running while being driven at highway speeds. This constitutes an extreme safety hazard that could possibly result in serious personal injury or death.

Filed Dec 23, 2011 · Engine · 97,633 miles · MO

Dealership maintained cx-7 experienced major failure while driving. Engine died and major oil leak was noticed. Car had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership first indicated that there was some type of failure regarding the #3 cylinder. Dealership said that the probable cause of failure was due to turbo overheating. Later the dealership stated that the #4 piston failed and caused catastrophic damage to the engine. The cause of failure was never determined. The engine, turbocharger, thermostat, egr valve, intake manifold, starter and o2 sensor were replaced. Total cost of repairs (labor, parts, and misc charges) prior to tax was $10,557.49. Prior to engine failure we informed the dealership that the check engine light was constantly on but stated that it was due to the gas cap not being properly put on. They never scanned the computer despite the car being under warranty. Additionally a ticking noise has been previously brought to the dealership's attention but was told that the engine noise was normal for this particular engine.

Filed Oct 31, 2011 · Engine · 100,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 mazda cx-7. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking could be heard hear from the engine when first starting the vehicle. Later, the vehicle stalled while driving and was taken to a local mechanic. The mechanic advised that the time belt was fractured and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact did not call the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2011 · 70,000 miles · FL

The AC had been getting less cool and completely went out 2 days ago. Yesterday it started making a ticking noise. Today it started smoking and smelled like burnt rubber. I took it in and was told the AC compressor had gone out. It is now getting a new compressor/filter/dryer/belt which I am paying for as it is out of warranty.