2008 Mazda CX-7: grinding or squealing brakes

6 of the 192 complaints about the 2008 Mazda CX-7 describe grinding or squealing brakes.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 50,835
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 15 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Grinding or squealing brakes by model year

2010
1
2009
2
2008
6
2007
20

What owners say

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · TX

Ball joints , control arms , wheel barrings broke into pieces. Tire was angled in grinding on the brakes and rotor. It was bought at a auction from a previous auction buyer. I bought a new frame for the back due to it being bent. I also replaced the exhaust pipe it was cut into pieces. I was very concerned with the lower control arm parts being warn out. The dangers of the ball joints or the barring falling apart would have left me in a dier tragedy. I did have a mechanic replace the parts. He did damage to them so I had to uninstall parts and assemble them as precise as should be. I also had to leave my car there was no way I was able to move it without a part busting off. It is being maintained part by part . Its a hassle . I do believe parts were being swapped without me knowing. That is very concerning . I also replaced the tire .

Filed May 7, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 81,981 miles · CA

As I was driving my mazda ( with a turbo engine) along the highway it began to decelerate on its own and making a loud knocking/grinding noise. It stopped on the road going up a hill with no turnouts. So it appears that the turbo blew up. It will start, but I cannot go anywhere. I have also had to replace gaskets on my oil filter housing unit, as the stock gaskets were faulty and causing a severe oil leak. Also, my emissions regulation ( egr) valve is bad and therefore will not pass smog. Each of these issues I am seeing more and more complaints about from other owners of the same vehicle. Mazda has made a horribly defective car and refuses to do anything about it except to claim owner negligence. I bought my car with 40k miles on it and it has been falling apart from the start. There is absolutely no excuse and this is not owner negligence, it is mazda negligence and refusal to make anything right on their completely defective vehicles.

Filed Aug 28, 2012 · Engine · 50,835 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda cx-7. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard a loud grinding noise outside of the vehicle and blue smoke emitted from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated the failure was contributed to engine sludge. The technician advised that the engine be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 50,835. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Nov 30, 2010 · Engine · 60,000 miles · TX

I have a 2008 mazda cx7 with 60,000 miles. My AC compressor just went out. First noticed a slight squealing noise which I thought might be a loose belt. The next day I noticed a strong smell like burning rubber. Car seemed to drive fine. Two days later I finally got it checked out and was told it was the compressor and needed to be replaced. I didn't get it fixed right away but they did tell me I shouldn't wait too long cause of possible lock up and belt breaking. Later that night when I turned on the car there was a squealing sound and lights went crazy and didn't want to start. I turned it off then tried again. It barely started that time. The very next morning it did the same thing and I drove it straight to be fixed. Went he mechanic turned the car on to move it finally locked up and wouldn't start. I did not have it repaired at the dealership because everyone says it's more expensive. The place that fixed it gave me two options of fixing. Just the AC compressor or the compressor, expansion valve and receiver dryer. They told me I could just do the compressor which is what I did.

Filed Aug 19, 2010 · Engine · 36,800 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda cx-7. The contact was driving approximately 45 MPH when the engine began to exhibit an unusual squealing noise and stalled. The dealer advised there was excessive engine oil sludge buildup and the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The current and failure mileage was 36,800.

Filed Dec 28, 2009 · Engine · 29,000 miles · TN

Sudden AC clutch/compressor failure with 29000 miles on vehicle. Didn't notice until we stopped at a scenic overlook off I 75 in tn and had heavy white smoke from under the hood w/ a grinding bearing noise. Repaired under warranty, but not sure if w/ an updated part(s). Research shows that this is a very common problem w/ this vehicle.