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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

222 reports
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

73,000 miles · Oct 15, 2014
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)

DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH. PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10654418

100,000 miles · Oct 11, 2014
Service Brakes

THE ABS SYSTEM IS BROKEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644093

118,000 miles · Oct 8, 2014
Engine

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO TURN INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WAS VERY STIFF. AT THE SAME TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND ESSENTIALLY CAUSING MY CAR TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARKING LOT. ALL ENGINE, POWER, AND BATTERY LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF AT THE SAME TIME. I ENDED UP PUTTING THE CAR I…

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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO TURN INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND WAS VERY STIFF. AT THE SAME TIME THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND ESSENTIALLY CAUSING MY CAR TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARKING LOT. ALL ENGINE, POWER, AND BATTERY LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF AT THE SAME TIME. I ENDED UP PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK TURN OFF THE CAR WITH MY KEY AND THEN RESTARTING IT AGAIN. AFTER RESEARCHING I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY MODEL AND YEAR, WHEN I CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT THE REP NOT HAVING ANY NOTICE FOR A RECALL FOR MY TYPE OF MODEL AND DID NOT HONOR THE RECALL THAT I HAD MENTIONED TO HIM. I AM NOW HAVING TO LOOK OUTSIDE OF MY MEANS IN ORDER TO PAY FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10643433

125,000 miles · Oct 2, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE TURNING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS REQUIRED TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE TURNING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS REQUIRED TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #10640836

121,000 miles · Oct 1, 2014
Air Bags

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON (THUS DISABLING THE SYSTEM). TOOK IT TO A GARAGE WHO TESTED IT AND SAID THAT IT IS DUE TO A FAULTY PART IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I CALLED MAZDA AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT UNTIL IT IS FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10640529

141,000 miles · Aug 19, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering

AS I SLOWED DOWN TO TURN A CORNER, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH, THE CAR LOST POWER. A FEW DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED BUT THE CAR STALLED. SO FAR THIS HAS HAPPEN 6 TIMES. THE DEALER TOLD ME MY CAR IS NOT UNDER THE RECALL NOTICE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626375

85,000 miles · Jul 22, 2014
TiresWheels

MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT WAS ON, SO I PULLED INTO A CONVENIENCE STORE THAT HAS A COMBINATION INFLATION-PRESSURE CHECK MACHINE. I CHECKED ONE TIRE & HAD NO ISSUE. I CHECKED/FILLED THE NEXT TIRE & DIDN'T NOTICE AN ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. I WENT ON TO THE 3RD TIRE, AND HEARD A POP, THEN A HISS. ALL AIR WAS LEAVING THE TIRE. I THEN NO…

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MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT WAS ON, SO I PULLED INTO A CONVENIENCE STORE THAT HAS A COMBINATION INFLATION-PRESSURE CHECK MACHINE. I CHECKED ONE TIRE & HAD NO ISSUE. I CHECKED/FILLED THE NEXT TIRE & DIDN'T NOTICE AN ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. I WENT ON TO THE 3RD TIRE, AND HEARD A POP, THEN A HISS. ALL AIR WAS LEAVING THE TIRE. I THEN NOTICED THE SECOND TIRE WAS DOING THE SAME THING. ACCORDING TO THE TIRE STORE, IT WAS THE VALVE STEM PRESSURE SENSORS. THE TIRE STORE KEEPS THE PARTS ON HAND BECAUSE THEY ARE "SEEING A LOT" OF THIS WITH THE MAZDA 3S, THAT IT'S A "DESIGN FLAW" THAT HAS SINCE BEEN RECTIFIED ON NEWER MODELS. IF I HAD ONLY FILLED ONE TIRE & HADN'T NOTICED THE DEFLATION, AND THEN GOTTEN ON THE HIGHWAY, I COULD'VE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH MY SON IN THE CAR. THIS ANGERS ME: IF IT'S SO COMMON OF A PROBLEM, AND IT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS, WHY IS THERE NO RECALL?? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615373

58,967 miles · Jul 16, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury

MY PARENTS' 2007 MAZDA 3 5 DOOR HATCHBACK WAS REAR-ENDED WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH BY A FORD EDGE SUV TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. THE MAZDA THEN HIT THE TALL CONCRETE DIVIDER NEARLY HEAD-ON, PROPELLED FORWARD BY THE INITIAL IMPACT. THE MAZDA WAS A TOTAL LOSS, SUSTAINING MODERATE REAR END DAMAGE AND HEAVY F…

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MY PARENTS' 2007 MAZDA 3 5 DOOR HATCHBACK WAS REAR-ENDED WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH BY A FORD EDGE SUV TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. THE MAZDA THEN HIT THE TALL CONCRETE DIVIDER NEARLY HEAD-ON, PROPELLED FORWARD BY THE INITIAL IMPACT. THE MAZDA WAS A TOTAL LOSS, SUSTAINING MODERATE REAR END DAMAGE AND HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. BOTH MY MOTHER (WHO WAS DRIVING) AND MY FATHER (IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT) WERE INJURED AND TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. BOTH PEOPLE WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS. MOM SUSTAINED A FACIAL INJURY TO THE FOREHEAD, A CONTUSION TO HER ARM AND A PROBABLE CRACKED STERNUM. DAD SUSTAINED TWO FRACTURED RIBS AS CONFIRMED AT THE HOSPITAL AND OTHER MORE MINOR INJURIES. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE NONE OF THE AIRBAGS ON THE CAR WENT OFF, AND I WOULD EXPECT AT LEAST THE FRONT ONES WOULD HAVE, CONSIDERING HOW HARD THE FRONTAL COLLISION WAS WHEN CAR HIT THE CONCRETE BARRIER. I AM CONCERNED THAT THEIR INJURIES WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS SEVERE IF THE AIRBAGS HAD GONE OFF WHEN THE CAR HIT THE BARRIER. I DID TAKE PICTURES OF THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE CAR SHOWING THE DAMAGE AND THE INTERIOR WITH THE AIRBAGS INTACT AND UNUSED.....UPDATED 07/23/14 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10611023

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ALONG ON 30 MPH ROAD WITH 'STOP' SIGN AHEAD. AS VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 15 MPH, TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHAKE, SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF, INCLUDING OIL AND POWER STEERING, RPM FELL VERY CLOSE TO 0 (ZERO) AND CAR DIED. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP AT THE 'STOP' SIGN. EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS…

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VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ALONG ON 30 MPH ROAD WITH 'STOP' SIGN AHEAD. AS VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 15 MPH, TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHAKE, SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND OFF, INCLUDING OIL AND POWER STEERING, RPM FELL VERY CLOSE TO 0 (ZERO) AND CAR DIED. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP AT THE 'STOP' SIGN. EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ON, ANY PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL DID NOT PROVIDE POWER OR INPUT TO THE TRANSMISSION, NOW IN 1ST GEAR, TO MOVE THE CAR. CAR NEEDED TO BE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF AND THEN TURNED ON BEFORE IT COULD MOVE AGAIN. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR 4 YEARS REGARDLESS OF SPEED. THE CAR HAS ALSO DECIDED TO STOP PROVIDING POWER WHILE IN MOTION WHILE IN MOVING TRAFFIC OR ON THE HIGHWAY, WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MULTIPLE CAR CRASHES OR WORSE. MAZDA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR SINCE THEY "CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM". THIS ISSUE IS SPORADIC AND OCCURS REGARDLESS OF SPEED (USUALLY AROUND 30 MPG OR LESS), WEATHER, DISTANCE TRAVELED, AMOUNT OF TIME CAR HAS BEEN IN CONSISTENT USE, ETC. MAZDA HAS EVEN HOOKED THIS CAR UP TO THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM AND NO ERROR CODE HAS BEEN FOUND. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN EXTENSIVELY DOCUMENTED WITH OUR LOCAL MAZDA DEALER AND PAPERWORK IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A TRUE LEMON SINCE WE BOUGHT IT. IT ONLY HAS ROUGHLY 55K MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10588250

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.