Mazda CX-7 Problems

Are you having problems with your Mazda CX-7? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Mazda CX-7 issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Mazda CX-7 in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Mazda CX-7 review: 2006-2010
By Graham Smith · 02 Aug 2012
Graham Smith reviews the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 Mazda CX-7 as a used buy.
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Used mid-range cars review: 2009
By Paul Pottinger · 26 Jul 2010
The traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.WAGONSOne's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.SEDANSOne's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.DIESELSOne's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.SUVSOne's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.How much is that badge worth, again?
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Used Mazda CX-7 review: 2006-2012
By Ewan Kennedy · 13 Jan 2016
Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Mazda CX-7 as a used buy.
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Used Mazda CX-7 review: 2009-2012
By Graham Smith · 24 Jan 2015
Mazda's heavy use of "Zoom Zoom" in its advertising was enough to tell you it was playing the sports card with its cars, no matter the model. The CX-7 SUV was no different. New From the moment the CX-7 was launched in 2006 Mazda pushed the sporty message, and it didn't back off with the introduction of the Series 2 in
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Mazda CX-7 2010: Engine warning lights
Answered by Graham Smith · 26 Feb 2016

We contacted Mazda on your behalf and this is the response we received from their technical people: "It sounds like there is a bit of confusion as to what the light relates to as the vehicle is also equipped with a gauge to indicate Adblue Level. It sounds like the customer may be relating the light as a level indicator. The light can be an indication of a system malfunction of some type, this would need to be diagnosed which it sounds like may have occurred. Depending on the cause will dictate the parts required to be replaced. There are separate components and not all concerns require tank replacement. The comments suggesting there is a massive problem and the tank could go at any time are bit unfounded and sound like unfounded Internet chatter. Our recommendation would be to let the dealership perform the diagnosis and repair. If the repair is completed by a Mazda Dealer as a Retail Repair using Genuine parts the parts are covered by our Whole of Life Parts Warranty." It might not be an answer, but it does give you a guide to the cause, as the warning light might be an indicator of another problem.

Mazda CX-7 2011: Fuel consumption
Answered by Graham Smith · 18 Jan 2013

Straight back to your dealer is where. But before you do get your facts straight and run a fuel consumption test so you know exactly what the consumption is. Now, the specs you quote are I'm guessing the official figures, if they are they not real life figures, but the results of a laboratory test done under strict conditions. You won't necessarily get the same consumption, but you should be able to get somewhere close. Based on the figures you have supplied you're not, so you have grounds to complain and ask the dealer to check the car over, even run a consumption test himself.
 

Mazda CX-7 2010: Average tyre life?
Answered by Carsguide.com.au · 01 Mar 2013

We have received similar enquiries from owners of many of the current crop of SUVs like the CX7, and all have been surprised to find they need new tyres after a relatively short period of time and low kays. It's a combination of the weight of these juggernauts, the softer compounds of the tyres used, and in some cases the aggressive way they are driven. That you got 26,000 km out of the tyres is about average.

Mazda CX-7 2007: Failed air-conditioning compressor
Answered by Graham Smith · 20 Oct 2011

I think you have a reasonable claim against Mazda to cover part of the cost of the repair and I would approach them with that request. The compressor should normally be expected to last longer than yours has.

Mazda CX-5: Is it a good replacement for a CX-7?
Answered by Paul Gover · 29 Sep 2014

You will struggle for space in a CX-5 as it's smaller than the CX-7. I would go for a Hyundai Santa Fe, which gets The Tick with seven seats, quality, a five-year warranty and lifetime capped-price service costs.

Mazda CX-7 2010: Blowing black smoke
Answered by Graham Smith · 03 Mar 2011

Neither problem would seem to be normal and I would be demanding the dealer do something about it. The black smoke would suggest it is running too rich in that first start-up phase, the rough running and stalling would suggest it is too lean once warmed up. I would certainly have it checked by the dealer.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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