I've had my 7 for a little over 6 months now and ever since I bought it the doors take quite a bit of effort to close them, so naturally I looked at all the possible causes of the issue. I checked the door alignment, adjusted the striker bolt, greased all hinges and even cleaned the weather striping... Still same situation, then I noticed when the windows where down it was easy and smooth, same with the hatch, so now I believe it to be the interior air flaps, like the body flaps to relieve pressure caused by closing the doors etc..
So my question is, has anyone had this problem before and does anyone know where these air vents are, if there are any? And what do you suggest I do? Thanks all!

 

This has been discussed a couple of times in the past, although I think you're the first person to mention the body air release flaps.

Theory on this, is that the cubic feet area of the cabin is so small, that it pressurizes too quickly when a door or hatch is closed, thus resisting the closing door or hatch with too high of a resistive air pressure.

Simply, most of the FDs have this issue. You can't also expect that most FD's also have problems with their body air release flaps.

Much simpler and more plausible explanation is that the interior space is too small, and the body air release flaps are not big enough or free flowing enough to cope with the sudden pressure increase of a door closing. Its just a design thing, and you'll have to "live with" the quirk.

This can be tested by rolling a window down say 3/8" and then attempting to close a door. You'll find it is easier now.

I have even wondered if setting the interior ventilation flaps from 'recirculating' (ventilation flaps closed/interior sealed) to free flowing, would help the problem, by relieving air pressure back out of the car through the open heater/demister/AC vents, exhausting via the windscreen plenum panel when the door is closed. Does not seem to make any difference though.

 

Thank you for the response and everything you said seems logical I have even done the window trick and it seems to be about 10000 times better, ohh well thanks though

 

To close the door easily, close it most of the way first, then close it firmly the last few inches. This will virtually eliminate the pressure building up as the door closes.

 

Yea I have done this as well, it's what I do most of the time

 

worst thing is that we all know the "tricks" but friends who don't often think my car is broke, so i've learned to wait for them to shut their door then mine... too many times i've come out to my passenger door ajar.

 

Yeah, common issue. Regarding air release flaps; There is one behind & below the abs ecu that vents under the car, near the fuel tank. I doubt it has any affect on this issue, though, being behind the plastics etc. That's the only air release flap I know of on an FD.

 

Ok well glad I've figured out it's not just my car haha

 

I have this issue too. Oddly enough it doesn't affect the passenger side door.

 

Me too. It must have something to do with the door's proximity to the vent.

 

Same problem with my door. Passenger side door closes no problem just perfect, on the other hand the driver side door takes way more effort.

 

This was happening with both of my doors too. I replace the door latch assemblies. Problem is gone. This runs about $300 dollars a door. I also have to change the door handle of the left door which was another $300. Parts were available through the Mazda dealership. The door pull had to be changed too because people would have to pull hard to close the door. I bought a new one from bonzai. Yeah... I had to spend a grand to make my doors open and close properly.