Mazda CX-7 engine failure problems

Filed Sep 18, 2023 · Electrical · 174,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2007 Mazda CX-7. The contact stated that the air conditioning system was inoperable, and the cabin air filter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled a burning odor. The contact stated that her husband drove to the residence, and while parking the vehicle, he noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and determined that the air condition compressor clutch had seized, causing the compressor fuse to burn. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that older vehicles were not service at their location. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

Filed Aug 27, 2020 · Engine · 76,000 miles · MO

Engine vvt solenoid seized causing complete engine failure while traveling on the highway at 60mph. The dealer is asking $10,730 to replace the engine. The car has 76,000 miles.

Filed Nov 9, 2019 · Engine · 69,700 miles · NC

June 2014, I was driving vehicle out of town on vacation and it suddenly began running rough like the pistons were misfiring. Mileage was 69,700. I pulled into a dealership (1 mile away), dropped the keys, and called to explain in the morning. Later, they said they drove the car around the lot and the engine locked up. They took no responsibility for making it worse and charged me for confirming the loss of compression in the pistons. We replaced the engine at great expense and to a poor result. I found this 2007 model had a chronic problem with the variable valve timing (vvt) causing the timing chain to come out of adjustment and destroy the engine. Instead of issuing a recall and fixing it, mazda offered an extended warranty to 6 years-60,000 miles. This is about the average point of failure, meaning half the people are not covered. A feature of the turbo charger is making the engine run hot, burning the oil, so people were often denied because the oil "had not been changed." interestingly, mazda said the timing chain had been replaced under warranty with a previous owner. That date and location coincided with a date of service shown on carfax for typical maintenance only. That dealership said they could not possibly do any work without it showing on carfax. I wonder who mazda paid for the warranty claim... I want the federal safety agency to compel mazda to compensate owners who experienced engine failure due to this documented design flaw.

Filed Dec 29, 2018 · Engine, Seat belts · CA

Mazda is aware that the cx-7 is a horribly made car which can be noted with the extensive list of recalls which the company has put out since its creation. Engine failure being the biggest concern to the safety of people on the road. Engine failure at 70mph on a busy highway can result in death. Something should be done to have mazda compensate all owners for defectice vehicles. My engine failed and mazda was of no help.

Filed Mar 16, 2018 · Engine · 165,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mazda cx-7. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle's temperature gauge increased. The vehicle shook and a popping noise was heard. The vehicle was driven back to the contact's residence and then stalled. A "warning state of shock" message appeared. In an attempt to cool the engine, the air conditioner was activated. The vehicle was towed to antelope valley mazda (1015 auto mall dr, lancaster, ca 93534, (661) 945-7590) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair cost. The contact was informed by the dealer that the repairs would be covered under the vehicle's warranty. The contact received a call from the manufacturer informing her that the engine replacement was not covered under the vehicle's warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000. *tt

Filed Jun 1, 2017 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NJ

Mazda's l-series engines are earning a reputation for variable vale timing (vvt) defects that can cause oil leaks, excessive smoke out of the tailpipe, loose timing chains, and catastrophic engine failure. Mazda has acknowledged the vvt problems in a 'special service program' but, according to owners, has denied warranty coverage in some cases. Because my vehicle is beyond the extended period mazda does not feel they have any responsibility to compensate for this repair. It has been reported that this could cause the engine to stop while on the highway creating a dangerous or deadly condition.

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Engine · 96,062 miles · CA

Hi, we bought mazda cx-7 grand touring [VIN# last 8 digits: [xxx] used car during oct 2014 in fremont. The car had around 84k miles. We spent around $13k thinking good fit for kids school drop in short distance. Hardly used < 9k miles in 2 years. Timely service has been done. However, recently seeing check engine light on with code p0303 [engine-3] missfires. Replaced spark plugs, perform fluid system cleaning, replace throttle body spending close to $1500+. Check engine still stays on even after this'. Now fremont mazda dealer recommending to replace the engine [which costs around $9k]. Later did some study on web and learnt that mazda cx-7 is very well known for this issues and that is the reason mazda has discontinued the cx-7 model knowing internal turbo related issues. Customers buy cars based on search and reliability considering long term usage [like other cars which runs more than 150k miles] and not expected this. It's pain to see not hardly used 10k+ miles even after spending $15k. Mazda should accept their engine design issue and do some credit to lost costumer. To keep this customer [me] with mazda, mazda should refund the total customer expenses and allow him to by new mazda latest version by paying difference amount. Have attached recent documents from fremont-mazda dealer for your review and support. Highly appreciate your understanding and helping the customer. Home address: [xxx] cell: [xxx] email: [xxx] car details: mazda cx-7 grand touring. Vin# last 8 digits: [xxx] apprx miles: 96k+ regards, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 1, 2016 · Engine · 600,000 miles · FL

My daughter with her newborn infant had the vechile stall on them in heavy traffic. The car has 60,000.00 miles and is meticulous maintained. We brought to the dealership and was told it needs a new engine at a cost 9,000.00. I opened a case with mazda corporate case #1-290023-832 and was told that it is an 9 year vechile and they can only offer an employee discount on a new car or 1,5000. This is a safety issue and a manufacturer defective. My daughter and her child could have been injured. Please assist.

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 Jan 8, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 77,000 miles · CO

While driving on colorado state highway 91 at approx 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly died. The engine ceased working, all systems ceased immediately. I was unable even to safely pull the car onto the shoulder, the loss of power was so complete and so sudden. The vehicle was 200 miles from my home, and 250 miles from the closest dealer at that point, so I had it towed to the closest garage that would look at it, about 60 miles away. That garage evaluated the car and stated that the timing chain had broken and a new engine would be required, at approximately $6,000 to $8,000. I phoned the closest mazda dealer, in denver, and asked what they recommended. They also stated the engine would have to be replaced, at a cost of $8,000 to $9,000. I contacted the garage closest to my home and asked their advice. They stated they had experience replacing the timing chains and repairing engine damage in other vehicles and that they could diagnose whether that was an option. Their guess on cost was between $2,000 and $4,000 if the repair were possible and there was not too much damage to valves. Since the shop that is 25 miles from my home recommended repair at less than 1/2 the cost of the dealer 200 miles from my home, I elected to take it there. Upon research I found 1. The VIN # is one in a series with known timing chain failure, and that a heavier duty one had been issued to replace; 2. The dealer had replaced the vvt previously and should have replaced the timing chain at that time according to service bulletin 01-012/12, but did not replace the timing chain; 3. The failure happened 4 days after the expiration of the engine warranty and 7,000 miles over the 7yr/70,000 mi period; 4. Mazda would not honor the warranty since the repairs were done by an independent shop, not a dealer. Mazda knows that this VIN# is in a range of vehicles with this issue but will not fix.