MYRModel Year Report

2012 Mazda CX-7

▲ Better than typical
2012 Mazda CX-7
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:23.181Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
39
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Suspension

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

2007: 528 complaints 2007 2008: 192 complaints 2008 2009: 65 complaints 2009 2010: 155 complaints 2010 2011: 153 complaints 2011 2012: 39 complaints 2012 39 2013: 1 complaint 2013
2007: 528 complaints 2007 2008: 192 complaints 2008 2009: 65 complaints 2009 2010: 155 complaints 2010 2011: 153 complaints 2011 2012: 39 complaints 2012 39 2013: 1 complaint 2013
2007: 528 complaints 2007 2008: 192 complaints 2008 2009: 65 complaints 2009 2010: 155 complaints 2010 2011: 153 complaints 2011 2012: 39 complaints 2012 39 2013: 1 complaint 2013

2012: 39 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2007528
2008192
200965
2010155
2011153
201239
20131

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Suspension

36% · 14 reports

Air bags

31% · 12 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Mazda CX-7. While driving approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the driver side of the contact's vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into a utility pole. The air bags failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-07

Exterior lighting

18% · 7 reports
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-01

Electrical system

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-28

Instruments are recessed and are difficult to see in the daylight. With the headlights on they are poorly lighted and are hard to see at night.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-10

Vehicle speed control

8% · 3 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-12

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2017-10-04Air bags17V457000 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,...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Mazda CX-7 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Suspension: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 16V593000 · Suspension
  • Recall 17V457000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V717000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V782000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years1 year

FAQ

Is the 2012 Mazda CX-7 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Mazda CX-7 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mazda CX-7?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 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.