2011 Mazda CX-7 Problems: 5 Known Issues

2011 Mazda CX-7 Problems: 5 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls7 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Mazda CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2011-2013 Mazda6, 2011-2012 CX-7, and 2011-2015 CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2010-2013 Mazda6, 2010-2012 CX-7, and 2010-2015 CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V71700012/10/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign #19V78200031/10/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #17V42900029/06/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2010 Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 Mazda6, CX-7, and CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign #18V01800009/01/2018

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 vehicles manufactured February 14, 2006, to May 9, 2012. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the front suspension ball joint fittings. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as from driving on snowy roads that have been treated, the ball joint may corrode and separate from the lower control arm, resulting in a loss of steering control.

Campaign #16V59300011/08/2016

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda CX-7 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 250+ owner reports, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 2.3L Turbo VVT Actuator and Turbocharger Failure, 2.3L DISI Turbo Timing Chain Stretch, Guide and Tensioner Wear, Thermostat Housing and Water Pump Coolant Leaks Leading to Overheating. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mazda CX-7 reliable?

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 has 5 known issues documented across 250+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 2.3L Turbo VVT Actuator and Turbocharger Failure and 2.3L DISI Turbo Timing Chain Stretch, Guide and Tensioner Wear and Thermostat Housing and Water Pump Coolant Leaks Leading to Overheating. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda CX-7 problems?

Repair costs for known Mazda CX-7 issues range from $150 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.3L Turbo VVT Actuator and Turbocharger Failure, typically costs $500-$3,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 2.3L Turbo VVT Actuator and Turbocharger Failure?

The CX-7's 2.3L DISI turbocharged engine (shared with the Mazdaspeed3) suffers from VVT actuator failure and premature turbocharger wear. Carbon buildup on the direct-injection intake valves compounds the issue. Extended oil change intervals accelerate turbo bearing wear. Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 2.3L DISI Turbo Timing Chain Stretch, Guide and Tensioner Wear?

The MZR 2.3L DISI turbo (L3-VDT) uses a timing chain that stretches and wears its plastic guides and hydraulic tensioner well before the engine's expected life. Owners report a rattle or 'diesel-like' clatter at cold start and on light throttle that grows over time. Once the chai… Repairs typically run $1,800-$9,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 Thermostat Housing and Water Pump Coolant Leaks Leading to Overheating?

CX-7s develop persistent coolant loss from the driver's-side front of the engine, where the thermostat housing, its gasket and the water pump live. The housing is plastic on the mating face and warps or cracks with heat cycling; the water pump weep hole starts dripping around the… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2012 Mazda CX-7 2.5L Intake Manifold Runner (Variable Tumble) Actuator Clip Breakage - P2006?

The naturally aspirated 2.5L L5-VE fitted to the CX-7 from 2010 uses a variable tumble / intake manifold runner system: a vacuum-or-solenoid-driven actuator swings a shaft that closes flaps in the intake runners at low load. The plastic clip that the actuator arm pushes against s… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 VVT Actuator Failure?

The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) actuator on the 2.3L turbo engine can fail due to oil contamination, internal seal wear, or solenoid malfunction. A failed VVT actuator causes rough idle, poor performance, and check engine lights with timing-related codes. The VVT system relies on… Repairs typically run $300-$1,000. Severity: medium.

2011 Mazda CX-7 Problems: 5 Known Issues

All 5 Known Issues

2007-2012 Mazda CX-7: 2.3L Turbo VVT Actuator and Turbocharger Failure#

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2007-2012 Mazda CX-7: 2.3L DISI Turbo Timing Chain Stretch, Guide and Tensioner Wear#

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2007-2012 Mazda CX-7: VVT Actuator Failure#

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2007-2012 Mazda CX-7: Thermostat Housing and Water Pump Coolant Leaks Leading to Overheating#

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2010-2012 Mazda CX-7: 2.5L Intake Manifold Runner (Variable Tumble) Actuator Clip Breakage - P2006#

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Other Mazda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mazda CX-7 problems?

Is the Mazda CX-7 reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Mazda CX-7 problems?

What is the 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 2.3L Turbo VVT Actuator and Turbocharger Failure?

What is the 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 2.3L DISI Turbo Timing Chain Stretch, Guide and Tensioner Wear?

What is the 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 Thermostat Housing and Water Pump Coolant Leaks Leading to Overheating?

What is the 2010-2012 Mazda CX-7 2.5L Intake Manifold Runner (Variable Tumble) Actuator Clip Breakage - P2006?

What is the 2007-2012 Mazda CX-7 VVT Actuator Failure?