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2007 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most MAZDA3 years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Mazda MAZDA3 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 108.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

183 reports with mileage · 39 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports3 fire reports16 injury reports

Suspension complaints

14 reports
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108 miles · Mar 3, 2021
SteeringSuspensionWheels

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED WITH SALVAGE TITLE ON FEBRUARY 6, 2021. I TOOK IT TO BE INSPECTED AND I NEEDED BOTH BELTS REPLACED, THEY HAD TO TIGHTEN BACK DOWN MY STRUTS IN FRONT, MY POWER STEERING WAS ACTING FUNNY AND MAKING NOISE AND MY INTERMEDIATE SPEED SHAFT SENSOR IS GOING BAD BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS …

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I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED WITH SALVAGE TITLE ON FEBRUARY 6, 2021. I TOOK IT TO BE INSPECTED AND I NEEDED BOTH BELTS REPLACED, THEY HAD TO TIGHTEN BACK DOWN MY STRUTS IN FRONT, MY POWER STEERING WAS ACTING FUNNY AND MAKING NOISE AND MY INTERMEDIATE SPEED SHAFT SENSOR IS GOING BAD BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING BACK ON FOR THE SAME CODE. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BUT THEY DIDN'T TELL ME THAT IT WAS SERIOUS DAMAGE. WHEN DRIVING BARELY TURNING THE WHEEL THE CAR MAKES A WHINING NOISE, THE VEHICLE STILL SWAYS A LITTLE TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT BUT THE ALIGNMENT WAS JUST DONE YESTERDAY. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO PAY FOR THE ALIGNMENT ETC NEW TIRES AND MOUNT AND BALANCE MY CAR AND STEERING WHEEL WERE BOTH SHAKING REALLY BADLY AND JERKING ALL OVER THE PLACE.

NHTSA ODI #11398986

Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2018
SuspensionUnknown Or OtherWheels

I HAVE PURCHASED MULTIPLE SETS OF NEW TIRES FOR THIS CAR BECAUSE I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE THAT ALL THE COMPLAINTS SAY ABOUT THE TIRES WEARING ON THE INSIDE WALLS. I HAVE HAD A FEW PROFESSIONALS LOOK TO FIND WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND NONE OF THEM CAN FIND ANYTHING. I NOW EXPERIENCE SHAKING OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. …

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I HAVE PURCHASED MULTIPLE SETS OF NEW TIRES FOR THIS CAR BECAUSE I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE THAT ALL THE COMPLAINTS SAY ABOUT THE TIRES WEARING ON THE INSIDE WALLS. I HAVE HAD A FEW PROFESSIONALS LOOK TO FIND WHAT IS CAUSING THIS AND NONE OF THEM CAN FIND ANYTHING. I NOW EXPERIENCE SHAKING OF MY CAR WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHENEVER. JUST IN THE PAST YEAR I HAVE PURCHASED 6 NEW TIRES. I AM AFRAID I WILL DIE IN AN ACCIDENT IF DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. PLEASE HELP!! MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR SHAKES, THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT TIRES AND BACK DRIVER SIDE WEAR DOWN TO THE THREADS ON THE INSIDE.

NHTSA ODI #11104791

92,000 miles · Dec 24, 2016
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemSuspension

FUEL PROPULSION SYSTEM CRACKED AT COUPLING UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SPEWING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF FUEL INTO THE CAB SOAKING THE REAR SEAT PAD FIRE RISK PRESENT WITH ELECTRIC PLUG THERE STRUTS ARE UNSTABLE AND NOISY VVT MAKES NOISE WHEN STARTED, GRINDING IN FRONT HUBS. VEHICLE HAS SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS DRIVING AND PARKED. AIRB…

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FUEL PROPULSION SYSTEM CRACKED AT COUPLING UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SPEWING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF FUEL INTO THE CAB SOAKING THE REAR SEAT PAD FIRE RISK PRESENT WITH ELECTRIC PLUG THERE STRUTS ARE UNSTABLE AND NOISY VVT MAKES NOISE WHEN STARTED, GRINDING IN FRONT HUBS. VEHICLE HAS SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS DRIVING AND PARKED. AIRBAGS SYSTEM NON ACTIVE. OTHER ISSUES UNKNOWN BUT POSSIBLE 35.

NHTSA ODI #10937314

50,000 miles · Dec 11, 2014
EngineService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE PURGE VALVE. THE VALVE WAS REPLACED, BUT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ADDITIONAL FAILURES. THE FRONT END VIBRATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE D…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC, WHICH LOCATED A FAILURE CODE AT THE PURGE VALVE. THE VALVE WAS REPLACED, BUT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ADDITIONAL FAILURES. THE FRONT END VIBRATED AND THE ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE DEALER PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE MOUNT WAS WORN, THE STRUTS LEAKED, AND THE EVAP SYSTEM FAILED. HOWEVER, THE VALVES WERE REPLACED. THE ENGINE MOUNT, STRUTS, AND EVAPORATING SYSTEM WERE NOT REPLACED. THE ROTOR ALSO WORE PREMATURELY AND COULD NOT BE RESURFACED. THE FRONT BUMPER CLIPS FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE PLASTIC. THE CLIPS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V295000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10663553

85,000 miles · Oct 24, 2014
SteeringSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A LOUD RATTLING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR STABILIZER CONTROL LINK AND BALL JOINT FRACTURED. THE REAR STABILIZER BRUSHING RING AND THE CONTROL LINK WERE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A LOUD RATTLING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR STABILIZER CONTROL LINK AND BALL JOINT FRACTURED. THE REAR STABILIZER BRUSHING RING AND THE CONTROL LINK WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN LEFT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COMPLETE THE TURN BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE STEERING FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #10649785

92,317 miles · Apr 28, 2014
Suspension

CLUNKING NOISE IN TRUNK WHEN GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS/BUMPS, ETC.; TOOK TO MAZDA DEALER. PASSENGER SIDE REAR STABILIZER/SWAYBAR BOLT LOOSE AND PIN BENT. KNOWN ISSUE FOR A LOT OF 2007 MAZDAS. NEW BUSHINGS AND BOLTS PUT IN/TIGHTENED. CLUNKING NOISE GONE. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10585208

95,000 miles · Mar 16, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion System

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAUSE ,AFTER RUNNING CODE CHECK,P2004. RUNNER CONTROL VALE STUCK. REPLACE SOLENOID. FRONT STRUTS GONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10572685

98,000 miles · Sep 6, 2012
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AXLE WAS RUBBING AGAINST A PIECE METAL IN THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AXLE WAS RUBBING AGAINST A PIECE METAL IN THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #10474144

28,048 miles · Jan 28, 2010
Suspension

HARD KNOCKING NOISE OCCURS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS MADE MULTIPLE FAILED REPAIR ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE VEHICLE (A MOTOR MOUNT, REAR SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, FRONT STRUT BAR BUSHINGS, FRONT SWAY BAR, STABILIZER PLATE, CONTROL ROD, UPPER STRUT BEARING AND MOUNT) AS DRIVABILITY AND HANDLING ISSUES HAVE BECOME WOR…

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HARD KNOCKING NOISE OCCURS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP HAS MADE MULTIPLE FAILED REPAIR ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE VEHICLE (A MOTOR MOUNT, REAR SWAY BAR BUSHINGS, FRONT STRUT BAR BUSHINGS, FRONT SWAY BAR, STABILIZER PLATE, CONTROL ROD, UPPER STRUT BEARING AND MOUNT) AS DRIVABILITY AND HANDLING ISSUES HAVE BECOME WORSE. THE DEALERSHIP RECENTLY DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A BENT LOWER A-ARM WHICH IS OF NO FAULT TO EXTERNAL INFLUENCE. AS THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY THE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE DEFECT IN THE LOWER A-ARM IS AS A RESULT OF A FAILURE IN MATERIAL. THE FRONT END GEOMETRY IS NOW SEVERELY OUT PHASE BY 30 DEGREES (PER THE DEALERSHIP) WHICH CAN CAUSE UNDUE STRESS TO THE LOWER BALL JOINT CAUSING PREMATURE BREAKAGE. THE RESULT OF THE LOWER A-ARM SEPARATING FROM THE SPINDLE CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE NEEDS A NEW A-ARM AND POSSIBLY OTHER RELATED COMPONENTS. TW*

NHTSA ODI #10303064

30,000 miles · Oct 4, 2009
Suspension

2007 MAZDA 3 EXCESSIVE PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. AT 30,000 MILES I SEE THAT THE FRONT TIRES ARE WORN TO THE POINT OF STEEL BAND VISIBLE AND STICKING OUT. INSPECTION AT 25,000 MILES DEALER SAID THERE WAS WEAR BUT NOT CRITICAL. THE TREAD IS SEPARATING AND I AM REPLACING TIRES IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE LEARNED THAT FRONT SUSPENSION HAS EXCES…

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2007 MAZDA 3 EXCESSIVE PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. AT 30,000 MILES I SEE THAT THE FRONT TIRES ARE WORN TO THE POINT OF STEEL BAND VISIBLE AND STICKING OUT. INSPECTION AT 25,000 MILES DEALER SAID THERE WAS WEAR BUT NOT CRITICAL. THE TREAD IS SEPARATING AND I AM REPLACING TIRES IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE LEARNED THAT FRONT SUSPENSION HAS EXCESSIVE NEGATIVE CAMBER CAUSING THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10286263

Official recalls

2

21V494000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jul 1, 2021

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag module cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between August 28, 2021 and October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4921G.

10V374000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Aug 12, 2010

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2, 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2008. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST COULD OCCUR AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POWER STEERING ASSIST IS SUDDENLY LOST REDUCING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE AS TYPICALLY EXPECTED, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: MAZDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE10021 · Loss Of Electric Power Steering Assist

Opened Jun 28, 2010 · Closed Nov 29, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:electric Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Steering:electric Power Assist System

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.

Steering

The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.