Mazda recall: 300,000 Mazda3, Mazda5, vans with power-steering issues

James Raia

Mazda recall: 300,000 Mazda3, Mazda5, vans with power-steering issues 1Mazda is recalling more than 300,000 Mazda3 and Mazda5 sedans and vans in North America to fix problems with the power-steering system that could lead to a crash. It’s the same problem the automaker addressed in Japan a year ago. The recall involves model year 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles built from April 2007 through November 2008. The recall involves 215,000 vehicles in the United States and 100,000 vehicles in Canada and Mexico.

Mazda recall: 300,000 Mazda3, Mazda5, vans with power-steering issues 2

Mazda said the vehicles could have a sudden loss of power-steering assist, making it difficult for the driver to steer and increasing the risk of a crash.

Mazda says the vehicles could have a sudden loss of power-steering assist, making it more difficult for the driver to steer the vehicle.

The government originally began an investigation into steering problems in the vehicles in June. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) had received 33 complaints alleging steering problems, including three crashes.

According to the NYHSA web site, Mazda will begin notifying owners of the 2007-2009 models about the recall in September.

The automaker said it has not received any reports of crashes or injuries related to the recall issue.

Article Last Updated: August 18, 2010.

3 thoughts on “Mazda recall: 300,000 Mazda3, Mazda5, vans with power-steering issues”

  1. This recall is a voluntary recall being done by Mazda Canada. The issue is the power steering pump from a certain production schedule. Mazda owner's will be notified by registered mail IF their vehicle is affected.
    If the power steering pump fails, a light on the dashboard will indicate so. You will be able to steer your vehicle it will just have a little more tension than normal.
    The repairs associated with this recall are at no cost to the consumer.

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  2. This has happened to me (two times) and it results in more than "a little more tension than normal." It became very difficult to steer the vehicle and is quite alarming/unexpected. Fortunately, in both instances, I was driving at low speeds and able to pull out of traffic, turn the vehicle off, and restart the engine. This has been my cure for the problem, while effective, it isn't really a long-term solution. If this were to happen at high speeds in heavy traffic it could be extremely dangerous.

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  3. Same thing with me – has happened twice. The first time was while I was turning a corner. It was so hard to steer that it felt like my car had stalled and I almost hit the car in the lane beside me as it took me by surprise.

    I had to take my car into the dealership for them to check that the error code was in the car's computer before they can order parts. Then I have to go back for them to be installed.

    The dealership said that Mazda Canada makes them order each set of parts as needed basis for this recall. Seems pretty lame to me.

    Reply

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