2011 Mazda CX-7
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 153
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2011
None on file
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 153 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 528 |
| 2008 | 192 |
| 2009 | 65 |
| 2010 | 155 |
| 2011 | 153 |
| 2012 | 39 |
| 2013 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
33% · 51 reportsAir bags
27% · 42 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Takata recall on August 30 2016 I was driving on the street breaking as I was approaching a red light when my 2011 Mazda CX7 was rear ended and slid into another vehicle. My airbags did not deploy and I hit my head on the steering wheel.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-28
Exterior lighting
25% · 39 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-08-01
The low beam wiring gets hot and melts the connectors to the bulb connection. The low beam headlights have been replaced 8 times in a year due to low visibility. It's like turning off the headlights but they are still on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-03
Also filed under Electrical system
The headlights are UNSAFE! Extremely dim. We have replaced the bulbs and gotten great LED lights but the issue is still there. Sometimes I feel like my lights arenât even on but they are, I cannot see. Please can you fix this.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-14
Steering
10% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
There was a recall on my vehicle in oct 2016 , I had already lost control of my vehicle and had an accident in sept 2016 and had to pay insurance fees storage fees and lost wages due to accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-29
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Mazda CX-7. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel turned to the left and failed to maneuver without warning. The vehicle crashed into an embankment, hydroplaned, and crashed into another embankment.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-12
Power train
5% · 7 reportsShow complaint excerpts
On 12/14/2015, I was driving about 60-65 MPH on a Maryland highway at around 10AM. I was in the next lane beside the fast lane. The 2011 Mazda CX7 started to decelerate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-15
Vehicle exhibits sudden acceleration. Approx 25% to 35% of the time vehicle will lurch forward when accelerating from a stop. Vehicle behaves as if the accelerator if pressed down all the way, even though it is barely engaged.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-13
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2017-08-30Air bags17V429000 Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles.
Remedy: 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.
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2017-09-20Suspension16V593000 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.
Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge.
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2018-11-09Air bags18V717000 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...
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.
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2019-12-03Air bags19V782000 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Mazda CX-7 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 51 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 39 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V429000 · Air bags
- Recall 16V593000 · Suspension
- Recall 18V717000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V782000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Mazda CX-7 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mazda CX-7?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda CX-7 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.