Mazda to recall CX-7 for Steering Issue

  

One year after Mazda recalled 190,000 CX-9’s, they are issuing another massive recall, this time on the CX-7. Both recalls have been issued for potential steering loss. CX-7’s from model year 2007-2012 are all affected.

The problem happens when water get into the suspension ball joints, more specifically salty water. The salt contaminated water occurs do to snowy conditions in the winter time. Salt used to remove ice and snow seeps into the ball joints and over time, cause the ball joint to corrode and then it has the possibility of separating from the lower suspension control arm. If this happens, it could cause loss of steering and is a major crash theat.

The vehicles affected by this recall are Mazda CX-7’s with model year 2007-2012, 190,102 vehicles in total. They will be issuing the recalls in certain states begin with, states where those cars are facing the most severe threats. The upper mid-west and the north east are the most affected states. 22 states and Washington D.C. are on the list for recalls, including Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Mazda will notify and dealerships will replace both lower control arms at no cost. Replacement parts are not currently available but Mazda is working diligently to fix that problem. Notices should be sent to owners around mid-October 2016 and a follow notice once parts are available.

Owners can also contact Mazda customer service at 800-222-5500. The Mazda recall number is 9716H. You can check out a list of affect states here and check back with Mazda USA for more information. Contact us to schedule your repairs here.

2017 Mazda3 giving sporty a softer side

Updating cars year after year means no two updates are often alike. Sometimes, you'll get a new paint color. Other times, you'll end up with a whole bunch of new stuff, even though it's not a proper mid-cycle refresh or an introduction of a new generation. Mazda's updates to the 2017 Mazda3 rest in the latter category. Everywhere you look, there's something new. 

I'll start with the exterior. It's largely unchanged, save for a new grille and a new rear bumper on the Mazda3 hatchback. If you are willing to drop some coin, you can also upgrade the 3's peepers to LEDs, which is a nice touch that saves you from having to replace bulbs ever again. Now, you just replace the whole headlight. 

Inside, the 3's rocking a new steering wheel, which has been nicked from the CX-9 crossover, and can now be heated. The door cubbies have an extra 10 inches of opening, the cup holders now have a sliding cover, and an electronic parking brake is now standard. The optional HUD has been upgraded with full color, and the LCDs inside the gauge cluster have been tweaked to provide higher contrast.

Driving has been improved in several ways, or not, depending on how you view improvement. The most obvious addition is G-Vectoring Control. There's also a new Sport Mode for automatic-transmission models, and the car is 3 decibels quieter at 25 mph thanks to more insulation and redesigned weather-stripping. So, the car is softer than before, and more in tune with the needs of drivers that aren't exactly chasing sporty characteristics.

Its safety suite receives some upgrades, as well. A new front camera extends the operating speed for its autonomous emergency braking, and Mazda's traffic-sign recognition system will read traffic signs and display them on the HUD.

The 2017 Mazda3 goes on sale in September, and pricing will be announced closer to its release date.

Check out our great Mazda vehicles and contact us to test drive yours today!