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2012 Mazda CX-7 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 2012 Mazda CX-7 with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (14) and the airbags (12). Those complaints describe 4 crashes and 2 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in October 2019 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2011 has 154 and the 2013 has 1.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical CX-7 year, for its age

#138 most complained-about 2012 vehicle

Complaints
39
Recalls
4
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Most common 2012 Mazda CX-7 problems

Share of all 39 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2012 Mazda CX-7 recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Air bags: inflator module

19V78200069,879 vehicles affected

Do not drive
The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
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: inflator module

18V717000155,436 vehicles affected

Do not drive
The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
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: inflator module

17V45700079,402 vehicles affected

Do not drive
The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
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: lower ball joint

16V593000190,102 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 say

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39 complaints about the 2012 Mazda CX-7

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Lights

No matter the bulbs I use, the headlights are always dim. This is incredibly unsafe for night driving.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11547599
Body, doors & structureWheels & tiresBrakes

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.

Filed Incident Structure · Wheels · Service brakesNHTSA 11501002
Lights

The headlights are too dim for safe night driving. Bulbs also fail yearly. This is a common problem reported with 2012 MAZDA CX7

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11442002
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11405874
Lights

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.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11372547
Electrical system

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.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11352825
AirbagsSeats & seat belts

AIRBAG SENSOR STAYS ON

Filed Incident Air bags · Seats · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11306879
Electrical systemLights

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11287722
Fuel system

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...

Read the full complaint

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.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11187055
LightsVisibility & wipers

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.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11155294
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 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.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11097104
Lights

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.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11096558
Other & unknownCrash

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.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11089194
Acceleration & cruise 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 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.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11084695
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 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.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11063715
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 failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11054815
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11051053
SteeringAirbags

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.

Filed Incident Steering · Air bagsNHTSA 11031627
SuspensionAirbags

Got 2 recalls telling me that I will be contacted when it parts are in to be repaired, so far nothing is been done.

Filed Incident Suspension · Air bagsNHTSA 11024286
SuspensionWheels & tires

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.

Filed Incident Suspension · WheelsNHTSA 11023342
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda cx-7. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v429000 (air bags); 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11021487
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda cx-7. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v429000 (air bags); 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. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11021486
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda cx-7. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v593000 (suspension) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called bankston ford dealer, located in ft worth tx, where it was informed the recall remedy part for the repair was not available. The manufacturer was not contacted and made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms part not available.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11020630
Suspension

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. The contact spoke with napleton's schaumburg mazda (110 w golf rd, schaumburg, il 60195) who stated that the contact would receive a phone call once parts became available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11018698
Suspension

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda cx-7. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v593000 (suspension). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (don miller dodge chrysler jeep ram, located at 5802 odana rd, madison, wi 53719) who stated that the recall parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11016471

Mazda CX-7: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20131000Engine & coolingA
201239440SuspensionA
2011154480SuspensionC
2010155522SuspensionC
200965601Engine & coolingA
2008192539Engine & coolingC
All CX-7 years

2012 Mazda CX-7 vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2012 Mazda CX-7

Does the 2012 Mazda CX-7 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Mazda CX-7: inflator module (October 2019); inflator module (October 2018); inflator module (July 2017); lower ball joint (August 2016). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda CX-7?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (14), airbags (12), lights (7).

How many complaints has the 2012 Mazda CX-7 had?

39 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 10, 2012 and the latest on October 1, 2023. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2012 Mazda CX-7 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 83 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Mazda CX-7 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Mazda CX-7 years have the most complaints?

2007 (528), 2008 (192), 2010 (155). See every Mazda CX-7 year compared.

What should I do if my 2012 Mazda CX-7 has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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