2008 Mazda CX-7: engine failure

Filed Feb 26, 2016 · 85,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Jun 26, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 40,000 miles · CT

There was a knocking almost as if the car was a diesel, brought the car to milford mazda in milford ct after purchasing the vehicle a month earlier at bobs in milford ct. The mazda dealer replaced the vvt december 2012 the service engine light goes on and I take it to the local garage and they get a code for camshaft, I bring the car to mazda who tells me upon arrival with out even looking at the vehicle that I need a new engine and it wouldn't be covered under my extended warranty because they are sure there is sludge in the engine, yea same story everyone else gets. I faithfully had my oil changed every 5,0000 miles max as this was drilled in my head growing up from my dad. Approximately some time in march I was driving to work I get this loud whining sound coming from the engine and the car loses all power the turbo went. I have a new turbo installed and still supposedly need another vvt just 2 years after they replaced this part and now there is a humming/whining noise coming from the rear of the car not to mention (2) tie rods are bad. This car is no doubt a piece of crap that I still owe 13k on and mazda corporate will not even return my call. There has to be something that can be done with all the same complaints.

Filed Mar 6, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 76,100 miles · NY

While traveling at 45mph, experienced sudden loss of power. Cel came on and trouble p3001 was the code display on handheld reader. Car is out of warranty, dealer states several components within engine have failed and mazda has no responsibility over failures since I do not have an extended warranty. I have researched the problem production years 2007 and 2008 are plagued with premature engine failure.

Filed Dec 28, 2012 · Engine · 44,000 miles · OR

Purchased vehicle used at 41,000 in mar 2012. First issue: egr valve had to be replaced at 44,000 miles in may 2012, not covered under warranty ("not a california emissions vehicle"). Had 45,000 mile service performed. Dealership service tech also provided service history from previous owner and verified it was serviced regularly. Service tech confirmed this was a known issue with the vehicle, but it was not covered under warranty unless it was a ca emission vehicle. Also not covered under aul extended warranty purchased with vehicle. Cost: $750 to replace egr. Second issue: dec 2012, 52,000 miles, driving for less than a mile in congested traffic at 15-20mph. Vehicle began spewing white smoke out of exhaust. Immediately pulled off road, called for tow truck. Waited 3 hours with two children under 8... Vehicle was taken to same dealership for evaluation/repair. I asked them to evaluate turbo, based on white smoke and slow driving/idle, as consistent with other known issues. Was informed engine mount 3 filled with oil, which coated underside of vehicle, causing smoke. Engine mount failure covered under 60,000 mile factory warranty. Service technician indicated they haven't seen this issue before (however, I see it in several posts online). Service technician commented I was lucky that this did not result in a more catastrophic event (fire, total engine failure). He also commented there is "a lot of stress on mount #3" and it was hard to find the replacement part. He acknowledged turbo issues, but claims my turbo is okay (for now). Mazda needs to recall and fix these well known and documented engine issues (egr valve, engine mounts, turbo chargers, compressors) before there is further loss of vehicles/life. At a minimum, extend the warranty to cover beyond 60,000 miles when so many known issues exist. It will be cheaper than the class action lawsuit underway.

Filed Jul 23, 2012 · Engine · 65,900 miles · KY

Ac failed on long trip. Temp gauge did not indicate overheating, no warning lights were lit up. After arriving at destination 5 hours from home, turned off engine and saw smoke coming from rt front hood area near wheel. Tried to start, not turning over. Added coolant to over flow (it was empty). Still not starting. No mazda dealer open in area (closest one was 45 miles south in ft wayne. Time was approx 2pm on saturday. Enterprise rent a car also not open except airport locations (they are open 8-12 on sats). Knew there was a w-mart nearby w/ auto service. Our vehicle is parked in large mcdonald's lot near the back out of the way, relatively safe location...clld and spoke w/ [xxx] at wal-mart. He offered to come look at the car after work-w/in 15 min he was there. Because engine not turning over, he at first was concerned engine may have seized up/head gasket blew etc. He isolated the AC clutch as the problem by manually turning over the engine and then taking belt off completely. Started right up... He then proceeded to drive us to airport in ft wayne, had our car towed to his repair shop, accessed the problem area and advised me what part to order.the man is a saint. We spent 4 hours at airport until enterprise took mercy on us and rented us a car even though I only have a debit visa. Part has been ordered from dealer where we purch car.they matched price online of $289.01 and shipping to indiana is only $12 will arrive by end of day tomorrow. Not sure what labor cost will be. Unable to order only clutch from mazda. Don't need pump but will have extra in case it fails in the future. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 30, 2011 · Engine · 59,600 miles · CA · fire

I was traveling in valencia on the 5 freeway and the interior of my 2008 mazda cx-7 filled with smoke to the point where I found it difficult to drive. I pulled to the exit (magic mountain pkwy) and pulled to the side turning off the engine. After several minutes I lifted the hood to find that the engine was still smoking around the belt area. I was able to get the car to firestone newhall, ca where they are still looking at it. Very dangerous situation. The AC compressor seized causing the belt to fire and almost catch fire. After further research I have found that this is a common and dangerous problem with this make and model.

Filed Oct 23, 2011 · Engine · 61,996 miles · NY

On september 22, 2011 our 2008 mazda cx-7 experienced a complete engine failure. This failure occurred without any warning while driving on a freeway: the engine had not previously experienced any problems or made any unusual noises, no indicator lights had signaled a problem, and we had made oil and oil filter changes in accordance with the maintenance schedule. The failure created an extremely dangerous situation, as the car lost power and this meant that several critical functions, most notably, the steering, were severely compromised; the driver only just managed to bring the car to a safe stop. The mazda service center examined the engine of the car on september 26 and reported that the piston in the number 2 cylinder had failed damaging the engine beyond repair. The service manager verified our maintenance records and indicated that the engine was free of sludge or other build up.

Filed Jan 25, 2011 · Transmission · 40,900 miles · AZ

2008 mazda cx-7with 40,925 miles. Am disabled, retired military so to save money I peform own oil changes approximately every 5000 to 7500 miles depending on driving conditions. Alwas need to add oil in between changes though no leak found. Was told by mazda service within first 6 months of owning this vehicles that the turbo gets extremely hot and burns off oil. Just before mileage stated above, the check engine light came on while driving and engine lost power. No other indications leading up to this. Handheldobcd-ii computer check showed code p0101 (mass air flow sensor). Checked cx-7 on-line forums and in less than 1/2 an hour found over 25 complaints (stopped searching at this point) with same problem I have. Apparently this is a common problem and the outcomes were scary. As per several forums, mazda tells customers, as I was also told, that the turbo and bearings bad, said sludge in engine breaches warranty due to lack of maintenance proof and denies to honor warranty. Say car needs a rebuilt or new engine and turbo installed and I must pay $7k - $9k for a rebuilt engine. Now owe over $18k on a car that should have a recall done on it for this problem. Spoke wih mazda customer assistance ad they told me that the district service manager's (dsm) decision is final, and nothing they can do to help me. Then asked my dealer for dsm phone number and was told they can't let me have it, but said he was going to be at their dealership that day to verify another warranty claim denial and that they would have him call me. Filed on-line complaint with bbb and am awaiing info from them to discuss mediation and if that fails arbitration.

Filed Dec 29, 2010 · Engine · 56,000 miles · MD

I purchased a mazda cx-7 new in 2008. I recently experience total engine failure while riding on the highway with my daughter. The mazda dealer looked at the vehicle and contacted the warranty company and mazda on this issue, mazda stated there was "sludge" in the engine and that was not covered by the warranty. They stated this must've been caused by owner maintenance, however, I have maintained the car as stated in the manual. The company stated we need to produce copies of all of our oil changes since purchase of the vehicle and the dates/mileage at the oil change. We did not have this information, however many complainants who have produced the oil change history are still denied warranty claims. This issue of sludge is not only causes by the owner, but also caused by manufactured defects as in the toyota case. Many other mazda owners and mechanics have stated the turbo charging in the new mazda cx-7 has started to "cook" the oil too fast and this causes the sludge in the engine, however mazda will not own up to this defect and honor the warranty and this vehicle. There have also been sited issues of the timing chain causing engine failure however mazda would not look at any other issues. My vehicle is still under the 60,000 mile warranty and a defect of the engine going out should be covered. Mazda is illegally making the allegation about the owners of the vehicle causing the engine failure in a car only two years old, only to not be responsible for a problem it has caused. Please help me and other mazda owners correct this issue. There are currently multiple complaints against mazda and many vehicle owners such as myself are without a vehicle while in litigation with this issue. The repairs would cost over $7000. I have also copied and pasted the forum in which over 100 people have discussed this exact trend in their vehicles and mazda being less than willing to further assist with this issue. Http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1826a6/100.

Filed Aug 19, 2010 · Tires · 21,000 miles · NJ

June 2010. Turbo engine failed cx7-2008 mazda- sludge in engine. Excessive consumption and burning of oil in vehicle. This is what lead to the failure and breakdown of this vehicle. Tires were also bald at 21,000 miles. Had to buy 4 new tires last year.

Filed Aug 19, 2010 · Engine · 38,000 miles · NJ

Mazda cx7- turbo engine failure. Excessive oil consumption and burning oil lead to turbo failure and ceased engine. June 30, 2010. Had to pay $10,000 to replace engine and other major parts in SUV.mazda blamed customer although there are 100's of complaints regarding this very issue whereas the customer was ultimately blamed. It is well documented about the excessive engine oil consumption and engine ceasing on these vehicle. Each complaint has the same problems and end results. Customer is blamed for lack of oil changes and therefore blamed on the failure of this vehicle.I eventually had all of my oil change certificates and was told by mazda they do not honor hand written receipts. Mazda only wanted computerized receipts. All of my maintenance was done by mechanics that have a combined 50 years in business .that was not good enough for them. There fore I had to pay this huge bill to get my vehicle back.

Filed Aug 1, 2010 · Engine · 40,000 miles · PA

This narrative is about total engine failure in a mazda cx-7 2008. There were no indications leading up to the failure. I got regular oil changes well within the manual recommended 5000-7500 miles. One morning on my way to work, the car simply stopped accelerating when I hit a small hill. There was no check engine light, no warning, nothing. I drove the car immediately to mazda service. As I was driving to the dealership, the check engine light did in fact come on. Upon looking into the problem, the dealership looked at it an determined that there was sludge in the engine and that the engine was destroyed. I had a warranty yet mazda refused to cover it due to "lack of maintenance" from owner. I was forced to replace the engine and was told if I went the route of another engine from a different mechanic or manufacturer, that the engine would be branded. Therefore, I ended up paying $7600. Upon further investigation, I found story after story with the same plot line. This engine must be recalled. It is faulty and dangerous and mazda refuses to acknowledge it for financial reasons.