Model year record

2008 Mazda CX-7 recalls & problems

The 2008 Mazda CX-7 has 5 safety recalls and 192 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (53 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints192filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 9reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints

2008 Mazda CX-7 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

3 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsOct 31, 2019

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 19V78200069,879 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.

Air bagsJul 18, 2017

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 17V45700079,402 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 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 included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 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 included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or 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. 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 rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-012.

Air bagsJun 29, 2017

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 17V429000205,377 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.

SuspensionAug 11, 2016

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 16V593000190,102 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. As a priority, Mazda will first address all affected 2007-2008 vehicles as well as 2009-2011 vehicles currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia. West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The remaining vehicles will be addressed as parts are available. The recall began September 20, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9716H.

EquipmentApr 2, 2009

Equipment

Recall 09E0110002,323 vehicles

Problem: THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 Mazda CX-7 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	14.7%

2008 Mazda CX-7 NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

CX-7 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

CX-7 4WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.3 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	53	2	0	2	96,000 mi
Engine	44	0	1	0	76,100 mi
SuspensionFront; Rear	41	0	0	0	112,294 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Engine	40	0	6	0	42,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	14	1	1	0	79,000 mi
Exterior lighting	14	0	1	0	68,000 mi
Electrical systemInstrument cluster/panel	12	1	1	0	61,000 mi
Unknown or other	8	0	0	0	82,500 mi
Steering	8	0	0	0	54,594 mi
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner	6	0	0	0	43,000 mi
TiresPressure monitoring and regulating systems	4	0	0	0	21,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly	4	0	0	0	57,100 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
Ball joints , control arms , wheel barrings broke into pieces. Tire was angled in grinding on the brakes and rotor. It was bought at a auction from a previous auction buyer. I bought a new frame for the back due to it being bent. I also replaced the exhaust pipe it was cut into pieces. I was very concerned with the lower control arm parts being warn out. The dangers of the ball joints or the barring falling apart would have left me in a dier tragedy. I did have a mechanic replace the parts. He did damage to them so I had to uninstall parts and assemble them as precise as should be. I also had to leave my car there was no way I was able to move it without a part busting off. It is being…
Oct 9, 2026
Air bagsCrash
NHTSA Campaign ID : 09E011000 Mfg's Report Date : MAR 31, 2009 Component : EQUIPMENT Potential Number Of Units Affected : 2323 Summary : THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS. Consequence : THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE…
Jul 19, 2021
Electrical systemFire
CAR HAD BEEN SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR 2 FULL DAYS WITH NO USE. I WALKED OUTSIDE TO PLACE TRASH IN TRASH BIN AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVERS DOOR. I QUICKLY RAN INSIDE, GRABBED FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT OUT THE FIRE.IT LOOKS LIKE THE FIRE ORIGINATED AT THE WINDOW MOTOR OR THE WINDOW SWITCH PANEL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR.
Dec 24, 2020 · 126,000 miles
Engine
I ALREADY HAVE A COMPLAINT BUT I FORGOT TO ADD THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND WON'T COME OFF ALONG WITH MY ENGINE LIGHT IT WON'T EVEN CRANK SINCE WE BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY BECAUSE IDH THE MONEY TO GET IT FIXED AND TRYING TO ASK FOR A RIDE EVERYDAY! THANK YOU SO MUCH
Nov 30, 2020
Engine
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
Dec 8, 2020 · 122,984 miles
Air bags
I DID RECEIVE 2 AIRBAG RECALLS ,I DID VISIT MAZDA DEALERS FOR REPAIR , THEY DID FIXED ,AND WHEN I CHECKED :RESULT 0 UNREPAIRED RECALLS.BUT I RECEIVED STILL MANY RECALL LETTERS.PLEASE REVIEW AND STOP THOSE LETTERS WHICH BOTHER ME.I 'M SO GRATEFUL FOR YOUR HELP. HAVE A GOOD DAY
Oct 9, 2020
Exterior lighting
THESE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS AND EVEN INSIDE THE CAR DOME LIGHTS ARE DANGEROUSLY DIM. EVEN WITH LIGHTS ON BRIGHT IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE
Feb 15, 2020 · 93,000 miles
Unknown or other
TIMING CHAIN IS RATTLING
Jun 1, 2020 · 130,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.