In november of 2012 my family was driving home from seattle, wa to san diego, ca. When we were driving we smelled burning rubber so pulled over to see if we could see something wrong under the hood. Since it was 10pm and dark outside we couldn't see anything and decided to find the nearest hotel to stay at until we could take it to a shop. After we started driving we saw there was a freeway exit 1/2 a mile away so my husband was driving really slow(about 35mph) hoping we could make it without any problems when all of a sudden there was a huge jerking motion that felt like we ran into something even though we didn't. We stopped immediately and got a tow truck. It ended up being the AC compressor and serpentine belt that needed replaced, although mazda was aware of this problem as they stated in their extended warranty that it had "defect in workmanship or materials," the warranty was only extended to 5 years or 60,000 miles. My mazda was 6 years old and had only 48,000 miles but wasn't covered because it was a year passed the warranty even though the miles were still under. We ended up paying $2,000.00 to fix it as well as another $300.00 to stay in a motel for 5 days. Ever since the day that the car broke and had the huge jerking movement, by back has hurt everyday since then. It especially didn't help that I was almost 5 months pregnant and although nothing happened to the baby, I'm hoping there was no permanent damage to my back since I've never had back pain or problems since before this incident. I didn't know who else to contact about this but I think this is a huge problem and mazda needs to fix it before more people get hurt, especially because they already know this is a problem which is why the extended their warranty.
2007 Mazda CX-7 transmission complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 53, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Driving east across the bay bridge from sf, the engine made a wheezing noise. After a mile the power dropped, and the car would only travel at 30 MPH. No engine light came on to warn of this, even during the event. At this point it was obvious that it needed repair attention, and we found a mazda dealer/repair shop relatively close by to drive it to. Once they had a chance to diagnose the problem, they reported to us that engine 'sludge' was to blame. The timing chain had been rubbing, and the vvt actuator had been compromised. Turbo galleys were also plugged. In jan. Of this year, mazda posted an extended warranty for cx-7's timing chain and vvt. However, the dealer informed us after checking with mazda that we were not eligible for the warranty. Gaps in our history of repair was the given reason. After an appeal, the rep from mazda said the highest authority had reviewed the claim and again declined to help. We have read numerous complaints from other cx-7 owners with the same problem. Many of them have also been denied the use the warranty that mazda has extended.this is a vast and scary problem with this vehicle.
Vehicle was traveling north bound when check engine light came on as well as at on the driver console, the car would not accelerate or shift from 3rd gear in the middle highway causing the vehicle to decrease in speed.
My husband was driving the vehicle down a backroad highway going 60 when all of a sudden the car stopped. There was no notice, no noise nothing. The pos was towed to the local mazda dealership. The looked at the vehicle and said "timing chain..$3000". Ok, not what we expected but fine, fix it. 24 hours later, they called to advise that the engine is blown $7000. I contact the mazda customer service ( aka people who are trained to tell you that you are sol) to see if there was any recall or any other things that may cover this. No, nothing but a extension was mailed jan 2012 to advise that the timing chain was extended for repair. No notice was received and the address they had on file was correct. So here we sit with a worthless pos that nobody wants to take responsibility for. I would rather have it sit in the drive way and we share 1 vehicle than put 7000 into this car. I see that we are not the only people that have been taken advantage of by mazda. Has anyone called recently into customer service to hear the list of recall notices? It take 8 mins for the automated system to list them all. This company needs to take responsibility for it's worthless machines! If a class action lawsuit ever comes out, I will join in a heartbeat. Can the federal safety agency please look into this? I know that we are not the only people ... No time in life should an engine need to be repaired with only 76k on it!!!
While driving the vehical started to make noise took it to first mechanic shop near bye and they told use the AC compressor was failing but it would be ok then on the way back home the car started to smoke from the compressor because the clutch had seized up we pulled over otherwise im sure we would have broken the belt causeing more damage.
The air conditioner compressor went out. The vehicle began to have acceleration issues and started smoking like burnt rubber. Mazda has extended the warranty to 60,000 miles but refuses to replace the compressor beyond that mileage.
While driving our cx-7 stopped running right in the middle of the road, we have found out that is a known issue with mazda cx-7 vvt pin/timing chain breaking. We were able to get the car stopped, but it was in the middle of the rode and was a hazard not only to our car, but other cars coming up behind us. We were unable to move the car and had to wait for a tow truck. Of course, mazda won't do anything to remedy the situation because the warranty has passed...even though they knew the problem existed in 2009. Someone will get killed one day.
After six months, we began to have mechanical issues with the vehicle. A diesel-sounding chug coming from the engine seemed off for an unleaded four-cylinder SUV. The common issue seemed to be a part called a vvt actuator. No recalls or service advisories had been issued for engine parts at this time. However, in january 2012, an entire half-decade after the vehicle rolled off the assembly line, we received a 'variable valve timing noise and timing chain noise warranty extension' notice by mail from mazda. A month or so after we received the notice, the vehicle began leaking oil. We took our vehicle into a roger beasley mazda center and had it examined. The oil cooler on the vehicle was beginning to fail. We explained the notice that we received in the mail and they were already well aware of these issues. We were told the engine had engine sludge and with it being a second-owner vehicle, we did not have the documentation to prove that regular oil changes had been performed. Instead, all repairs and replacements would come from our own pockets. The result ended up being a need to replace the vvt actuator, the timing chain, the oil cooler, and replacing all of the gaskets. The technician showed us a side-by-side of the current timing chain and the new replacement ' the used chain had literally stretched to be about half-an-inch longer than the replacement. We drove off the lot and hoped that the problems had been solved. Within two months of the repairs, the engine began making a high-pitched whining noise. My wife contacted the dealership that day while at work and they said to bring it in. On the way to the dealership, which is less than ten miles away, the vehicle died on the freeway. This ended up being the result of a blown turbocharger. Again, we had to take money from our nest egg to replace yet another part on this vehicle.
While driving, heard a noise coming from the passenger side, some smell coming from that direction as well. Lost power to the vehicle, turned off the road and notice that there was smoke coming from the A/C compressor.
I own a 2007 mazda cx-7, which I purchased in nov. 2006, brand new. Over the past 2 years, I have heard a tapping noise coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle. Twice in the past 9 months, the vehicle lost complete power. I asked mazda to check the vehicle and they stated that it was common, nothing to worry about. In january of 2012, I received a safety notice from mazda in regards to a possible defect part, v.v.t. Component and a loose timing chain. I took my vehicle to the mazda dealership, who advised me that my vehicle contained this defective part, but stated that they were not going to repair the defective component due to the lack of receipts for oil changes and other maintenance records. The reason for the lack of receipts is because my brother-in-law, who is a mechanic, performed the oil changes and other maintenance work to the vehicle. I asked mazda if the defective part could be hazardous and they advised me it was not harzardous or dangerous. Approx. 3 weeks ago, my wife ordered the necessary parts and paid for them in full. After 3 weeks, I was advised that the parts or not available. After reading numerous websites and complaints from cx-7 owners, this is happening across the country. I further read that if the v.v.t. Component fails while the vehicle is being operated, the engine will immediately cease, possibly causing the operator the inability to safely manveur the vehicle off the roadway. In my opinion, this is a danger to the occupants of the mazda cx-7 and other motorists. I have not heard of any accidents being reported as a result of the defective part, but I feel that mazda is not taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the motorists. I feel that the matter should be taken care of by mazda before someone is seriously hurt or killed.
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.
I have a 2007 mazda cx7 that has a broken vvt timing system. The car is not drivable and the part is not available. The car currently has 74,000 miles on it. This is a know issue with mazda and they are not taking responsibility. This is devastating as a consumer to not have the support of mazda on a known defect with their vehicle. I am requesting that something be done so that mazda takes responsibility for this defect and compensates mazda cx7 owners for these expensive repairs!
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 mazda cx-7. The contact stated that a clunking noise emitted from the engine upon starting the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to shift properly while driving at speeds above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the dealer stated that the timing belt and adjusters needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 71,000 and the current mileage was 84,000.
As the proud owner of a new mazda cx7, I felt confident after the first year of driving this SUV that it would carry me at least 10yrs. Until I begin to notice acceleration problems and noticing puffs of white smoke expelled from the exhaust pipe when it finally realized I was trying to increase speed. Took SUV to a mazda dealer and was informed nothing was wrong with it. Fine, then began to hear like a rattling noise during acceleration (sounded like a rock in a tin can) sound then goes away after a few moments. Took to dealer again was told no problem. Well, on my way to work at 70 MPH on busy interstate, I lose acceleration. Cost safely to the side of the road without being ran over by 18 wheeler,, had vehicle towed to mazda dealer. I was then informed the timing chain broke, yes at 70,000 miles. Only then to be informed later that due to timing breaking my engine was ruined. I was then devastated, even more so after I was told it would 8000 for a new engine plus 2000 for labor. I had no other option but to park the vehicle and attempted to save money to have it fixed. Well that was 2 yrs ago and its still parked, and 2 yrs now without a vehicle. I had routine documented oil changes at mazda dealers only, I took very good care of this truck. After searching the internet, I am reading the same incidents from thousands of people concerning the exact same issue. Mazda has finally states that there is a problem with the timing chains and has issued an extended warranty on it. But from reading reports, mazda is giving people a hard time. Mazda cx7 are dangerous vehicles, someone could have been killed due to this poorly made SUV. I am reporting this because it really needs to be looked into before someone is killed to many people on the internet complaining about this failure. Please investigate this vehicle< we cant all be wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On 12/19/11, I was driving appx. 60 - 65 MPH on I-81 when my 2007 mazda cx-7 just shut off. I was in the middle of traffic on the interstate, with a large tractor trailer behind me, but I was able to safely maneuver my car onto the shoulder of the interstate. My car would not start again. I did quite a bit of research on line regarding this particular issue and found a significant number of claims from other people that had this same problem happen to their 2007 mazda cx7. The final diagnosis is total engine failure with a price tag of $7200 to fix. That would be for a whole new engine. I found a service bulletin from january of 2008 that corporate mazda sent out to their dealers re: a problem with the timing chain. The bulletin specifically identifies a series of VIN#'s affected, and mine falls into the category. There is currently about 65k miles on my car (I can't remember exactly), and I did not buy the extended warranty because who would think that a 2007 vehicle would need a new engine @ 65k miles? I think I should've been notified that there was an ongoing issue with this particular model and year. Both mazda and the dealership are telling me they will not do anything for me, because the vehicle is out of warranty. Mazda needs to take responsibility here. I'm lucky I was able to get my car through the traffic and off the interstate. Does someone need to be killed before this issue gets attention? My car showed absolutely no warning signs that something was wrong for me to pro-actively have this checked.
This vehicle has caused me nothing but problems! I have had it for 3 years and it has been in the shop 4 times and this last time is the transmission at 70,000 miles! This is ridiculous...mazda needs to clean up it's act. Customers should not have charges like this early on in the life of a vehicle. The vehicle is gorgeous but perhaps they should have spent a little more time putting it together as it doesn't matter for eye appealing it is when it doesn't run!
Timing valve replaced at 34,951 miles, then engine replaced at 41,060 miles on july 24, 2008.
The power train (timing chain) failed in less than 4 years , 47,000 miles --one owner with regular maintenance done.
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.
There are two complaints for this vehicle. 1. Timing belt...failure after 68,000 miles changed after a dispute with dealership, we still had to pay for 2 hrs of labor. 2. Turbo unit...failure after 70,000 miles still at dealership...no option but to pay $3083 to get fixed. Turbo failure happened on highway, vehicle performed erratic and limped to off ramp using shoulder.
My car makes a rattling noise at start up. After reading the horror story's online about this car vvta going out, or the AC compressor going out and messing up the engine I took it too the mazda dealership. They said I needed a new variable valve timing actuator. This is a major problem with year make and model. So I talk to independent mechanic who has experience with mazdas and has fixed this same problem numerous times on this vehicle. He stated the problem is you can only get the part from mazda and they are still selling the defective part. Why isn't someone doing something about this. This issue has caused people from losing all power while traveling at high speed on the highway. My car also has a transfer case leak which is another thing everyone else is having problems with. Someone get these guys to recall this part.this is a very dangerous car!!!
7/6/10(25,000 miles) driving "piece of crap" from w-pa to phila after 1 1/2 hours in car airconditioning gets hot & loud noise starts. Able to pull off main highway &find a sears auto shop they say air compressor in my pice of crap (2007 cx7) has fallen apart - they don't do this work-I needed a mazda dealership-they wouldn't recommend me driving home! It's a holiday (july 4th celebrated this day) I have no idea where a dealership is-I am over 200 miles from home - everything else is closed. Found a hotel to stay overnt & search for a dealership. Found 1 abt 20 miles away. Next day (praying the whole 20 miles) that piece of crap would make it to the shop. It did I explain situation to a non-caring, won't look me in the face mechanic who finally states (after 3 hour wait) my warranty expired 5 days prior & it would take 3 days to get part & fix. Here I am 200 miles away from home, in a not so racially diverse area of west pa- leaving for vaca the next day- & I can't get home!!! It was like pulling teeth to get a rental car # & a taxi cab # from these people. I was finally able to get home via 8 hour bus ride & go on much needed (after this ordeal) vaca, however I still had to pay over $800 & pick piece of crap back up. I complained to mazda couple times &finally got letter that they were extending the warranty for air compressors to 60,000 so I got $ back, but not for the hotel stay, taxi ride to bus and bus ride home and back up there! Couple other problems came up later -white smoke out of tail pipe after ideling, dealership couldn't find a problem, also saw something leaking, dealership couldn't find anything leaking--- 8/4/11 (31,000 miles) took piece of crap in for a noise it's making at start up. Vvt gone bad, but still under the powertrain warranty so got fixed. What's next??? I'm afraid to drive to far in this car!! Can't take driving vacas-- gonna get rid of "piece of crap" prior to the warranties expiring in 2012! Got to!!!
2007 grand touring mazda cx-7 has well known vvt issue causing oil to burn, in spite of regular oil changes and all recommended maintenance. We are original owners and know how car was maintained . Timing chain went at 62k miles, just out of warranty. After that service, drove 1k more miles and noticed loss of acceleration. Took car back to dealer, and they advised we needed a whole new engine, which they would not cover, aside from a 20% goodwill offset. Spouse won't let me operate car any longer in fear it will break down causing accident. Unsafe vehicle.
The official tsb was listed in 2008 power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive) date reported april 16 2008 the federal safety agency reference #10024861 tsb reference #03-003/08 description: gear oil dripping from transfer case oil seal. 4wd vehicles with VIN's lower than jm3er*9****188196 (produced before oct. 1, 2007). *nj repair information for the federal safety agency #10024861 they new it was a dangerous situation and we could have been killed if the trans locked up. I went in today to have them fix it and they said it was 6800 miles out of powertrain warranty.
I own a 2007 mazda cx7. Since I bought the car, at 29k miles I had to have the fuel tank replaced. At around 34k had to have the turbo looked at because of black smoke blowing on my bumper, mazda replaced the pipes. My pipes were still smoking, had to take off work, take car in again because of black smoke, mazda tried replacing rings in turbo, still blowin bluish white smoke, now getting turbo replaced. I had the air compressor replaced a about a month ago. Now I have a ticking noise coming from engine and I'm scared the timing chain will break soon. Mazda needs to replace the timing chains on these models. I think mazda should do the right thing an recall this model, yr before someone gets hurt or breaks down in the middle of nowhere with kids in the car.
My wife's 2007 cx7 was in a parking lot. My wife started it up, came to a stop sign and the car died without warning. It had 65,000 miles on it (5000 over the warranty) and wasn't even 3 years old. We had always gotten regular oil changes and had just had one the week before. We had it towed to the nearest mazda dealer. The first time I talked to a service tech he mentioned the timing chain breaking. Later, they explained it as a valve (variable valve timing actuator?) failing and causing oil chain failure (jumping the gearing). My bill ($7500 - new engine) only states internal parts failure. They tried to indicate the oil was dirty even thought the oil was changed less than a week prior. After reading through many cx7 forums online it seems they were trying to build a case for engine sludge to cover themselves. Less than 2 months later replaced intake manifold shutter valve and had to flush and reseal brake lines. Went to kerry mazda of ky to originally purchase a 2008 because of low finance deals. They shifted my attention to the 2007 (3500 miles) and I agreed because of the certified new (100,000 miles) program. When I found out I didn't have 100,000 mile coverage I went back to dealer and we pulled the paperwork and under the warranty it says certified and also remainder manufacturer's warranty. So it ends up they sold me a used car as new and I didn't even get the financing of a new car - very shady. Mazda corporate was of no help either, simply stating the car was out of warranty and there was nothing they could do. Needless to say I will never buy mazda again. I will also make sure I don't trust what they say and make sure I read and understand every page even as they try and rush you through it. I fear someone will be killed when their cx7 suddenly stops on a busy highway. Hopefully, mazda will address the problem before that happens.
We have a 2007 mazda cx-7 with 67,000 miles on it. My wife was driving it on the highway, set the cruise control and moments later the engine died. Turns out the problem was caused by a timing chain on variable valve timing actuator failing and damaging the engine. We have read many other people that have had issue with the timing chain and vvt. Mazda is unwilling to assist us in replacing the damages. What upsets us most is my wife could have been injured or killed.
2007 cx7. Nothing but trouble since I bought it new in 07. I travel alot, so it does have 100k miles on it, but since day 1 it's been awful. Rear view mirror kept falling off, airbag indicator lights and check engine light stayed on constantly. Dealership had the car for 21 days trying to fix the electrical issues and the check engine light, 2 days later it came back on. Vvt and actuator were replaced and so was egr. Hard ticking noise in the engine at start-up as well as sitting idle - was told it was the timing assembly. Car was no longer under warranty, I called mazda USA and complained, they finally agreed to eat the cost of the repair (this was at 75k miles) - but I had to pay almost $700 in labor charges. 20k miles later, the ticking noise is back. The check engine light stays on constantly and doesn't produce a read-out on the computer check. A/c not blowing the cold air that it used to either. Not to mention the numerous recalls that I was never notified of ~ had I not checked online for recall events, I'd have never known. There were at least 4 that affected my vehicle. I've sent numerous emails to mazda USA requesting something be done - the entire car should have been recalled due to all the issues. Now at 100k miles and major mechanical issues, trading it in isn't even an option. No return emails & no return phone calls from mazda. This is the 2nd mazda I've owned - never again will I make such a foolish purchase. I'm a salesperson myself and can't believe mazda will not stand behind their product.....especially one that costs $25k.
2007 mazda cx7 began making a rattling noise at start-up...noise would go away quickly and car, which has 27000 miles and has had no previous problem, ran great. Dealer says it's a "major issue", at least a bad timing chain, but says they will fix it under the 60,000 mile power train warranty. Saw on an edmonds web site that this seems to be a problem with this model of car and that most folks haven't been so lucky with mazda.
I own a 2007 mazda cx7 and it was been at the dealer every month this summer and I'm on my second loner car. The trouble started last summer with pinging and turbo lag. That seemed to stop and the dealer said that it was a software issue. But this summer we have had three separate issues. 1. Transfer case leak. Fixed. 2. Engine stabilizer leak. Fixed. 3. Variable valve timing actuator vvta. Currently in shop. Car loudly "growls" to life, squeaky belt, difficulty starting, told by dealer that will eventually cause engine trouble if not fixed. This has all been since july!!! We are just shy of 30k and the warranty expires next month. I am very afraid that something else will go wrong and we will end up paying for it. Upon reading a few cx7 web sites and blogs, it has become clear that this vvta issue will lead to a timing belt failure and engine loss. I have a little less then 30,000 miles on this car and bought it new. Unfortunately this seems to be a relatively common occurrence in the 2007 model. Please issue a recall so that this defect can be addressed prior to engine failure and not at owners expense. Thank you!
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