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2009 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Mazda MAZDA3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 108.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

97 reports with mileage · 18 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 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Tires. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Wheels. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports1 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

115 reports
33,681 miles · Aug 16, 2010
SteeringCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA, MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, PROCEEDED INTO THE LEFT LANE AND THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SWAYED FROM THE LEFT TO RIGHT DIRECTION WITHOUT ENGAGING THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A LOUD ROARING NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN STEE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA, MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, PROCEEDED INTO THE LEFT LANE AND THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SWAYED FROM THE LEFT TO RIGHT DIRECTION WITHOUT ENGAGING THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A LOUD ROARING NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN STEERING CONTROL AND CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TWO FRONT WHEEL BALL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. THE NOISE STOPPED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE AT LOW SPEEDS TO AVOID THE UNINTENDED SWAYING MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,681.

NHTSA ODI #10349639

9,200 miles · Aug 11, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2009 MAZDA 3 WITH 9200 MILES. THEIR HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INDICATING THE GAS CAP IS NOT SECURE. TODAY, 8/11/2010 THE GAS CAP WAS STUCK AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO GET REMOVED AND INSTALL A NEW GAS CAP. THE SERVICE MAN, JIM COLTREP SAID THAT HE HAS HEARD ABOUT GAS CAPS SE…

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I HAVE A 2009 MAZDA 3 WITH 9200 MILES. THEIR HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHERE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES INDICATING THE GAS CAP IS NOT SECURE. TODAY, 8/11/2010 THE GAS CAP WAS STUCK AND HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO GET REMOVED AND INSTALL A NEW GAS CAP. THE SERVICE MAN, JIM COLTREP SAID THAT HE HAS HEARD ABOUT GAS CAPS SEIZING. MY DAUGHTER IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER SHE DOESN'T NEED THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER CAN'T GUARANTEE ME THAT I WON'T HAVE A PROBLEM IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I SEE ON THE WEB A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MAZDA 3 GAS CAP PROBLEM. WHEN IS THIS GOING TO BE CORRECTED ON A NEAR PERMANENT BASIS? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10348868

22,500 miles · Aug 11, 2010
SteeringCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD SUDDENLY STOP FUNCTIONING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY POLE, SECONDS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT HAD APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT F…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA3. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING HAD SUDDENLY STOP FUNCTIONING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY POLE, SECONDS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT HAD APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. NO ONE WAS INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WAS 22500.

NHTSA ODI #10348831

6,500 miles · Jul 26, 2010
Steering

WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, LOSS OF STEERING POWER OCCURRED WHEN TURNING QUICKLY IN THE EACH/OPPOSITE DIRECTION. LOSS OF POWER INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON. CAR WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALCY. MAZDA DEALERSHIP (DENNIS DILLON, BOISE, ID) WAS CALLED THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY WANTED TO IMMEDIATELY LOOK AT THE CAR. THE TECHNICIAN A…

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WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, LOSS OF STEERING POWER OCCURRED WHEN TURNING QUICKLY IN THE EACH/OPPOSITE DIRECTION. LOSS OF POWER INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON. CAR WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMALCY. MAZDA DEALERSHIP (DENNIS DILLON, BOISE, ID) WAS CALLED THE NEXT DAY, AND THEY WANTED TO IMMEDIATELY LOOK AT THE CAR. THE TECHNICIAN ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS MAY BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM, AND WAS FAMILIAR WITH SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL. PARTS WERE ORDERED (STEERING HOSES, ASSEMBLY, ETC.), AND SERVICE COMPLETED WITHIN 3 DAYS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10345311

4,500 miles · Jul 26, 2010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

LOST CONTROL OF 2009 MAZDA 3 ON WET ROAD. IT FELT LIKE DSC WOULD NOT LET ME CONTROL THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10345292

23,000 miles · Jul 19, 2010
Steering

(2009 MAZDA 3I TOURING VALUE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 94 DEGREES OUTSIDE, I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDESTREET, GOING NO MORE THAN 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL GOT HARDER TO TURN & THEN I NOTICED THE DASHBOARD LIGHT UP WITH THE POWER STEERING ICON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343979

42,319 miles · Jul 15, 2010
Steering

WHEN SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN MY 2009 MAZDA3 4-DOOR SEDAN, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY STOPPED WORKING. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON (A YELLOW STEERING WHEEL INDICATOR WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT). I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH MUCH EFFORT TO MAKE TURNS. PARKED CAR IN GARAGE. 5 MINUTES LATER RETURNED TO CHECK IT…

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WHEN SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT IN MY 2009 MAZDA3 4-DOOR SEDAN, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY STOPPED WORKING. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON (A YELLOW STEERING WHEEL INDICATOR WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT). I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH MUCH EFFORT TO MAKE TURNS. PARKED CAR IN GARAGE. 5 MINUTES LATER RETURNED TO CHECK IT AGAIN. STARTED CAR AND POWER STEERING WAS FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343534

36,100 miles · Jul 15, 2010
Steering

WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN IN MY 2009 MAZDA 3, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE STEERING WHEEL STIFFENED UP SEVERELY AND I HAD TO PULL OVER TO RESTORE THE POWER STEERING. A MILE UP THE ROAD, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343515

10,000 miles · Jul 13, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK, CAR GOT UP TO 80 MILES AN HOUR. UNABLE TO STOP CAR, FINALLY SLAMMED ON THE GAS PEDAL THREE TIMES AND IT DISLODGED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10342867

20,500 miles · Jul 12, 2010
SteeringCrash

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE NAVIGATING A SLIGHT RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH POWER STEERING FAILED AND DASH LIGHT CAME ON. WAS UNABLE TO TURN VEHICLE IN TIME AND HIT A CURB, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE RIM AND TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10342765

Official recalls

3

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.

09V187000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)

May 29, 2009

MAZDA IS RECALLING 7,100 MY 2009 MAZDA3 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 126, "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM". THE YAW RATE MEASURED AFTER COMPLETION OF THE SINE WITH DWELL STEERING INPUT EXCEEDED THE TEST STANDARDS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IMPROPER OPERATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND HAVE THE UNIT REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 14, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA 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.