Mazda CX-7 Problems

We contacted Mazda on your behalf and this is the response we received from their technical people: "It sounds like there is a bit of confusion as to what the light relates to as the vehicle is also equipped with a gauge to indicate Adblue Level. It sounds like the customer may be relating the light as a level indicator. The light can be an indication of a system malfunction of some type, this would need to be diagnosed which it sounds like may have occurred. Depending on the cause will dictate the parts required to be replaced. There are separate components and not all concerns require tank replacement. The comments suggesting there is a massive problem and the tank could go at any time are bit unfounded and sound like unfounded Internet chatter. Our recommendation would be to let the dealership perform the diagnosis and repair. If the repair is completed by a Mazda Dealer as a Retail Repair using Genuine parts the parts are covered by our Whole of Life Parts Warranty." It might not be an answer, but it does give you a guide to the cause, as the warning light might be an indicator of another problem.

You will struggle for space in a CX-5 as it's smaller than the CX-7. I would go for a Hyundai Santa Fe, which gets The Tick with seven seats, quality, a five-year warranty and lifetime capped-price service costs.

We have received similar enquiries from owners of many of the current crop of SUVs like the CX7, and all have been surprised to find they need new tyres after a relatively short period of time and low kays. It's a combination of the weight of these juggernauts, the softer compounds of the tyres used, and in some cases the aggressive way they are driven. That you got 26,000 km out of the tyres is about average.

Straight back to your dealer is where. But before you do get your facts straight and run a fuel consumption test so you know exactly what the consumption is. Now, the specs you quote are I'm guessing the official figures, if they are they not real life figures, but the results of a laboratory test done under strict conditions. You won't necessarily get the same consumption, but you should be able to get somewhere close. Based on the figures you have supplied you're not, so you have grounds to complain and ask the dealer to check the car over, even run a consumption test himself.
 

I think you have a reasonable claim against Mazda to cover part of the cost of the repair and I would approach them with that request. The compressor should normally be expected to last longer than yours has.

Neither problem would seem to be normal and I would be demanding the dealer do something about it. The black smoke would suggest it is running too rich in that first start-up phase, the rough running and stalling would suggest it is too lean once warmed up. I would certainly have it checked by the dealer.