2008 Mazda CX-7: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 24, 2014 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · CA

Whining sound when gas pedal is compressed, form 30 - 65 MPH, at times ,loss of power.

Filed Nov 7, 2013 · Engine · 36,400 miles · MA

Sudden loss of power as the turbo stopped working. The mazda dealership claimed that the turbo broke due to sludge in the engine. There was a lot of sludge in the engine, however, the car was well maintained with regular oil changes. It seems that the median engine temperature is hotter than is appropriate for the specified oil in the owners manual. This results in oil burning and sticking to the inside of the engine. Eventually a piece of "sludge" will come loose and clog the oil tube to the turbo, resulting in the turbo unit overheating and breaking. Mazda seems to be aware of this problem as they were pressured to extend the warranty on this part. However, the problem is very serious and there should be a recall of the turbo unit and clarification in the owner's manual. Mazda has yet to agree to fix the turbo and "sludge" in my engine. They are still insisting that I did not maintain the vehicle well. Fyi- I was a car designer with honda/acura for 4 years who designed the 2009 - 2012 mdx. I am stating this because I know SUV's and how to maintain them very well.

Filed Oct 17, 2013 · Engine · 35,000 miles · MD

I was driving at about 25mph when I noticed a burning smell. I pulled over and popped the hood and saw smoke coming from the AC compressor. It turns out that this is common for this model. Mazda extended the warranty but of course mine expired this year. It's just a shame that my car has less then 40k miles and mazda has acknowledged this is an inferior part, but wont help cover the cost. There are hundreds of reports of this part failing and breaking the serpentine belt causing the car to lose all power. This should absolutely be a recall. Imagine this happening while on a highway or turning at an intersection.

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 Feb 12, 2012 · Transmission · 36,000 miles · IL

We bought this car on february 19, 2011 with around 26,000 miles on it. On january 30, 2012 (around 36,000 miles) the engine light came on and the vehicle lost all power. We took it to our mechanic to have it diagnosed and it came back that the mass air flow sensor was bad. We had that replaced, but it made no difference at all. The engine light came back on and that mechanic told us we would have to take it to a mazda dealer and that if it was anything to do with the powertrain, it should still be under warranty. We were happy to hear that indeed it was still under warranty and that mazda most likely would cover all costs. A day later the dealership called to tell us that mazda needed to see proof of maintenance on the oil changes, as there was a "sludge buildup." we had the oil changed as required, but were told that mazda may not honor the warranty after all...seems it doesn't matter if you did everything right or not, mazda seems to be denying this is a major problem. We are still waiting to hear if this will be covered, and have been doing lots of research on this issue. We wanted to get a start on this issue if it ends up being the nightmare that other owners are describing. There seems to be a major engineering flaw and we are afraid of losing everything due to the extreme repair costs associated with this problem. Not to mention recurring issues that seem to arise after the repairs are made! Mazda needs to stop the denial and resolve this issue asap! Hopefully you can please help some hard working people who cannot afford these costs! Thanks for your time...

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 Jul 26, 2010 · Engine, Suspension · 62,500 miles · PA

I own a mazda 2008 cx7 sport - purchased new on 11/28/2007. I have 62,500 miles on the vehicle. It was towed to the dealer on 6/22/2010 with loud whining noise and loss of power. Dealer said the turbo is malfunctioned. Over the next week the extended service company for mazda requested maintenance records. I had the oil changed outside of the dealer some of the time. They looked at this and declined the warranty repairs. I kept calling and they agreed to send out an independent adjuster. He noted a "sludge" build up on the oil return hose bolt to the turbo. They declined my warranty coverage. I am having to pay $2500 to repair. I have been doing research online and this vehicle is having numerous issues with sludge buildup. This comes from the engine running to hot and breaking the oil down to create blockages that ultimately affect the turbo or other internal engine parts. If you look on edmunds website you can see their are others with the same issue. Mazda will not make the recall or assist the consumers. We follow their recommendations on oil change and are getting no assistance. I am afraid that I will have additional issues once this is repaired and they will decline future service. Hat can you do to help? I actually have the dealers printed copy of where they repaired the timing belt tensioner in april at 57k miles. According to the supervisor for customer service at the extended warranty office his computer records show they repaired the serpentine belt for less money that the dealer records I have in hand. What is going on this just does not seem honest. I need help and there are others with the same situation over the last year - some having to spend $7500 + out of pocket to repair their cx7. Please call me for help.