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2008 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most MAZDA3 years

Owner complaints for the 2008 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

256 reports with mileage · 47 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 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Tires. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Wheels. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

29 crash reports1 fire reports16 injury reports

Steering complaints

117 reports
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25,000 miles · Sep 14, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST AND AS A RESULT, CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELEC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST AND AS A RESULT, CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM), WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED. THE TECHNICIAN AGREED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BUT WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS FOR THE DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL DUE TO THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ODI #10425477

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE WAITING ON THE NECESSARY PARTS TO ARRIVE BEFORE PERFORMING THE REPAIR. APPROXIMAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE WAITING ON THE NECESSARY PARTS TO ARRIVE BEFORE PERFORMING THE REPAIR. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT WAS STILL BEING INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10424705

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2011
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING TWO RECALL NOTICES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V374000(STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). SINCE AUGUST OF LAST YEAR SHE TRIED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, BUT THEY CONTINUED TO ADVISE HER THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING TWO RECALL NOTICES IN REGARDS TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V374000(STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). SINCE AUGUST OF LAST YEAR SHE TRIED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, BUT THEY CONTINUED TO ADVISE HER THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR HAD THE MANUFACTURER BEEN CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 06/13/11

NHTSA ODI #10399768

24,334 miles · May 6, 2011
Steering

MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN A MAZDA RECALL OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. SINCE THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED MY STEERING HAS PERFORMED IN AN ERRATIC, UNPREDICTABLE AND SOMETIMES DANGEROUS MANNER. IN THREE TRIPS TO THE DEALER THE CAR PERFORMED NORMALLY AND BECAUSE NO FAULT CODES WERE GENERATED, NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. HOWEVER THIS DOES …

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MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN A MAZDA RECALL OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. SINCE THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED MY STEERING HAS PERFORMED IN AN ERRATIC, UNPREDICTABLE AND SOMETIMES DANGEROUS MANNER. IN THREE TRIPS TO THE DEALER THE CAR PERFORMED NORMALLY AND BECAUSE NO FAULT CODES WERE GENERATED, NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. HOWEVER THIS DOES NOT NEGATE THE FACT THAT THE STEERING IS FAILING AND THAT MY SAFETY IS BEING COMPROMISED.

NHTSA ODI #10400177

23,750 miles · Mar 30, 2011
SteeringCrash

I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 MAZDA 3 ON I-75 ON 3/22/2011 WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST THE POWER STEERING AND THE CAR BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. I CONTINUED DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT UNCONTROLLABLY, STRUCK A ROAD SIGN, AND ULTIMATELY ENDED UP IN A DITCH. THIS ALL OCCURRED 12 DAYS AFTER I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE RECALLE…

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I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 MAZDA 3 ON I-75 ON 3/22/2011 WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST THE POWER STEERING AND THE CAR BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. I CONTINUED DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT UNCONTROLLABLY, STRUCK A ROAD SIGN, AND ULTIMATELY ENDED UP IN A DITCH. THIS ALL OCCURRED 12 DAYS AFTER I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MAZDA DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE RECALLED POWER STEERING PUMP. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS CAN HAPPEN ONLY 12 DAYS AFTER THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND PUMP LINE WERE REPLACED. I WONDER IF THE PUMP HAD INDEED BEEN REPLACED OR IF A NEW PUMP WAS INSTALLED CORRECTLY. OR MAYBE THE NEW PUMP IS JUST AS DEFECTIVE AS THE OLD PUMP!!! IT WILL COST $8,000-$10,000 TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE AND I AM NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR THE $1,000 INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE. THE ONLY GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE SIDE IMPACT AND HEAD AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED AND THAT I WAS NOT INJURED BADLY. I FEEL THAT MAZDA SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HOW THEY HAVE HANDLED THIS RECALL. I HAVE READ MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE AND OTHERS AND THERE IS NO QUESTION IN MY MIND THAT THIS ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY THE FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10393774

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2011
Steering

2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL ON VEHICLE FOR THE POWER STEERING. CONSUMER STATES HE HAS TRIED TO OBTAIN REPAIR BUT HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL*TGW THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH DEALERS INFORMED HIM THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PART, BUT HE NEVER HEARD BACK FROM ONE DEALER AND IT TOOK OVER A MONTH FOR THE OTHER DEALER …

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2008 MAZDA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL ON VEHICLE FOR THE POWER STEERING. CONSUMER STATES HE HAS TRIED TO OBTAIN REPAIR BUT HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL*TGW THE CONSUMER STATED BOTH DEALERS INFORMED HIM THEY WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PART, BUT HE NEVER HEARD BACK FROM ONE DEALER AND IT TOOK OVER A MONTH FOR THE OTHER DEALER TO CONTACT HIM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10391933

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2011
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE REMEDY WERE ON SHORT SUPPLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE PARTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE THE REMEDY WERE ON SHORT SUPPLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PARTS HAD BEEN ON SHORT SUPPLY FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MONTHS, PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10384459

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2011
Steering

I WAS ADVISED OF A RECALL FOR A POTENTIAL POWER STEERING (#6010H) IN SEPTEMBER OF 2010. UNLESS YOU ALREADY HAD THE SYMPTOMS, THEY ADVISED TO DO NOTHING UNTIL A SECOND NOTICE WAS SENT, AS PARTS WERE IN SHORT SUPPLY. IT WOULD SEEM 4+ MONTHS WOULD BE MORE THAN ADEQUATE TIME TO SECURE THE PARTS. I DRIVE ON WINDY 2 LANE MOUNTAINOUS R…

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I WAS ADVISED OF A RECALL FOR A POTENTIAL POWER STEERING (#6010H) IN SEPTEMBER OF 2010. UNLESS YOU ALREADY HAD THE SYMPTOMS, THEY ADVISED TO DO NOTHING UNTIL A SECOND NOTICE WAS SENT, AS PARTS WERE IN SHORT SUPPLY. IT WOULD SEEM 4+ MONTHS WOULD BE MORE THAN ADEQUATE TIME TO SECURE THE PARTS. I DRIVE ON WINDY 2 LANE MOUNTAINOUS ROADS EVERY WORKDAY; FAILURE OF POWER STEERING ASSIST ON THESE ROADS COULD BE DEADLY. WHY IS IT TAKING MAZDA SO LONG TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM?

NHTSA ODI #10379164

72,500 miles · Jan 21, 2011
Steering

I HAVE A 2008 MAZDA 3 WITH POWER STEERING ISSUES. I DID GET THE RECALL REPAIR FIXED IN OCT 2010 BUT THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN THIS WEEK (JAN 19TH 2011). I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE RECALLED PUMP AND NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT OR SHOW ME…

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I HAVE A 2008 MAZDA 3 WITH POWER STEERING ISSUES. I DID GET THE RECALL REPAIR FIXED IN OCT 2010 BUT THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN THIS WEEK (JAN 19TH 2011). I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TELL ME THAT IT IS THE ELECTRICAL PART OF THE RECALLED PUMP AND NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT OR SHOW ME OTHER CASES LIKE THIS THAT WHERE TAKEN CARE OF BUT NOT MINE. I HAVE REVIEWED CLOSE TO 1000 COMPLAINTS AND ISSUES WHERE MAZDA PAID FOR A LOANER CAR AND MADE CAR PAYMENTS UNTIL THIS ISSUE WAS FIXED. I AM NOT WILING TO PAY $920 FOR AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE COVERED 100% BY THE DEALER WITH THIS RECALL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM WILLING TO GO TO THE NEXT STEP TO MAKE SURE JUSTICE IS TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE A DEATH HAPPENS (MORE DEATHS) FROM THE LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY OF MAZDA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10378151

10,000 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Air BagsSteeringCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 32 MPH WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO AVOID AN ANIMAL. THE CONTACT STEERED TO THE LEFT BUT THE VEHICLE INSTEAD VIOLENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ROLL OVER ONCE CRASHING AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 32 MPH WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO AVOID AN ANIMAL. THE CONTACT STEERED TO THE LEFT BUT THE VEHICLE INSTEAD VIOLENTLY VEERED TO THE LEFT CAUSING HER TO CRASH INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ROLL OVER ONCE CRASHING AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AS A RESULT. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ODI #10373983

Official recalls

2

11V329000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Jun 15, 2011

MAZDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 MAZDA3 AND MAZDASPEED3 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 7, 2008, THROUGH NOVEMBER 28, 2008. THE GROUND TERMINAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY BENT DURING ASSEMBLY. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS THEN OVER TIME THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THE MOTOR CIRCUIT MAY INCREASE UP TO A POINT THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD NOT WORK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION IN ADVERSE WEATHER COULD POTENTIALLY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL GROUND HARNESS ON THE WIPER MOTOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

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.