39 problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2007 Mazda CX-7. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2007 Mazda CX-7 based on all problems reported for the 2007 CX-7.
At 41,000 miles, my air compressor failed. It started by running the ac and then the compressor locked up. The belt got ruined because of the friction and now I'm having to replace it all. I just recently browsed the internet and found that I'm not the only one with this problem. It seems to be a trend with this vehicle. I can save the old compressor if need be.
Smoke started to come from the engine compartment and smelled like burnt rubber. There was no leak and all the belts looked ok. Lost power steering and engine died. Did not turn on and had to have it towed to the dealer. The dealer explained that this was caused by the a/c compressor and wanted to charge around $1900 (with taxes and everything). Since I had an extended warranty that took care of most except $180. I would not file a complaint, except that the only other friend that has a Cx-7 had the exact same problem and now looking at the internet it seems to be a widespread problem that needs to be fixed. It may be too late for me, but they should do a recall so other people could be potentially saved from harm.
The ac on my 2007 Mazda Cx-7 stopped working while driving on freeway about 14 months after I bought it. I had an appointment within a couple days to bring it in for an oil change so I didn't do anything immediately. The next day, while driving locally I saw smoke coming from the rear of the car and then the power steering stopped working. I forced the car over to the side and got it towed to the nearest Mazda dealer. After 2 weeks without the car, they finally fixed it saying that the belt tensioner had "frozen up" and the belt had melted onto the ac compressor and power steering drive wheel. They had to replace both pulleys and the belt with parts shipped in directly from japan. The car should not have had this major of a problem within 25k miles and less than a year and a half of driving, and I'm wondering what other damage it may have caused that will crop up in the future.
The air conditioning compressor pulley bearing seized but was able to turn long enough to get to a nearby relative. The dealer said the compressor and belt would be replaced under warranty, but the part would be difficult to get and estimated at least a week or more. He supplied a loaner and said the car would not be safe to drive, as the pulley could seize completely at any time. I am still waiting for the replacement part.