← New search

2012 Mazda CX-7

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Fewer warning signs than most model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Mazda CX-7 are lower than the model-year median of 153.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all CX-7 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 16 of 39 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

39 reports
88,000 miles · May 21, 2018
Suspension

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 W…

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11097104

Mileage unknown · May 17, 2018
Exterior Lighting

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.

NHTSA ODI #11096558

89,000 miles · Apr 21, 2018
Unknown Or OtherCrash

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.

NHTSA ODI #11089194

89,000 miles · Apr 12, 2018
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

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 …

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11084695

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2018
Suspension

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 …

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11063715

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2017
Suspension

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 FAILU…

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11054815

Mileage unknown · Nov 28, 2017
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

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 WIN…

Read full complaint

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.

NHTSA ODI #11051053

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2017
Air BagsSteering

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.

NHTSA ODI #11031627

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2017
Air BagsSuspension

GOT 2 RECALLS TELLING ME THAT I WILL BE CONTACTED WHEN IT PARTS ARE IN TO BE REPAIRED, SO FAR NOTHING IS BEEN DONE.

NHTSA ODI #11024286

50,500 miles · Sep 13, 2017
SuspensionWheels

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 MANU…

Read full complaint

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 ODI #11023342

Official recalls

4

19V782000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 31, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

18V717000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Oct 12, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

17V457000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jul 18, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

16V593000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

Aug 11, 2016

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.