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Mazda · Mid-Size SUV · 2006–2012

Mazda CX-7 ER

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

260 PS

2.3L DISI Turbo Benzin

260 hp Turbo in an SUV — Power with Consequences

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

170 PS

2.5L MZR Benzin

6 weaknesses

Good Choice
Problem Engine

260 PS

2.3L DISI Turbo Benzin

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Mazda CX-7 ER is available with 3 engine variants — from 125 to 260 hp.

2.2L MZR-CD · Diesel· 173 PS
2009 2012
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2.3L DISI Turbo · Benziner· 260 PS
2006 2012
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.5L MZR · Benziner· 161 PS
2009 2012
Good Choice 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Mazda 2.2L MZR-CD (Diesel, 173 PS) has the R2AA (2.2L MZR-CD) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 2.3L DISI Turbo (Benziner, 260 PS) has the L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The Mazda 2.5L MZR (Benziner, 161 PS) has the L5-VE (2.5L MZR) — rated: "Good Choice", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Brake Discs Wearing Quickly Due to High Weight

The CX-7's high kerb weight of around 1,700–1,900 kg accelerates brake disc and pad wear. Deep grooves can develop in the discs when braking from higher speeds. Rated as the most common problem on the CX-7.

Symptoms: Steering wheel vibration when braking, scraping or squealing brakes, visible deep grooves in the brake discs
from 60,000 km
Ad brake disc front Mazda CX-7 ERbrake pad CX-7brake disc CX-7 2007 2008 2009
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
1,127 complaints · 2006–2012
Airbags
270 ⚠ 10
Engine & Cooling
257 ⚠ 1
Suspension
234 ⚠ 3
Engine
194 ⚠ 2
Lighting
95 ⚠ 1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (270 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (257 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (234 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Mazda CX-7 ER (2006–2012) — 20 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo). Typical issues affect Brakes, Suspension, Gearbox, HVAC. Considered reliable: L5-VE (2.5L MZR).

CX-7 (R2AA, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Stretch, Camshaft Wear from Hardening Defect, Bi-Turbo Failure. Power: 173 PS.

CX-7 (L3-VDT, 2006–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Turbocharger seal leaks oil into engine, High oil consumption due to piston ring wear. Power: 260 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mazda CX-7? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mazda CX-7 ER have? +
The Mazda CX-7 ER has 20 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mazda CX-7 ER? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: L5-VE (2.5L MZR). The most reliable engine is the L5-VE (2.5L MZR) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo). Problem engine: L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo) — stay away!
Which Mazda CX-7 ER engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mazda CX-7 ER. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mazda CX-7 ER engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mazda CX-7 ER — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The L3-VDT makes the CX-7 surprisingly quick — but the heavy body takes its toll: higher fuel consumption, more heat at the turbo. Keep an eye on the timing chain and oil supply. In return, one of the few SUVs of its era that was genuinely fast.
Is the Mazda CX-7 ER worth buying used? +
The Mazda CX-7 ER requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mazda CX-7 ER? +
The Mazda CX-7 ER is available with engine variants from 125 to 260 hp. Petrol: L3-VDT (2.3L DISI Turbo), L5-VE (2.5L MZR). Diesel: R2AA (2.2L MZR-CD).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee