Mazda CX-7 overheating problems

Filed Dec 9, 2020 · Engine, Suspension · 122,984 miles · NC

I was driving down the highway and suddenly I hear a loud noise sounded like I was in a big rig truck then all of a sudden it started to overheat b4 I could pull off of highway it cut off right in the highway I had my grandson with me and thank goodness there was not a lot of traffic or we probably would've been dead

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Lights · NY

Headlights are extremely dim. Inside housing for headlights is melted from overheating, making headlights ineffective. Driving at night is not safe and down right dangerous. Very common problem for all years of this vehicle.

Filed Aug 31, 2017 · Lights · CA

Defective taillight assembly. They are both "melting" from the inside and have reported to the dealer and warranty carriers to no avail. They responded that I must have changed the bulbs for aftermarket ones and that could have possibly overheated and melted the assembly. I have not changed the bulbs until today (I bought the car new from the dealer). 8 out of 10 cx-7's I see have the same issue, both tail lights melting. Looks like snow inside the assembly. This is a huge safety concern that could lead to potential accidents. Dealer does not want to take responsibility but I feel they should be replaced at no cost.

Filed Jul 14, 2015 · Airbags, Lights · 85,000 miles · FL

1. Warning illuminator light on indicating driver/passenger airbags may require repair and/or immediate attention. 2. Rear tail light: bulb has become so hot the bulb is literally burning through the red casing of the break light - condensation or wiring is causing the bulb to overheat.

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 Mar 20, 2013 · Engine · 93,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 mazda cx-7. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle overheated and the turbo system malfunctioned, causing the engine to sludge and the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that there was sludge in the engine and advised that the engine would need replacing. The engine was not replaced. The failure mileage was 93,000.

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 Dec 23, 2011 · Engine · 97,633 miles · MO

Dealership maintained cx-7 experienced major failure while driving. Engine died and major oil leak was noticed. Car had to be towed to the dealership. The dealership first indicated that there was some type of failure regarding the #3 cylinder. Dealership said that the probable cause of failure was due to turbo overheating. Later the dealership stated that the #4 piston failed and caused catastrophic damage to the engine. The cause of failure was never determined. The engine, turbocharger, thermostat, egr valve, intake manifold, starter and o2 sensor were replaced. Total cost of repairs (labor, parts, and misc charges) prior to tax was $10,557.49. Prior to engine failure we informed the dealership that the check engine light was constantly on but stated that it was due to the gas cap not being properly put on. They never scanned the computer despite the car being under warranty. Additionally a ticking noise has been previously brought to the dealership's attention but was told that the engine noise was normal for this particular engine.

Filed Sep 19, 2010 · Engine · 30,000 miles · IL

2007 mazda cx7, broken air compressor at 30000 miles which destroys serpentine belt and risks overheating engine, causing burning smell and eventually smoke. Problem is not unique to me and my vehicle having read the internet for numerous similar reports from others.

Filed Aug 19, 2010 · Engine · 34,000 miles · CA

2007 mazda cx-7 had failure of the air conditioner compressor. Bearings freeze up in the compressor unit. This causes pulley to stop turning and putting pressure on the drive belt. This causes car to overheat and battery to lose charge because alternator and water pump are not spinning. They do not spin because the drive belt slips over them because air conditioner pulley has seized up. This happens around 34,000 miles and generally within months of the expiration of the 36 month warranty. Internet research shows that this is a known problem to mazda. Mazda refuses to cover repair under power train warranty as it is not an essential part - even though the car become undriveable.