2011 Mazda Cx-7

The 2.3L DISI turbocharged engine is highly prone to turbocharger failure. The turbo's internal bearings fail due to oil coking and restricted oil flow through the banjo bolt filter screen. Symptoms include excessive oil consumption, blue or white smoke from the exhaust, loss of power, and a loud whining or grinding noise from the turbo.

Replace the turbocharger assembly and clean or replace the oil feed line banjo bolt, ensuring the tiny filter screen is removed or cleaned. Switch to full synthetic oil and change it every 5,000 miles maximum. Install an aftermarket oil catch can to reduce crankcase vapors reaching the turbo. Some owners remove the banjo bolt filter screen entirely to improve oil flow.

The VVT actuator on the intake camshaft can fail, causing rough idle, loss of power, poor fuel economy, and check engine light codes related to camshaft timing (P0012, P0014). The actuator's internal oil control valve can become stuck due to sludge buildup, particularly if oil change intervals have been neglected.

Replace the VVT actuator solenoid and clean the oil passages feeding it. In some cases, the camshaft phaser (actuator sprocket) itself needs replacement. Ensure the engine oil is clean and at the proper level. Regular oil changes with quality synthetic oil prevent sludge-related VVT issues. Mazda TSB 01-036/09 addresses VVT concerns.

The 2.3L DISI engine's timing chain stretches over time, causing a rattling noise from the front of the engine on startup and during acceleration. Advanced chain stretch triggers camshaft correlation fault codes and can result in rough running, misfires, and reduced performance. If the chain jumps a tooth, serious engine damage can occur.

Replace the timing chain, chain guides, and tensioners as a complete set. This requires significant front-of-engine disassembly. Use OEM or premium aftermarket timing components. Address any underlying oil starvation or sludge issues that may have contributed to accelerated chain wear. Change oil religiously with quality synthetic oil afterward.

AWD models develop a pronounced clunk from the rear when transitioning between acceleration and deceleration, or when shifting between drive and reverse. The rear differential mount bushings degrade, allowing excessive differential movement. The noise is amplified in cold weather and can be felt through the floor of the vehicle.

Replace the rear differential mount bushings. Some owners upgrade to polyurethane bushings for increased durability, though they may transmit slightly more vibration. Inspect the rear driveshaft center bearing and U-joints at the same time, as they can produce similar symptoms. Torque all fasteners to specification after replacement.

Beyond turbo-related oil consumption, the 2.3L DISI engine itself can consume oil through worn piston rings and valve seals. Some CX-7 owners report adding a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or less. The combination of turbo oil leaks and engine consumption can rapidly deplete the oil supply between changes, risking engine damage.

Monitor oil level weekly and top off as needed. Perform an oil consumption test at the dealer. If consumption exceeds Mazda's threshold, piston ring replacement or engine rebuild may be warranted. Switching to a heavier weight synthetic oil (5W-30 or 5W-40) can slightly reduce consumption. Address turbo oil leaks separately as described above.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 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 16V356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.

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.

A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

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.