Mazda CX-7 Recall Issued Over Suspension Corrosion Problems

Government highway safety officials have announced a recall of nearly 200,000 Mazda crossover vehicles, due to a risk that the front suspension ball joint may corrode and break, resulting in a loss of steering and increased crash risk. 

The Mazda CX-7 recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on August 25, after receiving over a half dozen warranty claims that suggested the lower ball joints separated. To date, no injuries or crashes have been reported in relation to the recall.

Mazda first became aware of a suspension corrosion problems in August 2015, following a warranty claim indicating the front left lower arm ball joint had separated creating a loss of steering hazard. Mazda opened a field investigation into the report and discovered six additional warranty claims in North America.

During the investigation, Mazda performed several ball joint durability tests and discovered the durability initially estimated may have been incorrect, resulting in earlier stressing and fracturing than anticipated.

Mazda discovered that salted roadway water may enter the front suspension ball joint fitting, causing corrosion that may result in the loosening of the ball joint fitting. In this event, the ball joint of the lower control arm may begin to rattle and eventually separate which will cause an unexpected and significant loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.

Included in the recall is certain model year 2007 through 2012 Mazda CX-7 vehicles manufactured from February 14, 2006 to May 9, 2012 at the Hiroshima plant of Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan. For a full list of the recall model years and affected VIN ranges please visit the NHTSA Safety Recall Report.

The NHTSA estimates that about 190,102 Mazda CX-7 vehicles distributed throughout the U.S. are included in the recall. Mazda North American Operations will begin notifying owners of the issue and instruct them to schedule a repair at their local dealer to replace the lower control arms free of charge.

The recall will be prioritized in the order of vehicle age and its registered location, to focus on older vehicles, and those impacted by roads salted frequently due to inclement weather. States to be serviced first will be Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Virginia, and District of Columbia. All remaining states will be serviced when parts become available.

For further questions or concerns regarding the recall, please contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 and reference the recall number 9716H.