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Engine coolingPart report

2008 Mazda CX-7 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
40about this part
Share
21%of 192 total for the year
Median mileage
42,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Mazda CX-7, 21% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Mazda using the wrong oil. Recently had the oil changed in my 2008 Mazda CX-7. When I drove it off the lot the car smoked like crazy. They said they were using the wrong oil so they replaced it with 5w-30 instead of 5w-20. Then car continued to smoke. So next day they put 5w-40 in it. The oil is leaking into the turbo creating a fire hazard.”

NHTSA complaint #10288700, filed 2009-10, 17,500 miles

“Sudden AC clutch/compressor failure with 29000 miles on vehicle. Didn't notice until we stopped at a scenic overlook off I 75 in tn and had heavy white smoke from under the hood w/ a grinding bearing noise. Repaired under warranty, but not sure if w/ an updated part(s). Research shows that this is a very common problem w/ this vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10297149, filed 2009-12, 29,000 miles

“I had smoke coming from under the hood. Ac compressor was burning up, and entire AC system needed to be replaced, only for the AC to stop outputting cool air on hot days unless I'm driving over 55 MPH.”

NHTSA complaint #10588017, filed 2014-05, 70,000 miles

“I was driving to my destination when the A/C stopped working and I smelled/saw smoke coming from underneath my vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the nearest mechanic and I was told that the air compressor was locked up and that we would have to wait a few days for a replacement part or drive home without the A/C in 90+ degree heat. Remedy, replaced air compressor at a cost of $957.43 and by the way the vehicle had only 39203 miles on it.”

NHTSA complaint #10336652, filed 2010-06, 39,203 miles

“One morning the check engine light turn on, the computer code came back as EGR val,I have had this vehicle for over 3yrs this is a pricey part, I have read about this and a lot of people have experience this as soon as they reach the 62k miles this is ridiculous. I hope this has nothing to do with a noise that the engine have ever since o bought it which the said it was normal... As per the tires I had to replace them as soon as I reached the 1 yr, never will I buy a Mazda again....”

NHTSA complaint #10442596, filed 2012-01, 62,636 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201111%
201021%
2009812%
20084021%
200720639%

Other parts of the 2008 Mazda CX-7

Air bags
53 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsSuspension
41 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsTires
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 Mazda CX-7

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology