MAZDA CX-7 · model year

2010 MAZDA CX-7

215 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010MAZDACX-7 carries 215 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 6 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 CX-7 is suspension with 52 filings, followed by air bags (45) and exterior lighting (21). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 21 investigation files overlapping the 2010 CX-7, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

215
Complaints
4
Crashes
6
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

215 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION52
AIR BAGS45
EXTERIOR LIGHTING21
ENGINE20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
STEERING10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL7
WHEELS6
POWER TRAIN5
SERVICE BRAKES5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2

Recalls (5)

19V78200031/10/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 deg

17V42900029/06/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

18V71700012/10/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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),

16V59300011/08/2016

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

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

18V01800009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and 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),

Recent Complaints

20240612AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2010 Mazda CX-7. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 35 MPH, the driver's side and passenger’s side air bags independently deployed. There was no accident to cause the air bags to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240501EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Low beam headlamps are extremely dim. Have bought new replacement headlamps and are still very dim. Bought both replacement headlamp housings thinking wiring could be compromised but that didn't help either. Replacing headlamps is difficult due to having to remove either the front tires OR the front entire bumper assembly to switch out lamps. No fog lights are present on this model so makes driving at night very difficult. and unsafe.

20240501ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Low beam headlamps are extremely dim. Have bought new replacement headlamps and are still very dim. Bought both replacement headlamp housings thinking wiring could be compromised but that didn't help either. Replacing headlamps is difficult due to having to remove either the front tires OR the front entire bumper assembly to switch out lamps. No fog lights are present on this model so makes driving at night very difficult. and unsafe.

20230120EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Recently got this car and am fixing it up. Vehicle's headlights function but are dysfunctional. Night driving is impossible as per nearly nonexistent illumination of roadway. Don't know how to fix/upgrade. Wanted to give this vehicle to my Florida student but now hesitate as Florida's roadways are not illuminated. Have seen many posts relative hereto, even when the vehicle was new. A manufacturer's recall should issue for new improved headlights. Please advise on a fix for this essential vehicular safety function .

20220818EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Headlight to nowhere just started having horrible visibility it’s like if lights were off I change the bulbs several times LEDs H IDs factory bulbs still results no good

20220816FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My daughter was driving a 4 hour trip in Florida on I-95 Halfway into the trip she pulled into a parking lot to stop for lunch and before she could even turn off the vehicle, a fire erupted from under the hood. The car completely burned. There is a police report at Jupiter FL Police department # 22-184325

20220816FireENGINE

My daughter was driving a 4 hour trip in Florida on I-95 Halfway into the trip she pulled into a parking lot to stop for lunch and before she could even turn off the vehicle, a fire erupted from under the hood. The car completely burned. There is a police report at Jupiter FL Police department # 22-184325

20220816FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My daughter was driving a 4 hour trip in Florida on I-95 Halfway into the trip she pulled into a parking lot to stop for lunch and before she could even turn off the vehicle, a fire erupted from under the hood. The car completely burned. There is a police report at Jupiter FL Police department # 22-184325

20210312STEERING

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKING BETWEEN POWER STEERING RESERVOIR AND POWER STEERING PUMP.

Mileage: 130,265

20200917ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MAZDA CX-7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER IN-LAWS WERE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUTOFF. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT OIL LEAKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND A HOLE WAS PRESENT ON THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. MURRAY MAZDA LOCATED AT 85 GRIFFITH RD, MUNCY, PA 17756 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

Mileage: 83,000

20200512EXTERIOR LIGHTING

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DANGEROUS, IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DOWN THE ROAD USING THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO CORRECT. *TR

20200303EXTERIOR LIGHTING

MY HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM NO MATTER WHICH BULBS I PUT IN. I REALLY NEED TO GET THIS FIXED BECAUSE DRIVING AT NIGHT IS A DANGER. I'VE READ MANY MAZDA CX-7 OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE.

Mileage: 97,000

20200103AIR BAGS

AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. DRIVERS SIDE IS WHERE THE ISSUE IS. THERE WAS JUST A RECALL ON PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I

20191230AIR BAGS

MY WIFE TOOK MY VEHICLE TO OCEAN MAZDA DEALER LOCATED AT 9675 NW 12TH STREET MIAMI FL 33172 FOR AIR BAG RECALL REPLACEMENT ON 12/30/19 CAR AIRBAGS WERE REPLACED AND WAS RETURNED WITH AND UNSERVICEABLE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN UNSAFE CONDITION TO DRIVE MY WIFE COMPLAINT TO SHOP MANAGER BUT THEY REFUSED TO REINSPECT VEHICLE AND FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER AIRBAGS WERE REPLACED SINCE MY WIFE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY HELP FROM SHOP MANAGER SHE FILED A COMPLAINT TO DORAL POLICE #141230025446 I ARRIVED AFTER AND I POLITE REQUESTED MANAGER TO CHECK STEERING WHEEL COMPARTMENT IF ANYTHING WAS DAMAGED WHILE INSTALLING AIRBAGS HE ACCEPTED AND ASK ME TO LEAVE CAR AT DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC I WILL FOLLOW UP WRITING ON THIS COMPLAINT AFTER FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING TOMORROW 12/31/19

20191230STEERING

MY WIFE TOOK MY VEHICLE TO OCEAN MAZDA DEALER LOCATED AT 9675 NW 12TH STREET MIAMI FL 33172 FOR AIR BAG RECALL REPLACEMENT ON 12/30/19 CAR AIRBAGS WERE REPLACED AND WAS RETURNED WITH AND UNSERVICEABLE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN UNSAFE CONDITION TO DRIVE MY WIFE COMPLAINT TO SHOP MANAGER BUT THEY REFUSED TO REINSPECT VEHICLE AND FIND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER AIRBAGS WERE REPLACED SINCE MY WIFE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY HELP FROM SHOP MANAGER SHE FILED A COMPLAINT TO DORAL POLICE #141230025446 I ARRIVED AFTER AND I POLITE REQUESTED MANAGER TO CHECK STEERING WHEEL COMPARTMENT IF ANYTHING WAS DAMAGED WHILE INSTALLING AIRBAGS HE ACCEPTED AND ASK ME TO LEAVE CAR AT DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC I WILL FOLLOW UP WRITING ON THIS COMPLAINT AFTER FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING TOMORROW 12/31/19

20191024ENGINE

I STARTED GETTING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE FOR LAST 6 MONTHS. BUT WHEN THE RPM IS GREATER THAN 2000. THE NOISE DECREASES, WHEN I TOOK TO THE DEALER SERVICE, THEY MENTIONED THAT TIMING CHAIN NEED TO BE REPLACED. MAZDA KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE AND ADMITS IT BUT NEVER PERFORMS A RECALL.

Mileage: 104,000

20191008VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

UPON PUTTING MY CAR IN REVERSE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BREAK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES TO THE POINT I HAVE TO SMASH THE BREAK TO THE FLOOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE PUTTING MY CAR IN DRIVE AND WHILE WAITING AT RED LIGHTS. I'VE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO THEY DECIDED THE CAR WAS FINE.

Mileage: 35

20190725WHEELS

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, TAKING A LEFT TURN, WHEN MY CAR JOLTED TO A STOP IN THE INTERSECTION. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE MY CAR OUT OF THE INTERSECTION, BECAUSE THE WHEEL WASN'T ATTACHED PROPERLY ANYMORE. I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL AUTO SHOP. AT THE AUTO SHOP THEY DISCOVERED THAT A PREVIOUSLY RECALLED PART (LOWER CONTROL ARM) HAD FAILED, WHICH IS WHAT CAUSED ALL OF THE DAMAGE. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS RECALL. I CALLED THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE TO ASK FOR ADVICE. I WAS ADVISED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT MY LOCAL AUTO SHOP, AND THEN TO SEND THE INVOICE TO MAZDA TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALLED PART/LABOR. I SENT THE INVOICE TO MAZDA, AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T PROVIDE REIMBURSEMENT UNTIL THE RECALL WAS CLOSED, AND IN ORDER TO DO THIS I NEEDED TO HAVE EVERYTHING CHECKED OFF/RECALL CLOSED BY A MAZDA DEALERSHIP. I TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM, THEY DID THE INSPECTION, AND CLOSED THE RECALL

Mileage: 121,000

20190213EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON MY MAZDA CX7 2010 OR SHOULD I SAY LACK OF HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE PUT 8 LIGHT BULBS IN THIS CAR AND THEY WERE THE EXPENSIVE ONES. THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP ALL THE WAY AROUND BUT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE REALLY BAD! ALSO THEY ARE SO CLOUDED OVER. I HAVE A HARD TIME DRIVING AT NIGHT AND NOW I JUST CAN'T BECAUSE I AM NOT GOING TO GET STOPPED AGAIN FOR HAVING A HEADLIGHT OUT! I ONLY DRIVE DURING THE DAY. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, WHEN I SEE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME THING. THIS IS SUCH A STRESS ER FOR ME. I WISH THERE WAS SOMEONE OUT THERE THAT COULD HELP US IN THIS SITUATION.

Mileage: 30,000

20190109ENGINE

TOOK CAR IN FOR AIR BAG RECALL (WHICH WAS FIXED). DEALER DID A FULL CIRCLE INSPECTION AND FOUND THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED REPLACEMENT. WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MAZDA JANUARY, 2012 STATING THEY WERE EXTENDING THE WARRANTY TO 7 YRS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY DATE OR 70,000 MILES WHICHEVER COMES FIRST FOR REPAIRS TO THE TIMING CHAIN. THIS LETTER LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THEY KNEW THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE TIMING CHAIN. OUR CAR HAS 39,100 MILES (OBVIOUSLY LOW FOR THE AGE OF THE CAR). WE WERE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR OUT OF POCKET BECAUSE IT WAS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD. IT SEEMS VERY UNFAIR THAT OUR CAR WAS NOT COVERED FOR AN ISSUE MAZDA WAS CLEARLY AWARE OF IN 2012. WHILE IT WAS NOT AN ACTUAL RECALL, SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE TIMING CHAIN AND ALL OWNERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR FAILURE OF THE CHAIN. I DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO A CAR IF THE CHAIN BREAKS, BUT MY BEST GUESS IS IT WILL STOP RUNNING, WHICH IS A HUGE CONCERN REGARDING SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE.

Mileage: 39,100

Compare 2010MAZDACX-7 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 MAZDA CX-7 have?
The 2010 MAZDA CX-7 has 215 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 6 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 MAZDA CX-7?
Yes, the 2010 MAZDA CX-7 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 MAZDA CX-7?
The most-complained component for the 2010 MAZDA CX-7 is SUSPENSION with 52 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include AIR BAGS and EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Is the 2010 MAZDA CX-7 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.