Owners filed 39 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 4 times.
Do not drive
NHTSA attached 3 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags
11
1
0
1
Suspension
10
0
0
0
Exterior Lighting
4
0
0
0
Electrical System
4
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
2
1
0
0
Wheels
1
0
0
0
Visibility/Wiper
1
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
1
1
0
0
Structure › Body
1
0
0
0
Steering
1
1
0
1
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V782000Do not drive
Filed Oct 31, 201969,879 vehiclesMazda North American Operations
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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 Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V717000Do not drive
Filed Oct 12, 2018155,436 vehiclesMazda North American Operations
Defect. 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.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module17V457000Do not drive
Filed Jul 18, 201779,402 vehiclesMazda North American Operations
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint16V593000
Filed Aug 11, 2016190,102 vehiclesMazda North American Operations
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 1, 2023OH
No matter the bulbs I use, the headlights are always dim. This is incredibly unsafe for night driving.
Wheels
Filed Jan 10, 2023NY
There is excessive rust on this MAZDA. We drive in NYC, and i believe due to the close proximity to the ocean this Mazda was not properly prepared.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 29, 2021NC
The headlights are too dim for safe night driving. Bulbs also fail yearly. This is a common problem reported with 2012 MAZDA CX7
Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 202187,000 milesAZ
THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, WOULD STALL OUT AND TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN. THE CAR WOULD START WITH JUMPER CABLES, IDLE FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN GO COMPLETELY DEAD, NO LIGHTS, NO BUZZ, NO NOTHING AS SOON AS IT WAS PUT INTO REVERSE. THE CAR HAS A NEW BATTERY, NEW COILS, NEW SPARK PLUGS AND CONTINUES TO MISFIRE. MAZDA HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE TO MESSAGES DUE TO OPEN RECALLS.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 1, 2020141,000 milesKY
NO ACCIDENTS HAS HAPPENED, BUT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT. I HAVE TO HAVE THEM REPLACED EVERY 3-6 MONTHS. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A PROBLEM. UPON DOING SEARCH ON INTERNET, I NOTICE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM. LIGHTS ARE NOT CHEAP AND VERY FRUSTRATING WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THIS HAPPENS.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 202065,000 milesDE
OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO GET INTO VEHICLE THIS MORNING ALL WAS FINE. WHEN I GOT TO WORK AND TRIED TO OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR, IT WOULD NOT OPEN. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR BY CLIMBING OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE AND OPENING THE SIDE DOOR. I CHECKED THE OTHER DOORS (AND TRUNK) AND THEY ALL OPENED. I CHECKED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE THEN AND IT STILL WOULD NOT OPEN. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD IF YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR QUICKLY. ALSO I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN SO IT'S NO LONGER EASY TO CLIMB OVER THE SEATS TO OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR INSTEAD.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 3, 2020123,000 milesNC
AIRBAG SENSOR STAYS ON
Electrical System
Filed Dec 8, 2019AL
THE DIM LIGHTS ARE SO DANGEROUS AND DO NOT PROVIDE ANY VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AT ALL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND I HAVE HAD SO MANY NEAR MISSES WHILE PASSING OTHER VEHICLES OR TRYING TO NOT RUN OFF THE ROAD DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE. PLUS THE BULBS BURN OUT SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND I'M CONSTANTLY HAVING TO REPLACE THEM. BUT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT IS SO SCARY BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE THE ROADWAY DUE TO POOR LIGHTING FROM THE CARS HEADLIGHTS. AND ALSO THE MOTORS THAT ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS ARE CONSTANTLY GOING OUT AND I HAVE TO REPLACE THOSE AS WELL OTHERWISE MY WINDOW GETS STUCK AND I CAN'T GET IT TO ROLL BACK UP.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 15, 20191,000 milesWI
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED MY BRAND NEW MAZDA CX7. DEALERSHIP JUST SIMPLY RESETTED IT WITHOUT FURTHER INSPECTION AND NOW AFTER WARRANTY LIGHT IS BACK ON. HAD ALREADY REPLACED GAS CAP AND L RESET WAS DONE AGAIN BUT IT IS BACK ON. I READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE CHECK EGINE LIGHT. I SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MAZDA CARS BUT MAZDA DOES NOT SEEM TO CONCERNED ABOUT IT. MY CAR CANT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE CODE P0442-EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED (SMALL LEAK) KEEPS COMING UP. I WANT MAZDA TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MAZDA OWNERS. EMAILED MAZDA AND NO ANSWER SO I CALLED 800 NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP. NOT SURE OF THE DATE IT INITIALLY HAPPENED. BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN LAST SUMMER 2018 THANKS.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 1, 201825,000 milesMD
HEADLIGHTS BLOW NUMEROUS TIMES IN A YEAR. WHEN 'OPERATIONAL''THE HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM AT NIGHT. I RESEARCHED AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A REOCCURRING ISSUE ON MANY MAZDA VEHICLES. I HAVE TRIED TO REACH OUT TO MAZDA, WITH NO RESPONSE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND MY TURN SIGNALS ARE BRIGHTER THAN MY LIGHTS. EVERYONE ON THE FORUM SUGGESTS THE PROJECTOR LENSES THAT COME EQUIPPED ARE FAULTY. I SPENT $400 ON AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHTS (FULL HOUSING) TO TRY AND RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM OR MAKE IT BETTER TO BE ABLE TO SEE AT NIGHT, SINCE I HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM MAZDA AND THEY SEEM NOT WILLING TO LOOK INSIDE THE ISSUE WITH MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES.THIS HAS BEEN A REPCCUING ISSUE SINCE PURCHASE IN 2012.
Suspension
Filed May 21, 201888,000 milesLA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-7. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED AT (MOFFITT MAZDA IN BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA) PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V593000 (SUSPENSION) AND THE FAILURE RECURRED DIRECTLY AFTER THE REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY A DIAGNOSTIC FEE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed May 17, 2018MA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-7. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON, THE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE BRIGHT ENOUGH FOR THE DRIVER TO SEE THE ROAD AHEAD. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Apr 21, 201889,000 milesMI
MY CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF WITH THE KEY IN MY HAND. I INSERTED THE KEY AND STARTED THE CAR WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. IT SURGED AHEAD AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING I CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BASE TO A POLE. I HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF A DONATION CENTER.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Apr 12, 201889,000 milesMI
MY CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. I ENTERED THE CAR, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO START THE CAR AND THEN PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. IMMEDIATELY IT SURGED FORWARD ABOUT 50 FEET HITTING A CEMENT BASE TO A POLE. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE SEATBELT WORKED KEEPING ME FROM ANY INJURY. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DETERMINED IT WAS TOTALED. THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT AS IT WAS DEAMED PRIVATE PROPERTY AS IT WAS A GOODWILL STORE.
Suspension
Filed Jan 19, 2018NY
MAZDA CXC 7 2012 THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO FRONT FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT FITTING THAT CAN CAUSE THE BALL JOINT AND LOWER CONTROL ARM TO SEPERATE. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING RISK OF A CRASH. I CALLED BRIGHT BAY MAZDA IN BAYSHORE NY 1-631-666-6100 AND WAS ADVISED TO BRING CAR IN. I DID AND IT WAS LOOKED OVER. I WAS IT DID NOT NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION ON 11/21/2016 AND THAT WHEN THE PARTS CAME IN THEY WOULD FIX THE CAR. I CALLED TODAY 1/19/18 AND WAS TOLD THEY STILL DONT HAVE THE PART AND THAT THIS IS A PRELIMINARY NOTICE THAT GETS SENT TO CAR OWNERS PER SHERRY AT MAZDA. SERIOUSLY 2 YEARS AND NO RESOLUTION. I WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT.
Suspension
Filed Dec 14, 2017IL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V593000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER (NAPLETON MAZDA BOURBONNAIS, 515 WILLIAM R LATHAM SENIOR DR, BOURBONNAIS, IL 60914) STATED THAT PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 28, 2017FL
WINDOW MOTORS; SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE MY DRIVER WINDOW WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO GO UP ONCE IT WENT DOWN. THEN IT GOT WORSE AND MADE A LOUD SOUND WHEN IT WENT UP AND ONE WOULD HAVE TO PULL IT UP. NOW THE DRIVER WINDOW DOES THAT. ITS HARD TO GET IT UP ONCE ITS DOWN AND MAKES A LOUD SOUND. I FIND IT STRANGE THAT BOTH WINDOWS ARE NOW NOT WORKING.
Air Bags
Filed Oct 3, 2017CA
THERE ARE 2 RECALLS ISSUED ON MY VEHICLE. ONE IS THE AIRBAGS AND THE OTHER IS THE LOWER ARM CONTROL. I HAVE CONTACTED MAZDA 4 TIMES AND THEY TELL ME THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS AND DON'T HAVE A TIME FRAME THAT I CAN COME IN AND GET THESE ISSUES RESOLVED. BOTH OF THESE RECALLS ARE A SAFETY CONCERN FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 19, 2017TX
GOT 2 RECALLS TELLING ME THAT I WILL BE CONTACTED WHEN IT PARTS ARE IN TO BE REPAIRED, SO FAR NOTHING IS BEEN DONE.
Suspension
Filed Sep 13, 201750,500 milesOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V593000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHEELS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,500. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 31, 2019. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.