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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
28,000 miles · Oct 10, 2007
Air BagsSeatsCrashInjury

I WAS REAR ENDED BY A CITY TRANSIT BUS GOING APPROX. 30MPH. AT THE POINT OF IMPACT MY SEAT DISLODGED FROM IT'S POSITION AND FLEW BACK TO THE FURTHEST POSITION, THEN LOCKING IN PLACE. I WAS UNABLE TO HIT THE BRAKES - THEREFORE, PUSHING ME INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE OF WHICH I REAR ENDED. MY BRAND NEW CAR WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS.…

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I WAS REAR ENDED BY A CITY TRANSIT BUS GOING APPROX. 30MPH. AT THE POINT OF IMPACT MY SEAT DISLODGED FROM IT'S POSITION AND FLEW BACK TO THE FURTHEST POSITION, THEN LOCKING IN PLACE. I WAS UNABLE TO HIT THE BRAKES - THEREFORE, PUSHING ME INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE OF WHICH I REAR ENDED. MY BRAND NEW CAR WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. I DID SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE CAR I REAR ENDED. THE AIRBAGS ALSO FAILED TO DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205331

11,000 miles · Aug 29, 2007
Air BagsCrashInjury

CAR HIT ON DRIVER'S SIDE BY CAR TRAVELING AT APPROX 30 MPH WITH NO DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAGS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10201174

500 miles · Aug 22, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control

THE RESUME FUNCTION ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SOMETIMES EXCEEDS THE SET SPEED AND FAILS TO UPSHIFT. AN EXAMPLE OF THE SCENARIO IS THE CRUISE SET SPEED IS 75 MPH. I APPROACH A CAR GOING 65 MPH AND PRESS THE CANCEL BUTTON WHICH DISENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CAR PULLS OVER AND I PRESS THE RESUME BUTTON. THE TRANSMISSION WILL S…

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THE RESUME FUNCTION ON THE CRUISE CONTROL SOMETIMES EXCEEDS THE SET SPEED AND FAILS TO UPSHIFT. AN EXAMPLE OF THE SCENARIO IS THE CRUISE SET SPEED IS 75 MPH. I APPROACH A CAR GOING 65 MPH AND PRESS THE CANCEL BUTTON WHICH DISENGAGES THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE CAR PULLS OVER AND I PRESS THE RESUME BUTTON. THE TRANSMISSION WILL SOMETIMES DOWNSHIFT TO EITHER 3RD OR 4TH GEAR AND QUICKLY ACCELERATE TO 78 MPH AND STAY IN THE LOWER GEAR. I AM NOT TOUCHING ANY PEDALS NOR THE GEAR SHIFT WHICH IS STILL IN THE AUTO POSITION. THE TRANSMISSION WILL STAY IN THE LOWER GEAR AT THE HIGHER SPEED INDEFINITELY. IF I PRESS CANCEL AND THEN RESUME IT WILL IMMEDIATELY SHIFT TO 5TH GEAR AND RETURN TO THE 75 MPH SET SPEED. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10-12 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR. I DO USE THE CRUISE FUNCTION DAILY ON THE INTERSTATE, BUT DON'T ENCOUNTER THE DESCRIBED SITUATION VERY OFTEN. I HAVE TRIED TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM A FEW TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE ALSO UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM OR FIND ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE FUNCTION. THEY ALSO STATED THERE WAS NO TECH BULLETIN DESCRIBING THIS PROBLEM. AN EMAIL TO MAZDA WAS RESPONDED TO BY SUGGESTING I TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED DRIVER. I KNOW WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT I AM NOT TOUCHING ANY PEDALS AND THAT THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN THE AUTO POSITION. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF DRIVER ERROR. THERE IS A CLEAR DEFECT IN THE FUNCTIONING OF THE CRUISE CONTROL OR TRANSMISSION OPERATION. IN EVERY OTHER WAY THE CRUISE AND TRANSMISSION OPERATION HAS BEEN COMPLETELY NORMAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200443

6,963 miles · Aug 15, 2007
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY MAZDA. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE M…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY MAZDA. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 6,963.

NHTSA ODI #10199681

3,200 miles · Jun 28, 2007
Parking BrakeCrash

2007 MAZDA 3 PARKED ON A MODERATE GRADE IN SECOND GEAR AND WITH PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED. AFTER 10-15 MINUTES CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS AND HIT 2 OTHER CARS. MAZDA WAS STILL IN GEAR WITH BRAKE ENGAGED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10194919

1,000 miles · Jun 6, 2007
Steering

THIS IS A TOTALLY FICTITIOUS COMPLAINT THAT IS UNSUBSTANTIATED BY ANY FACT.

NHTSA ODI #10192511

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2007
Electrical System

2007 MAZDA 3 INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES ARE VERY HARD TO READ IN BRIGHT DAYLIGHT. THE SPEEDOMETER IS MY MAIN PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10187571

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control

ON 2/08/2007 MY NEWLY PURCHASED MAZDA 3 WAS RUNNING FOR 45 MINUTES AT 40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE ENGINE RACED. ON 2/16/2007, THE ENGINE RACED AGAIN AND THE CAR SWITCHED FROM FIRST GEAR TO 5TH GEAR IN 1 SECOND WHILE THE ENGINE RACED. ON 2/19/2007, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP, NARROWLY AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT WHILE THE ENGINE RACED. T…

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ON 2/08/2007 MY NEWLY PURCHASED MAZDA 3 WAS RUNNING FOR 45 MINUTES AT 40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE ENGINE RACED. ON 2/16/2007, THE ENGINE RACED AGAIN AND THE CAR SWITCHED FROM FIRST GEAR TO 5TH GEAR IN 1 SECOND WHILE THE ENGINE RACED. ON 2/19/2007, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP, NARROWLY AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT WHILE THE ENGINE RACED. THE CAR WAS PUT IN PARK AND THE ENGINE RACED AGAIN. EARLIER THAT SAME DAY, THE CAR CHANGED FROM FIRST GEAR TO FIFTH GEAR AND THEN TO SECOND GEAR WHILE MAKING A CLICKING SOUND. WHEN IT WAS CHECKED OUT BY THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. THIS CAR COULD HAVE CAUSED A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT AND STILL COULD. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10183059

15 miles · Feb 14, 2007
SeatsService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed ControlInjury

I HAVE SUSTAINED A PAINFUL ERGONOMIC INJURY TO MY RIGHT ACHILLES TENDON FROM THE POOR DESIGN OF THE ACCELERATOR/BRAKE AREA AND THE LIMITED SEAT ADJUSTMENT IN THIS CAR (2007 MAZDA SPEED 3). I HAVE TO ICE MY ANKLE EVERY NIGHT. WHEN DRIVING IT IS PAINFUL AND CAN BECOME NUMB, REDUCING MY ABILITY TO DO EMERGENCY BRAKING. I AM CONCE…

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I HAVE SUSTAINED A PAINFUL ERGONOMIC INJURY TO MY RIGHT ACHILLES TENDON FROM THE POOR DESIGN OF THE ACCELERATOR/BRAKE AREA AND THE LIMITED SEAT ADJUSTMENT IN THIS CAR (2007 MAZDA SPEED 3). I HAVE TO ICE MY ANKLE EVERY NIGHT. WHEN DRIVING IT IS PAINFUL AND CAN BECOME NUMB, REDUCING MY ABILITY TO DO EMERGENCY BRAKING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THE ISSUE STARTED IN EARLY JANUARY WITH LESS THAN 100 MILES ON THE CAR - NOW I HAVE 1300 ON THE CAR AND EXPERIENCE THIS EVERY DAY I DRIVE THE VEHICLE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10182531

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

MAZDA SPEED3 2007 HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS, WITH ENGINE MOUNTING FAILURE IT SEEMS THE ENGINE MOUNT IS NOT BOLTED CORRECTLY OR THE BOLT ITSELF TO THE ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE , I BELIEVE MAZDA IS AWARE OF THIS THREE INCIDENTS ,BUT HAS NOT ISSUE ANY RECALLS OR RECOMMENDATIONS , I PROVIDE A FORUM LINK MAZDA3FORUMS AS SOME PICTURE PROV…

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MAZDA SPEED3 2007 HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS, WITH ENGINE MOUNTING FAILURE IT SEEMS THE ENGINE MOUNT IS NOT BOLTED CORRECTLY OR THE BOLT ITSELF TO THE ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE , I BELIEVE MAZDA IS AWARE OF THIS THREE INCIDENTS ,BUT HAS NOT ISSUE ANY RECALLS OR RECOMMENDATIONS , I PROVIDE A FORUM LINK MAZDA3FORUMS AS SOME PICTURE PROVIDED BY ACTUAL CONSUMERS WHO HAD THIS HAPPENED TO THEIR CARS. PLEASE HELPS US. HTTP://WWW.MAZDA3FORUMS.COM/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=68463.0. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10181432

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.