Mazda CX7 Turbo Problems
Turbocharger Replacement and Preventative Maintenance
The Mazda CX7 Turbocharged 2.3L (from roughly 2006 to 2014), deserves its own page here.
Already quite a bit has been written about the problems owners have with CX7’s, so we wont expand on all of those.
Here, we will just focus on the main issue that we see from practical experience.
The 2.3L direct injection 4 cylinder petrol turbo engine is a high-output plant (especially compared to vehicle weight).
And it is the model that has the trouble with the turbocharger.
The 2.2L Diesel turbo appears to not have anywhere near the same turbo failure rate, and seems more sound and reliable.
Below is some advice to prevent the turbo problems, and an economical choice to remedy the Mazda CX7 turbo problems.
We see many of these vehicles with damaged turbochargers, far more than you would expect for the vehicle age.
The turbo appears not to be the only major weakness of the petrol 2.3L CX7.
Another is a problem with the timing chain and over-revving of the VVTi engine, as well as excessive heat build up.
Additionally, owners complain of poor mileage from the vehicle even on open road / highway driving from the turbo 2.3L engine.
The Good Oil and Maintenance Intervals
Engine sludge build up and possibly overheating appear to be a major contributing factor in turbocharger deterioration and failure.
Perhaps this is why the diesel 2.2L does not exhibit the same failure rate?
For the Mazda CX7 2.3 litre engine and its turbocharger (as it is with most modern turbocharged vehicles), regular servicing is ESSENTIAL.
This is ESPECIALLY so for the CX7 2.3L Turbo engine.
And the most critical need is for the oil and filter to be changed at EVERY service.
We recommend DECREASING the time and distance traveled between regular oil and filter changes BELOW that recommended by Mazda.
We also recommend a higher grade of oil, and going to a fully synthetic oil if possible.
The oil sump should be neither under or overfilled.
Overfilling the sump can create excess pressure which may prevent oil flowing into the turbo.
In addition, it is absolutely required that oil and filter are changed when a new turbo is installed.
At the same time the service is being done, the banjo bolts for the oil feed and oil drain line should also be cleaned out.
As the oil line is critical to the health of the turbo, the oil line should be replaced or at minimum ultrasonically cleaned.
This seems to be a particular requirement for the CX7 2.3L.
The above outlines some Mazda CX7 turbo problems, and some ways to help prevent the issue re-occurring.
Mazda CX7 Turbocharger Replacement
If you currently have a CX7 2.3L turbo that needs replacing, we supply very cost-effective aftermarket replacements.
We cover the turbocharger with a 24 month warranty, which is DOUBLE the 1 year warranty of the original OEM turbocharger.
You can find our cost-effective Direct Replacement CX7 2.3L Turbochargers, including CX7 High Flow Impeller Upgrade Turbochargers here.
To understand more about the importance of a turbocharger oil system, click here.
If you have any other query on matching turbo parts for your vehicle, please feel free to contact our sales support on: 0490 059 316.
