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2012 Mazda

CX-7 2WD

Auto (S5), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Mazda CX-7: best and worst years
2012 Mazda CX-7 2WD (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2012.

PhotoTTTNISPublic domainWikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (S5)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
161
Power to weight
0.046 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.86
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
27 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,850EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
26.5 mpg, reported by 2 driversabout 4.5 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
184 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
74 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
65 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
108 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,501 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

⚠ This model year has a recall advising owners to park outside or away from structures (fire risk). Check with the manufacturer.

Recalls
4
Owner complaints
39
Reported injuries
2
Theft rate
1.4 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • SUSPENSION24%
  • AIR BAGS20%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING12%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8%
  • STEERING5%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 59 total.

Mazda CX-7: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

214 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 21, 2026POWER TRAINSA-029-26

    This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services ar

  • Dec 17, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSA-061-25

    If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.

  • Dec 10, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-004-25a

    A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can

  • Aug 22, 2025STRUCTURE:BODYSA-039/25

    Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar

  • Aug 14, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERSA-036-25

    When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.

  • Jun 19, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHERSA-032-25

    Some customers may complain about a noisy HVAC blower motor or odor after a cabin air filter replacement. Foreign debris on the blower motor after servicing the cabin air filter may be the cause. During the removal of the cabin air filter, foreign debris (leaves, dust, dirt....ect.) may fall on the blower motor causing a fluttering type noise or odor.

  • Apr 25, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-004-25

    A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can

  • Aug 15, 2024STRUCTURE:BODYSA-058-24

    Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.

  • and 206 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.