The Worst Mazda CX-7 Model That You Should Definitely Avoid
Some cars are just destined for the junkyard. Or that’s the way you feel when you’re handed yet another mechanic bill that makes you question if you’re going to send your child to summer camp or skip that long-awaited vacation. The 2007 Mazda CX-7 fits into this category.
If you’ve fallen in love with the Mazda CX-7 and are looking for a used model, you definitely don’t want to go buy the 2007. According to Car Complaints, this is one car you should never buy.
Engine problems
For each part on a vehicle, there is a potential problem for it, but the engine and transmission are some of the biggest and most expensive problems you can have. The Mazda CX-7 definitely had its fair share of engine problems, and it all starts with the turbocharger.
According to Consumer Reports, there is a long list of problems with the engine. Some include the timing chain becoming stretched, the turbo goes out, the car loses power while driving, there is a ticking noise, the timing chain breaks, the check engine light comes on, and the car dies while driving.
The biggest problem revolves around the timing chain becoming stretched. This leads to the engine becoming severely damaged, and it’s not a quick or cheap fix. The valves become bent, and the entire engine has to be replaced. If you’re driving a 2007 CX-7, it will cost you approximately $7,000 to fix.
AC problems
Most consumers who have driven a car for any amount of time are familiar with AC problems. This usually results in sweat-drenched hair during the summer and is easily ignored in the winter. It may be an issue in some states where the winters are very mild or in desert regions, but for the most part, there are several months each year when you don’t have to worry about whether the AC works or not.
That’s not the case on the 2007 CX-7. For many drivers, the compressor went out. While you might be thinking this happens at a high mileage rate after owners have had it for several years, you’d be mistaken. It happens at a very low mileage rate of 60,000 to 70,000 miles.
Signs that the compressor is going out include loud noises, smoke, and in extreme cases, the serpentine belt actually catches on fire. While there are some problems that owners ignore, this is definitely not one that can be overlooked. The average repair cost to fix this is around $700.
Mazda’s lack of solutions for the CX-7
According to some consumers on Cars.com, Mazda did very little to help them. One reviewer reports that his tires kept cupping because the car wouldn’t stay in alignment. Mazda agreed to replace two, but not the other two, because he ‘drives too many miles.’
Another reviewer reports that he was charged over $400 in service fees in spite of the fact that the dealership he took his car to did nothing to fix the problem.
In response to the AC compressor going out, Mazda issued an extended warranty for vehicles under 60,000 miles. This was a low blow since many of the compressor problems didn’t start to show until after 60,000 miles.
Mazda did little better for the owners with engine problems. A ‘Special service plan’ was released that essentially extended the warranty up to 7 years or 70,000 miles. This may seem like a decent move, but there was a catch.
If the owner had missed some sort of required maintenance, Mazda would consider the warranty void. Since there are rumors floating around that the CX-7 might be making a return in 2021, we can only hope that Mazda plans on fixing some of the former problems, and doesn’t jerk drivers around if new problems arise.
