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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-MAZDA-CX-7NHTSA data synced 5 days ago
Mazda
2011 Mazda CX-7 problems
The 2011 Mazda CX-7 has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 152 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2011 Mazda CX-7 has 152 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is suspension at 45 complaints, typically surfacing around 60,922 miles (~$900 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
1
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 CX-7?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Mazda CX-7 SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 Mazda CX-7? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
suspension — 45 owner reports
· tends to show around 60,922 mi · ~$900 to fix
lighting — 33 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,853 mi · ~$250 to fix
airbags — 25 owner reports
· tends to show around 86,854 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
steering — 16 owner reports
· tends to show around 86,714 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 86,854 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 CX-7· lighting
The headlight bulbs burn out multiple times a year and on top of that, the lens have fogged up to the point that I was forced to replace the headlamps. The car was not drivable during dusk, night and dawn hours. The fog seems to be from the inside, since no amount of exterior…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mazda cx-7. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v593000 (suspension) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mazda cx-7. The contact stated when he turned the vehicle on and shift into drive gear all five doors fail to lock unless he manually locked them. The failure was not diagnosed by a dealer or local mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
I purchased the vehicle used in may of 2013 I only had the vehicle 2 days and had to replace the drivers head light. On december 17th the drivers headlight went out again and on the 19th of december the passenger headlight has gone out. *tr
Had a problem with your 2011 Mazda CX-7?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Mazda CX-7 reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Mazda CX-7 is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2011 Mazda CX-7?
The 2011 Mazda CX-7 is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Mazda CX-7?
Inspect the suspension first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 45 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 60,922 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Mazda CX-7 a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 152 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is suspension. Typical failure occurs around 60,922 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Mazda CX-7?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is suspension, with 45 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 60,922 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The suspension is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 60,922 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mazda CX-7 has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Mazda CX-7?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 152 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $900, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Mazda/CX-7.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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