2008 Mazda CX-7 problems
The 2008 Mazda CX-7 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo. The 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2008 cars, such as lower front suspension ball joint that can seize or break through corrosion.
_Classic_wagon_(2010-06-17)_01.jpg){kind=link}
2008 Mazda CX-7 score: low reliability
Calculated using only 8 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine3.73 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension7.11 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes7.81 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Tyres and wheels9.61 fault
- Steering7.21 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights7.5Technical inspection (ITV) only: 1.0 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Airbags and safety7.11 fault
What changes compared with the 2007 Mazda CX-7
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 2007.
2.3 MZR DISI Turbo engine in the 2008 Mazda CX-7
Names: Mazda CX-7 2.3 DISI Turbo
- With caution
2.3 MZR DISI Turbo 256-260 hp (L3-VDT, 2005-2009)
256–263 hp · L3-VDT
This is the series most affected by chain problems according to Wikipedia; it is only worth considering with an oil service history and a timing check.[2][3]
Faults that affect 2008 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI TurboThe 2.3 DISI Turbo's timing chain and its tensioner wear sooner than expected, especially on pre-2010 units: a rattle when cold is the warning, and if it fails it can damage the engine.Appears at around 100,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboPremature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI TurboThe 2.3 DISI Turbo's turbo, with faults documented mainly on the CX-7, wears out through poor lubrication and causes blue smoke, loss of power and oil consumption; replacing it costs around €2,200 in Spain.Repair (garage): €2,200Appears at around 100,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil consumption and sludge in the 2.3 DISI Turbo engineThe 2.3 DISI Turbo can burn oil and build up sludge if service intervals are stretched; the sludge blocks the turbo's passages and speeds up wear on the turbo and the timing.
Faults outside the engine in the 2008 Mazda CX-7
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionLower front suspension ball joint that can seize or break through corrosionYes: a recall covers CX-7s built between May 2007 and August 2012 because water can get into the lower front suspension ball joint and cause corrosion and seizing; in the worst case the ball joint breaks and control of the steering can be lost. The complete lower arm is replaced.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAirbags and safetyTakata recall: the passenger airbag inflator can rupture on deploymentYes: Safety Gate lists an alert on Mazda CX-7s built between 1 January 2007 and 12 June 2009 because the ammonium nitrate propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator can degrade with heat and humidity, rupture the inflator on deployment and throw out metal fragments.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesPremature wear of the brake discs and padsThe 2015 DEKRA report, covered by Autofácil, points to discs and pads with premature wear and poor braking power as problems of the Mazda CX-7 (2007-2011) after 100,000 km, within a 13.4% rate of serious faults compared with the 10.3% SUV average.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringPlay in the steering ball jointsThe 2015 DEKRA report, covered by Autofácil, cites play in the steering ball joints among the problems of the Mazda CX-7 (2007-2011) after 100,000 km. It is not the same fault as the lower front suspension ball joint campaign, although both are worth checking on a car of that era.
- Low severityFrequency: RareTyres and wheelsElectronic faults in the tyre pressure monitoring systemThe 2015 DEKRA report, covered by Autofácil, mentions some electronic faults in the tyre pressure monitoring of the Mazda CX-7 (2007-2011). The source does not explain whether the wheel sensors or the control unit are failing.
Buying a 2008 Mazda CX-7?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mazda CX-7 reliable?
The 2008 Mazda CX-7 was sold with an engine that we have documented: the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo. The 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2008 cars, such as lower front suspension ball joint that can seize or break through corrosion.
Is the 2008 Mazda CX-7 better than the 2007?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 2007 and 2008 cars. Choose on condition, mileage and maintenance history.
What is the best year for the Mazda CX-7?
According to our score, the best is 2012 (5.3/10). The year with the worst score is 2009 (4.7/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2008 Mazda CX-7 have?
The most important ones documented for 2008 cars are: timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo (2.3 MZR DISI Turbo, critical severity), lower front suspension ball joint that can seize or break through corrosion (suspension, critical severity), takata recall: the passenger airbag inflator can rupture on deployment (airbags and safety, critical severity), premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI Turbo (2.3 MZR DISI Turbo, high severity) and oil consumption and sludge in the 2.3 DISI Turbo engine (2.3 MZR DISI Turbo, medium severity).
Own a 2008 Mazda CX-7? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
- Mazda L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
- Problemas Mazda CX-7Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish