EngineHigh
2.3 turbo petrol turbocharger failure and oil consumption
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check for blue smoke and oil level
- Typical repair
- Turbocharger replacement · £750–£2,200
Is the 2007–2012 Mazda CX-7 reliable?
Scored from 6 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
5.4/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Mazda CX-7 rates 5.4 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 6 known faults for it and 3 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, drivetrain and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 3
- Medium
- 2
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around engine, drivetrain, suspension, body.
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EngineHigh
2.2 diesel injector and DPF problems
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for rough idle and check for warnings
- Typical repair
- DPF forced regen or replacement · £250–£1,600
EngineHigh
2.3 petrol timing chain stretch
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a rattle on cold start
- Typical repair
- Timing chain, tensioner & guides · £900–£2,400
DrivetrainMedium
Four-wheel-drive transfer box leaks
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Look for oil under the middle of the car
- Typical repair
- Driveline / differential repair · £450–£1,800
BodyMedium
Rust on rear arches and subframes
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect underneath
- Typical repair
- Body & corrosion repair · £250–£1,800
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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