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Mazda

2011 Mazda CX-7

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mazda CX-7 has 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 202. The most common issue is suspension problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2011 mazda cx-7. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v593000 (suspension) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufact. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

9 crash reports 4 injuries

202

Total Complaints

4

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

SUSPENSION

51 complaints
25%
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V593000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACT
  • THERE IS A RECALL NHTSA 16V593 REGARDING THE SUSPENSION ON THIS VEHICLE. I OWN A MAZDA CX7 SGT XA WITH 24,000 MILES. WANTED TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE IN AND ACURA DEALER ADVISED ABOUT RECALL AND STATED THEY COULD NOT ACCEPT AS TRADE UNTIL RECALL IS FIXED. CONTACTED MAZDA AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PART
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V356000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V593000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE REMEDIES FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE R
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V593000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACT

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Mazda CX-7

Based on 81 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 50K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
26
30-60K
21
60-100K
23
100-150K
7
150-200K
3
200K+
1

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 48K mi · 11 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
3
60-100K
3
100-150K
1
150-200K
1
200K+
0

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 62K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
1
60-100K
3
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
1

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
2
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

LIGHTING

Later than typicalmedian 53K mi · 20 reports
0-30K
6
30-60K
7
60-100K
5
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

TRANSMISSION

High-mileage issuemedian 64K mi · 7 reports
0-30K
1
30-60K
0
60-100K
6
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

STEERING

High-mileage issuemedian 108K mi · 7 reports
0-30K
2
30-60K
0
60-100K
1
100-150K
3
150-200K
1
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE12/10/2018

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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Mazda CX-7

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,182
Per month
$182
Per mile
18.2¢
MPG
22
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,667/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mazda CX-7

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,494
Full coverage / month
$125
Liability only / year
$639
vs US avg
-11%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.85x
= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mazda CX-7 Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
120K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines. AWD models need transfer case and rear differential service every 60K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mazda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Mazda. If you're buying a used 2011 CX-7, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mazda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)
$500
AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500
LIGHTING(~50K mi)
$500
STEERING(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 202 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • SUSPENSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V593000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACT

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • AIR BAGS: 1. WARNING ILLUMINATOR LIGHT ON INDICATING DRIVER/PASSENGER AIRBAGS MAY REQUIRE REPAIR AND/OR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. 2. REAR TAIL LIGHT: BULB HAS BECOME SO HOT THE BULB IS LITERALLY BURNING THROUGH THE RED CASING OF THE BREAK LIGHT - CONDENSATION OR WIRING IS CAUSING THE BULB TO OVERHEAT.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • LIGHTING: THE CONTROLS ESSENTIAL FOR VEHICLE OPERATION (SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, TRANSMISSION GEAR PLACEMENT), OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CENTER "CLUSTER" CONTROLS ARE ILLUMINATED REGARDLESS IF HEADLIGHTS ARE ON OR OFF. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS, THUS MAKING THIS ISSUE MORE PRESSING.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • STEERING: "TAKATA RECALL" ISSUED MAY 25, 2016 AND WE WERE JUST NOTIFIED AUGUST 12, 2016. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE AND MAZDA SUGGEST THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. WE HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT YET, BUT IF WE DO, HOW CAN WE NOT DRIVE A CAR THAT WE OWN?WE HAVE TO WORK TO PAY BILLS. HOW MANY MONTHS, AND/OR DEAT

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Mazda dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mazda CX-7 — Year Comparison

How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
202
Recalls
4
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
9
Injury reports
4
Segment avg
202

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2011 Mazda CX-7