Which Mazda CX-7 year should I avoid?

The 2011 model year, based on NHTSA data. It has the highest complaint index (100) of the 2010-2013 range, with 153 complaints, 8 crashes, and 4 injuries reported.

What is the best Mazda CX-7 year?

Among 2010-2013 models, 2012 has the lowest complaint index at 33, with only 39 complaints and no reported fires or deaths, though it still carries 4 recalls.

What problems were reported on the 2011 Mazda CX-7?

Owners most often reported suspension, wheels and tires issues (36% of complaints, median 56,131 miles), followed by airbags (27%) and electrical system problems (26%), including dash lighting and sudden acceleration or deceleration.

Does the 2011 Mazda CX-7 have a Takata airbag recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists three do-not-drive recalls tied to Takata passenger frontal airbag inflators for the 2011 CX-7, campaigns 19V782000, 18V717000, and 17V429000.

Is the 2010 Mazda CX-7 reliable?

The 2010 model is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 67, 155 complaints, 5 recalls, and 4 marked do-not-drive.

Mazda CX-7 Best and Worst Years (2010–2013)

Across 2010-2013, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100, 153 complaints, 8 crashes and 4 injuries. The 2012 model fares best among these years with a complaint index of 33 and only 39 complaints.

Avoid 2011

Model years: 4; 2010–2013
NHTSA complaints: 348
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 14
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Suspension, Wheels & Tires

CX-7 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mazda CX-7 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Caution	67	155	2	2	5 !	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	21	—
2011	Avoid	100	153	8	0	4 !	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	20	—
2012	Good	33	39	4	0	4 !	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	20	—
2013	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Engine	—	—

CX-7 years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Mazda CX-7 Index 100 · 153 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2011 CX-7 has the highest complaint index (100) of the four model years covered, with 153 complaints, 8 crashes, and 4 injuries reported. Suspension, wheels and tires make up 36% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 56,131 miles. Airbags account for 27% (median 61,500 miles) and electrical system issues 26% (median 49,646 miles). Owners describe dash cluster lights staying on regardless of headlight status, sudden unintended acceleration from a stop, and unexpected deceleration at highway speed. Four recalls apply to this year, three marked do-not-drive, mostly tied to Takata airbag inflators.

2011 suspension, wheels & tires problems →2011 airbags problems →2011 electrical system problems →

Most common Mazda CX-7 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires127 (36%)
Airbags100 (29%)
Electrical System79 (23%)
Engine39 (11%)
Steering29 (8%)
Other19 (5%)
Brakes15 (4%)
Structure & Body15 (4%)
Transmission & Powertrain14 (4%)
Visibility & Wipers11 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Mazda CX-7 year should I avoid?: The 2011 model year, based on NHTSA data. It has the highest complaint index (100) of the 2010-2013 range, with 153 complaints, 8 crashes, and 4 injuries reported.
What is the best Mazda CX-7 year?: Among 2010-2013 models, 2012 has the lowest complaint index at 33, with only 39 complaints and no reported fires or deaths, though it still carries 4 recalls.
What problems were reported on the 2011 Mazda CX-7?: Owners most often reported suspension, wheels and tires issues (36% of complaints, median 56,131 miles), followed by airbags (27%) and electrical system problems (26%), including dash lighting and sudden acceleration or deceleration.
Does the 2011 Mazda CX-7 have a Takata airbag recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists three do-not-drive recalls tied to Takata passenger frontal airbag inflators for the 2011 CX-7, campaigns 19V782000, 18V717000, and 17V429000.
Is the 2010 Mazda CX-7 reliable?: The 2010 model is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 67, 155 complaints, 5 recalls, and 4 marked do-not-drive.