IllustrationPOWER STEERING FUNCTION WAS LOST TWICE LAST YEAR IN MY MAZDA 3. THE PWR STEERING MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD LITTLE CONTROL OF THE STEERING FUNCTION IN THE CAR. *TR
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.
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
620–25K
8925–50K
4050–75K
3475–100K
25100–150K
6150K+
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 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED WHEN THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM THE STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN RESTARTING, THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED WHEN THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FROM THE STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,500.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES TO ATTEMPT A U-TURN WHEN THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. HE SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE POWER STEERING WAS OPERATING AS NORMAL. THE FOLLOWING D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH AND APPLYING THE BRAKES TO ATTEMPT A U-TURN WHEN THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. HE SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE POWER STEERING WAS OPERATING AS NORMAL. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND STEERING LINES UNDER THE CONTACTS WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,583.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT 45-50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT 45-50 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE CONTACT WENT BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
I HAVE A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE IN FLORIDA LAST WINTER I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING DURING EXTREME HEAT AND HUMIDITY WHILE I WAS IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. I PULLED OFF INTO A PARKING LOT WITH MUCH DIFFICULTY. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT MAYBE DUE TO HOW HOT THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS, MAYBE WE USED UP POWER STEERING F…
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I HAVE A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE IN FLORIDA LAST WINTER I EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING DURING EXTREME HEAT AND HUMIDITY WHILE I WAS IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. I PULLED OFF INTO A PARKING LOT WITH MUCH DIFFICULTY. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT MAYBE DUE TO HOW HOT THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS, MAYBE WE USED UP POWER STEERING FLUID. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO A NEARBY AUTO PARTS STORE, BOUGHT POWER STEERING FLUID AND ADDED A SMALL AMT. HE WAS SURPRISED THAT IT ONLY REQUIRED LESS THAN AN OUNCE. AFTER A REST PERIOD, THE CAR REGAINED POWER STEERING AND WE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANOTHER PROBLEM. WE DID HAVE A MAZDA DEALER IN FLORIDA CHECK IT OUT AND THEY CLAIMED NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE COMPUTER. WELL, OVER THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND WHEN WE WERE EXPERIENCING A LOT OF HOT, HUMID WEATHER THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. IT SEEMED THAT AFTER YOU SHUT OFF THE MOTOR AND ALLOWED THE CAR TO COOL OFF, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER IN PENNSYLVANIA WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY INSISTED WE BRING IT RIGHT IN AS LONG AS THE WEATHER WASN'T HOT. THEY RENTED US A CAR AND KEPT OUR CAR FOR A WEEK TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. THEY INSTALLED A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP AND NEW HYDRAULIC FLUID LINES. SO FAR, WE HAVE HAD NOT FURTHER PROBLEMS. WE COULD HAVE BEEN IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF WE HAD BEEN DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED. BOTH TIMES, WE WERE ALMOST AT A STANDSTILL. THE ONLY SIMILARITIES WERE THE EXTREME HEAT AND HUMIDITY AND THAT WE WERE USING THE AIR CONDITIONER. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERS COLLISION CENTER TO REPAIR THE BODY DAMAGES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 26,000.
POWER STEERING LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON THEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING LEADING TO HEAVY STEERING. ACCORDING TO OWNERS MANUAL, WE WERE ADVISED TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, THEN BACK ON. EVEN THEN, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN, LEADING TO VERY HEAVY STEERING. AFTER THOSE TWO INCIDENTS THE POWER STEERING SEEMS TO…
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POWER STEERING LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON THEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING LEADING TO HEAVY STEERING. ACCORDING TO OWNERS MANUAL, WE WERE ADVISED TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE, THEN BACK ON. EVEN THEN, THE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN, LEADING TO VERY HEAVY STEERING. AFTER THOSE TWO INCIDENTS THE POWER STEERING SEEMS TO BE WORKING OK. THERE IS PLENTY OF POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR. I CALLED MAZDA DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE IN DETAIL AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS NOW OFF AND NORMAL STEERING RESUMED - HE ADVISED THERE IS NO NEED TO BRING IN THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY FOR SOMEONE LIKE MY WIFE WHO LACKS UPPER BODY STRENGTH. THE EFFORT REQUIRED TO TURN THE WHEEL WITHOUT POWER STEERING IS A LOT, EVEN FOR A MAN LIKE ME. SLOW SPEED STEERING IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT POWER STEERING. *TR
2008 MAZDA 3 APPROX 28K MILES. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC ON A HOT DAY - POWER STEERING FAILED, WITH WARNING LIGHT ON. LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE - THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM OF MAZDA VEHICLES OF STEERING FAILURES IN HOTTER OPERATING CONDITIONS. THIS INFORMATION IS EASILY SEEN WITH A SIMPLE …
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2008 MAZDA 3 APPROX 28K MILES. AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC ON A HOT DAY - POWER STEERING FAILED, WITH WARNING LIGHT ON. LOOKING INTO THIS PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE - THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM OF MAZDA VEHICLES OF STEERING FAILURES IN HOTTER OPERATING CONDITIONS. THIS INFORMATION IS EASILY SEEN WITH A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH. WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO LOOK INTO THIS - BUT IT WAS FUNNY THAT THERE WAS NO ACKNOWLEDGING OF A KNOWN PROBLEM DURING THE INITIAL CALL. *TR
I HAD JUST BOUGHT MY 2008 MAZDA 3 AND AS I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP WITH IT, WHEN I WENT TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE THE CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING WHEN NOT 1 HOUR BEFORE I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND IT WAS FINE. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN I TOOK IT DOWN THE ROAD TO THE SERVICE CENTER THEY STATE…
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I HAD JUST BOUGHT MY 2008 MAZDA 3 AND AS I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP WITH IT, WHEN I WENT TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE THE CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING WHEN NOT 1 HOUR BEFORE I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND IT WAS FINE. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN I TOOK IT DOWN THE ROAD TO THE SERVICE CENTER THEY STATED THAT THIS IS COMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE WEATHER GETS HOT. IT WAS ABOUT 95 DEGREES THAT DAY. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED. I TOLD THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT I WAS LUCKY THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING OR SOMETHING SERIOUS MAY HAVE HAPPENED. HE AGREED. *TR
I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 MAZDA 3 "S" AND WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND A GROWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE CAR. TRYING TO PULL OVER WAS DIFFICULT AS THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. MILEAGE ON THE CAR IS 38500. JUST 2000 MILES OVER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT T…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 MAZDA 3 "S" AND WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND A GROWLING SOUND COMING FROM THE CAR. TRYING TO PULL OVER WAS DIFFICULT AS THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. MILEAGE ON THE CAR IS 38500. JUST 2000 MILES OVER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR FAILING ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMPS IN THE 07-10 MAZDA 3'S. THIS SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT AS THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Official recalls
211V329000 · 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
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.