NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
This page covers 7 recalls, 155 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Mazda Cx-7.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
Suspension complaints dominate the 2010 CX-7 owner reports, with drivers describing premature wear, noise, and handling issues across multiple components. Airbag complaints make up the second-largest group, with owners reporting unexpected deployment at low speeds with no collision involved and no warning lights present beforehand, a pattern that appears across multiple reports. Exterior lighting draws a notable volume of complaints as well; owners consistently describe the low-beam headlights as producing very little usable light, and the problem persists even after replacing bulbs or housings, suggesting the issue isn't simply a failed bulb. Several owners also note that accessing the headlight assembly requires removing a front tire or the entire front bumper, making even routine bulb replacement unusually involved.
155
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Mazda CX-7 has 7 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death to occupants.
All but one of these recalls trace back to the same underlying airbag defect. The passenger frontal airbag inflator can degrade over time, particularly in hot and humid climates, causing it to deploy with excessive force or rupture outright. When that happens, the inflator housing can break apart and scatter sharp metal fragments toward the driver and front passenger. Because prior repair attempts used inflators of the same design, some vehicles that were serviced under earlier campaigns may still carry the defective part and remain at risk. This is a well-documented and serious defect that has affected a wide range of vehicles industry-wide.
On the mechanical side, the front lower ball joints can allow water to enter the joint fitting, which over time causes the joint to wear and loosen. The ball joint connects the front wheel hub to the suspension control arm, and if it fails, the driver can lose steering control with little warning.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator with a different design at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat and humidity can degrade the propellant in the passenger front airbag over time, causing it to deploy with excessive force in a crash. This could send fragments at occupants and damage the airbag assembly, reducing its protective function.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger front airbag inflator.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during a crash. This happens because the inflator's propellant degrades after years of exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace your passenger front air bag inflator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to heat and humidity.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash because the propellant degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the front suspension ball joint fittings. When mixed with road salt, it causes the ball joint to corrode and separate from the lower control arm, resulting in loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front lower control arms at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
