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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

303 reports
20,663 miles · May 27, 2010
Steering

I DRIVE A MAZDA 3 2008, 5 DOOR WITH POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OFF AS I WAS TURNING FROM A BUSY STREET LEFT INTO A PARKING LOT. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND PARKED. THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAID TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE WAIT AND RESTART. IF LIGHT STAYED ON CALL DEALER. AFTER 10 MINS THE INDICATOR LIGHT STA…

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I DRIVE A MAZDA 3 2008, 5 DOOR WITH POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OFF AS I WAS TURNING FROM A BUSY STREET LEFT INTO A PARKING LOT. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND PARKED. THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAID TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE WAIT AND RESTART. IF LIGHT STAYED ON CALL DEALER. AFTER 10 MINS THE INDICATOR LIGHT STAYED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. I AM TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALER. I WENT ONLINE MAZDA USERS WEBSITES, JDPOWER, ABOUT AUTOMOBILE, ETC. AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A PERSISTENT (BACK TO 2008) TO CURRENT( 5/27/10) PROBLEM. WHEN DOES SUCH A PROBLEM RISE TOT THE LEVEL OF A RECALL? THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10332446

16,200 miles · May 27, 2010
Steering

NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING TO AN OFF RAMP, TO SLOW TRAFFIC TO POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE IN TRAFFIC. HIGH EFFORT NECESSARY TO EXIT CAR TO NEARBY RESTAURANT. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1.5 HOURS POWER STEERING WAS AGAIN FULLY OPERATIONAL. DROVE CAR TO DEALER, CODE 1099, REPLACED BP4L-32-410 PIPE, BBM4-32-68Z BODY, 4 EA GASKETS 9956-21-…

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NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING TO AN OFF RAMP, TO SLOW TRAFFIC TO POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE IN TRAFFIC. HIGH EFFORT NECESSARY TO EXIT CAR TO NEARBY RESTAURANT. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 1.5 HOURS POWER STEERING WAS AGAIN FULLY OPERATIONAL. DROVE CAR TO DEALER, CODE 1099, REPLACED BP4L-32-410 PIPE, BBM4-32-68Z BODY, 4 EA GASKETS 9956-21-400 AND FLUID. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10332436

49,385 miles · May 17, 2010
Steering

WE BOUGHT OUR MAZDA 3 IN AUGUST OF 2008. WE LIVE IN CT AND MY SON GOES TO COLLEGE IN RI. HE HAS THE CAR WITH HIM. HE HAS COMPLAINED NUMEROUS TIMES THAT HE HAS NO POWER STEERING. JUST RECENTLY THE POWER STEERING WAS LOST ON I-95 WHEN HE WAS EXITING. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IT SEEMS MAZDA IS AWARE OF IT BUT HA…

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WE BOUGHT OUR MAZDA 3 IN AUGUST OF 2008. WE LIVE IN CT AND MY SON GOES TO COLLEGE IN RI. HE HAS THE CAR WITH HIM. HE HAS COMPLAINED NUMEROUS TIMES THAT HE HAS NO POWER STEERING. JUST RECENTLY THE POWER STEERING WAS LOST ON I-95 WHEN HE WAS EXITING. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND IT SEEMS MAZDA IS AWARE OF IT BUT HAS NOT ORDERED A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10330923

38,000 miles · May 4, 2010
Steering

LOSS OF POWER STEERING: (2 TIMES) -- ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAD LOST THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2008 MAZDA 3. THE FIRST TIME WAS DURING THE SUMMER OF 2009. AFTER THE CAR WAS IDLING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, I WENT TO DRIVE OFF AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND CHECKED THE BELTS. EVERYTHING SEEMED …

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LOSS OF POWER STEERING: (2 TIMES) -- ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS I HAD LOST THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2008 MAZDA 3. THE FIRST TIME WAS DURING THE SUMMER OF 2009. AFTER THE CAR WAS IDLING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, I WENT TO DRIVE OFF AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND CHECKED THE BELTS. EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. I THEN STARTED THE CAR AND THE STEERING WAS WORKING LIKE NORMAL. THE SECOND TIME WAS IN APRIL OF 2010. I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC FOR A LITTLE WHILE. AFTER THE TRAFFIC CLEARED I WAS GETTING UP TO SPEED AND STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I PULLED OVER, SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED A FEW MINUTES LATER. STEERING WAS BACK TO NORMAL. I BROUGHT MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE A FEW DAYS LATER AND TOLD THEM ABOUT MY STEERING INCIDENT. THEY LOOKED AT THE POWER STEERING COMPONENTS AND NOTICED AN 'ISSUE.' THE DEALER KEPT THE CAR A FEW DAYS FOR THE NEW POWER STEERING COMPONENT PART TO COME IN. THEY REPLACED THE PART AND GAVE ME A LOANER VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10328716

26,000 miles · May 1, 2010
Steering

POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN EXTREME DIFFICULTY TO STEER OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER. MAZDA IS REPLACING THE POWER STEERING PUMP, COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 26,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10328342

34,500 miles · Apr 27, 2010
TiresWheels

2008 MAZDA 3 5 DOOR HATCHBACK. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER. THE NUT THAT HOLDS THE VALVE STEM TO THE TIRE BECAME CORRODED AND CRACKED AND FELL OFF. THIS RESULTED IN A RAPID DEFLATION OF THE TIRE WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AFTER INSPECTING THE OTHER 3 TIRES, I NOTICED THAT 2 OF THE R…

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2008 MAZDA 3 5 DOOR HATCHBACK. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER. THE NUT THAT HOLDS THE VALVE STEM TO THE TIRE BECAME CORRODED AND CRACKED AND FELL OFF. THIS RESULTED IN A RAPID DEFLATION OF THE TIRE WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. AFTER INSPECTING THE OTHER 3 TIRES, I NOTICED THAT 2 OF THE REMAINING 3 NUTS WERE ALSO SEVERELY CORRODED AND CRACKED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. THIS OCCURRED AFTER I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 20 MONTHS. WHEN TAKEN TO THE MAZDA DEALER, THEY REPLACED THE VALVE STEM WHERE THE NUT HAD FALLEN OFF, BUT NOT THE OTHER 2 STEMS THAT WERE CORRODED AND CRACKED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10327683

3,024 miles · Apr 17, 2010
Steering

2008 MAZDA 3, I WAS SIMPLY PARKED AND RESTARTED MY CAR AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES ON IT. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND MANY MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, ALL WITH "NEW" CARS (LESS THAN 12000 MILES). I WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED, AND THERE IS A "NATIONAL BACKORD…

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2008 MAZDA 3, I WAS SIMPLY PARKED AND RESTARTED MY CAR AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 4000 MILES ON IT. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND MANY MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, ALL WITH "NEW" CARS (LESS THAN 12000 MILES). I WAS TOLD THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED, AND THERE IS A "NATIONAL BACKORDER" IN THEIR WORDS. IF THERE IS SO MANY PLACES ORDERING POWER STEERING PUMPS, ID THINK A RECALL SHOULD BE ORDERED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10326097

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

I OWN A 2008 MAZDA 3. ON THIS PARTICULAR MODE OF MAZDA THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS ARE LESS THAN 1/4 INCH FROM EACH OTHER. I HAVE BEEN IN NUMEROUS NEAR MISSES WITH SEVERAL CARS, THE MOST RECENT BEING TODAY BECAUSE ALOT OF TIMES WHEN YOU GO TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL YOU GET THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE THEY ARE SO CLOSE TOGET…

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I OWN A 2008 MAZDA 3. ON THIS PARTICULAR MODE OF MAZDA THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS ARE LESS THAN 1/4 INCH FROM EACH OTHER. I HAVE BEEN IN NUMEROUS NEAR MISSES WITH SEVERAL CARS, THE MOST RECENT BEING TODAY BECAUSE ALOT OF TIMES WHEN YOU GO TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL YOU GET THE GAS AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE THEY ARE SO CLOSE TOGETHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10325936

23,700 miles · Apr 13, 2010
Suspension

2008 MAZDA3, ALIGNMENT WITHIN MANUFACTURER SPECS, BUT THERE IS UNEVEN WEAR ON THE REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRE. AS GENERALLY A TIRE AS 4 PARTS OF TREAD, THE 3 OUTER TREADS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME SIDE AND THE 1 INNER TREAD IS EXCESSIVELY WORN. THERE IS NO ANGLED WEAR ON THE TIRE TOWARD THE EXCESSIVE WEAR, 3 HIGH TREADS AND 1 LOW TREAD. …

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2008 MAZDA3, ALIGNMENT WITHIN MANUFACTURER SPECS, BUT THERE IS UNEVEN WEAR ON THE REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRE. AS GENERALLY A TIRE AS 4 PARTS OF TREAD, THE 3 OUTER TREADS ARE EXACTLY THE SAME SIDE AND THE 1 INNER TREAD IS EXCESSIVELY WORN. THERE IS NO ANGLED WEAR ON THE TIRE TOWARD THE EXCESSIVE WEAR, 3 HIGH TREADS AND 1 LOW TREAD. MAZDA APPARENTLY HAS A REAR CAMBER DEFECT ON 2008 MODELS WHICH THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10325455

48,000 miles · Apr 8, 2010
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXTREME FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE CENTER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXTREME FORCE TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE CENTER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IN THE POWER STEERING MECHANISM. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER HER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 48,000.

NHTSA ODI #10324484

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.