2008 Mazda CX-7 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 23%of 192 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,100miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Mazda CX-7, 23% of the 192 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,100 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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”
NHTSA complaint #11378612, filed 2020-12, 122,984 miles“I want to implore you to make Mazda recall this make/model, with them knowing they have a faulty vvt/timing chain issue, that has affected hundreds,if not thousands of car owners, putting their safety at risk. I have not myself, had the issues yet, that are well documented,but unfortunately I did purchase this car, and it is unbelievable that Mazda will not fix this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10919927, filed 2016-10, 79,000 miles“The oil cooler above the filter is leaking very bad, and I need to replace the gasket,but I had no prior leaks before and it was hard to start my vehicle. You can't just buy the gasket for the cooler, unless it's the newer silver oil cooler, the part alone is at least $400, but there seems to a frequent issue of this with many others, on the 2008 Mazda CX-7.”
NHTSA complaint #10546729, filed 2013-10, 90,000 miles“While traveling at 45mph, experienced sudden loss of power. Cel came on and trouble p3001 was the code display on handheld reader. Car is out of warranty, dealer states several components within engine have failed and Mazda has no responsibility over failures since I do not have an extended warranty. I have researched the problem production years 2007 and 2008 are plagued with premature engine failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10501868, filed 2013-03, 76,100 miles“While on a freeway off-ramp car started to idle irregularly accompanied by white smoke and a loud whining noise. Identified problem as A/C compressor. Turned off air conditioning; smoke and whining seemed to stop, and I was able to drive it the 15 miles to my mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10643529, filed 2014-10, 92,540 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11034447Jun 19, 2026This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g…
- 11032103Apr 21, 2026This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory…
- 11007019Aug 15, 2024If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by…
- 10092724Jun 24, 2016If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the…
- 10085289Jun 24, 2016If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the…
- 10098201Apr 15, 2014Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk noise from the engine compartment when driving over rough roads or over a speed bump. The noise may occur in areas of high ambient temperatures…
- 10061502Apr 15, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Mazda CX-7
53 complaintsSuspension
41 complaintsEngine cooling
40 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