IllustrationPURCHASED 4 NEW DUNLOP TIRES 205/50R17 FOR 2007 MAZDA 3 2.3L AT ODOMETER READING 39484. AT 70115 MILES, 3 OF THE 4 TIRES SHOW SEPARATION OF TREAD ON THE INSIDES WALLS OF BOTH FRONT TIRES AND RIGHT REAR TIRE...IS THIS A DESIGN FLAW OF THE DUNLOP TIRE MANUFACTURER OR IS THE ISSUE WITH MAZDA DESIGN OF WHEEL PLACEMENT? *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all MAZDA3 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
270–25K
3325–50K
3250–75K
3475–100K
39100–150K
18150K+
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 reportsBUENAS NOCHES! LAMENTABLEMENTE NO HABLO INGLES, PERO QUISIERA OBTENER INFORMACION ACERCA DE LA FALLA DE FABRICACION EN EL SISTEMA HIDRAULICO (EHPAS) DEL MAZDA 3 DEL 2007. TENGO UNO Y PRESNETO UNA FALLA DONDE EL VOLANTE SE PUSO MUY DURO, Y EN VENEZUELA AUN NO HAN HECHO EL RECALLS. ADEMAS QUISIERA SABER SI HAN HECHO ALGUNA INVEST…
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BUENAS NOCHES! LAMENTABLEMENTE NO HABLO INGLES, PERO QUISIERA OBTENER INFORMACION ACERCA DE LA FALLA DE FABRICACION EN EL SISTEMA HIDRAULICO (EHPAS) DEL MAZDA 3 DEL 2007. TENGO UNO Y PRESNETO UNA FALLA DONDE EL VOLANTE SE PUSO MUY DURO, Y EN VENEZUELA AUN NO HAN HECHO EL RECALLS. ADEMAS QUISIERA SABER SI HAN HECHO ALGUNA INVESTIGACION DEL GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE, QUE CONTROLA EL FUNCIONAMIENTO DE: LOS LIMPIA PARA BRISAS, LAS LUCES, EL SISTEMA DE DOBLE TRANSMISION, ESPEJOS RETROVISORES, SISTEMA DE CONTROL DE LAS VENTANAS, Y OTROS. MI VEHICULO TAMBIEN PRESENTO FALLAS DE ESE TIPO Y CREO QUE ES UNA FALLA DE FABRICACION DE ESE MODULO (GEM) SI TIENEN ALGUNA EXPERIENCIA O QUEJAS DE LOS USUARIOS, PODRIA POR FAVOR ENVIARME ESA INFORMACION. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO DECELERATE AND PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO HAD NOT COMPLETED THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO DECELERATE AND PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE POLICE WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO HAD NOT COMPLETED THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 25,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN INTERMITTENT OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE POWER STEERING PUMP, LINE AND POW…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN INTERMITTENT OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE POWER STEERING PUMP, LINE AND POWER STEERING FLUID WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED SEVERE CORROSION AROUND THE POWER STEERING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) BUT THE CONTACTS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE STEERING WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHY THE STEERING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE AND THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PROGRESSIVELY BECAME WORSE UNTIL THE POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
WHILE DRIVING MY 2007 MAZDA 3 THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I CALLED THE 1-800 NUMBER BUT THEY SAID THAT MY CAR WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL. I THINK IT'S TOO BIG OF A COINCIDENCE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN TO MY CAR ALSO AND NOT BE UNDER THE RECALL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPON STARTING HER VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THERE WERE NO STEERING CAPABILITIES. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD RESET ITSELF WITHIN MINUTES AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPON STARTING HER VEHICLE THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THERE WERE NO STEERING CAPABILITIES. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD RESET ITSELF WITHIN MINUTES AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000. UPDATED 06/16/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE STEERING PROBLEM. HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO REPLACED. UPDATED 06/27/11
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. AS THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE FRONTAL AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT SECURED AN APP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. AS THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE FRONTAL AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT SECURED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SERVICE BULLETIN #05-010/10 ISSUED 8/6/2010. I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS THAT IS STATED IN THE BULLETIN AND THEY SAID THE FLUID WAS A LITTLE LOW SO THEY PUT A QUART IN TODAY. WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME THE TRANSMISSION BLEW UP. PLEASE CHECK THE FORUMS THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION ON THOSE …
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TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SERVICE BULLETIN #05-010/10 ISSUED 8/6/2010. I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS THAT IS STATED IN THE BULLETIN AND THEY SAID THE FLUID WAS A LITTLE LOW SO THEY PUT A QUART IN TODAY. WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME THE TRANSMISSION BLEW UP. PLEASE CHECK THE FORUMS THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION ON THOSE SITES. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THE THE INFORMATION DISAPPEARS QUICKLY. I DON'T KNOW WHY? *TR
EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE FAILURE I PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AT MY MOTHER'S HOUSE AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS RELATIVELY FLAT AND ONLY A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE. THERE IS A PORTION OF DRIVEWAY BETWEEN THE SIDEWALK AND THE HOUSE LEVEL WHICH IS STEEPER; HOWEVER MY CAR WAS PARKED ABOVE THAT AREA AND ON THE FLAT PORTION. TH…
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EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE FAILURE I PARKED MY CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AT MY MOTHER'S HOUSE AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS RELATIVELY FLAT AND ONLY A VERY SLIGHT INCLINE. THERE IS A PORTION OF DRIVEWAY BETWEEN THE SIDEWALK AND THE HOUSE LEVEL WHICH IS STEEPER; HOWEVER MY CAR WAS PARKED ABOVE THAT AREA AND ON THE FLAT PORTION. THE CAR IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND I HAD SET THE CAR TO NEUTRAL WITH THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE ON. ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS- DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, OUT INTO THE STREET AND HITTING 2-3 TRASH CANS, AND ENDED UP JUMPING THE CURB ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE STREET. THE REAR LEFT TIRE WAS UP ON THE CURB AND THE MAZDA 3 COLLIDED WITH THE REAR RIGHT CORNER OF ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. I WITNESSED THE INCIDENT FROM INSIDE THE HOUSE AND THERE WERE SEVERAL OTHER WITNESSES. WHEN WE LOOKED AT THE MAZDA 3 AFTER IT HAD COME TO A STOP ON THE OPPOSITE CURB, WE SAW FROM THE OUTSIDE THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS INDEED ENGAGED. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON VEHICLE USE: I ALWAYS FULLY ENGAGE THE BRAKES BEFORE PARKING AND SETTING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. WHEN PARKING ON ANY OBVIOUSLY SLOPED SURFACE, I ALWAYS PUT THE CAR INTO GEAR (INTO 1ST WHEN SLOPED UPWARDS, AND INTO REVERSE WHEN SLOPED DOWNWARDS) AND SET THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AS WELL AS TURN THE WHEELS TOWARD THE CURB WHEN PARALLEL-PARKED. I HAVE KEPT UP WITH NORMAL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND HAVE READ THROUGH THE OWNER'S MANUAL WHICH DOES NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT WHEN TO INSPECT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE'S EFFECTIVENESS. I HAD THE ISSUE INSPECTED BY THE MAZDA DEALER 2/7/11 AND THEY SAID THEY "COULD NOT DUPLICATE MY ISSUE", ALSO THAT EVERYTHING WAS IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. ALL THEY COULD DO WAS ADJUST MY PARKING BRAKE (WHICH DOES FEEL TIGHTER NOW). I ASKED IF THERE IS ANYTHING I SHOULD DO DIFFERENTLY WHEN I PARK. THEY ANSWERED THAT I HAVE BEEN USING THE CORRECT PARKING PROCEDURES.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA, MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. WHEN THE CONTACT DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH, THE ENGINE RPMS FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 6,800 AND 7,300. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TWICE BEFORE RESUMING NORMALLY…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA, MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. WHEN THE CONTACT DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH, THE ENGINE RPMS FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 6,800 AND 7,300. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TWICE BEFORE RESUMING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,170. UPDATED 03/02/11 *BF UPDATED 03/08/11
Official recalls
221V494000 · 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
1PE10021 · 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.