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2007 Mazda MAZDA3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most MAZDA3 years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Mazda MAZDA3 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 108.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

183 reports with mileage · 39 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 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports3 fire reports16 injury reports

Steering complaints

89 reports
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45,000 miles · Jul 5, 2010
Steering

CAR: 2007 MAZDA 3 POWER STEERING WILL FAIL. IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME, BUT WARMER CLIMATES THE PROBLEM BECOMES MORE SPORADIC. MOST NOTABLE ISSUES OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. TEMPERATURE WAS APPROX. 94 F. POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF AROUND 70 MPH. CAR WAS PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER. DUE TO FAILED STEERING…

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CAR: 2007 MAZDA 3 POWER STEERING WILL FAIL. IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME, BUT WARMER CLIMATES THE PROBLEM BECOMES MORE SPORADIC. MOST NOTABLE ISSUES OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. TEMPERATURE WAS APPROX. 94 F. POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF AROUND 70 MPH. CAR WAS PULLED OVER TO SHOULDER. DUE TO FAILED STEERING, CAR WAS INOPERABLE FOR NEXT 1.5 HOURS. AFTER 1.5 HOURS, CAR WAS RESTARTED AND STEERING WAS GOOD AGAIN. CAR WAS REPAIRED 2 MONTHS LATER. MAZDA REFUSED TO FIX THE ISSUE, EVEN AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. TSB WAS ISSUED, BUT MAZDA STILL REFUSED TO REPAIR. VEHICLE WAS THEN BROUGHT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY FOUND A FAULTY POWER STEERING PUMP. THEY REPLACED LINES AND PUMP. OLD PART MAY STILL BE AVAILABLE AT DEALERSHIP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10341498

14,710 miles · Jul 2, 2010
Steering

I WAS LUCKY. THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2007 MAZDA 3 (WHICH HAD 14,710 MILES ON IT) FAILED WHILE GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH. BUT I GATHER, BOTH FROM THE MAZDA SERVICE STAFF AND A NEWS REPORT, THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A COMMON ONE ON THE MAZDA 3. THE POWER STEERING PUMP/LINES HAVE NOW BEEN REPLACED; WILL THEY FAIL AGAIN, UNDER LESS FAVO…

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I WAS LUCKY. THE POWER STEERING IN MY 2007 MAZDA 3 (WHICH HAD 14,710 MILES ON IT) FAILED WHILE GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH. BUT I GATHER, BOTH FROM THE MAZDA SERVICE STAFF AND A NEWS REPORT, THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A COMMON ONE ON THE MAZDA 3. THE POWER STEERING PUMP/LINES HAVE NOW BEEN REPLACED; WILL THEY FAIL AGAIN, UNDER LESS FAVORABLE CIRCUMSTANCES? PLEASE ADD MY EXPERIENCE TO THE DATA BASE OF MAZDA 3, POWER STEERING FAILURES. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10341258

40,000 miles · Mar 4, 2010
Steering

MAZDA 3 POWER STEERING FAILURE DANGEROUS. MAZDA IS NOT TAKING ANY INITIATIVE TO CONTACT CUSTOMERS. THEY ARE TRYING TO SILENCE THE ISSUE. BASICALLY THE POWER STEERING FAILS ON THE ROAD AND IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. DEALERS HAVE NO PARTS AND ARE ON BACK ORDER. THE ISSUE IS ALL OVER EVERY CAR WEBSITE ON THE INTERNET. MAZDA IS …

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MAZDA 3 POWER STEERING FAILURE DANGEROUS. MAZDA IS NOT TAKING ANY INITIATIVE TO CONTACT CUSTOMERS. THEY ARE TRYING TO SILENCE THE ISSUE. BASICALLY THE POWER STEERING FAILS ON THE ROAD AND IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. DEALERS HAVE NO PARTS AND ARE ON BACK ORDER. THE ISSUE IS ALL OVER EVERY CAR WEBSITE ON THE INTERNET. MAZDA IS NOT TAKING THE ISSUE VERY SERIOUSLY AND IS TELLING DRIVERS THAT THE CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. EVEN THOUGH THE ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT AND CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME. BELOW I HAVE LISTED A COUPLE SITES WHICH CAME UP WITH A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH WHICH ARE ALL FLOODED WITH CUSTOMERS HAVING THE PROBLEM. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS! HTTP://WWW.MAZDA3CLUB.COM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?P=409729 HTTP://WWW.JDPOWER.COM/AUTOS/POWERSTEERING/2008/MAZDA/3 HTTP://TORONTOMAZDA3.CA/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?32875-POWER-STEERING-PUMP-WENT! HTTP://MAZDAFORUM.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=18579 HTTP://WWW.MAZDA3FORUMS.COM/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=143562.0. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10316826

56,000 miles · Dec 28, 2009
SteeringCrashInjury

MY 2007 MAZDA 3 WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND IN THE LEFT LANE AT 75MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN IT BEGAN TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT; WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WAS STIFF AND THE WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE CAR CONTINUED GOING LEFT OVER THE RUMBLE STRIPS AND INTO THE DIRT SHOULDER. AT THIS TIME THE CAR THEN SHOT RIGHT NE…

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MY 2007 MAZDA 3 WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND IN THE LEFT LANE AT 75MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN IT BEGAN TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT; WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE VEHICLE THE STEERING WAS STIFF AND THE WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE CAR CONTINUED GOING LEFT OVER THE RUMBLE STRIPS AND INTO THE DIRT SHOULDER. AT THIS TIME THE CAR THEN SHOT RIGHT NEARLY PERPENDICULAR TO THE FLOW OF SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC, WHERE I BEGAN TO GO OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT. THE CAR THEN HIT THE DIRT SHOULDER AND ROLLED 2 TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE CAR WAS FACING NORTH AND ON ITS SIDE WHEN IT FINALLY SETTLED. ONLY 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE CRASH I NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. I ALSO NOTICED A FEW DAYS LATER THAT IN THE USUAL SPOT WHERE I PARK, THERE WAS WHAT LOOKED LIKE CLEAN OIL DRIPS (THEY COULD HAVE BEEN BRAKE FLUID OR POWER STEERING FLUID, BUT THE COLOR WAS THAT OF CLEAN OIL). THE CAR HAS NEVER LEAKED BEFORE. THE CAR HAS BE DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT. THE MAZDA3 HAD APPROX 56000 MILES, AND WAS THE STANDARD SPORT MODEL HATCHBACK WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IT WAS PURCHASED IN OCT. 06. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10297235

39,000 miles · Dec 26, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringCrash

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2007 MAZDA 3 . SEVERAL DAYS AGO, WHILE MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT, THE CAR LOST POWER, LOCKING THE STEERING (WHILE SHE WAS ON A CURVE), AND SHE LEFT THE ROAD, HITTING A TREE, AND TOTALING THE CAR. SHE WAS NOT HURT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296981

14,630 miles · Jun 16, 2009
Steering

POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT. HAD TO WAIT OVER 2 WEEKS NOW FOR PARTS, 3 OTHER MAZDAS AT SAME DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR THE SAME PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10273947

32,500 miles · Apr 9, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. ON AUGUST 29, 2008, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP. ON MARCH 27, 2009, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE MAKING A RIGH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. ON AUGUST 29, 2008, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP. ON MARCH 27, 2009, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AGAIN, WHERE IT HAS REMAINED FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PARTS FOR THE SECOND TIME; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DOES NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE WOULD LIKE MAZDA TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,500. UPDATED 05/07/09. *LJ THE OXYGEN SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND MODULE ASSEMBLY. THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 05/07/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10264807

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2008
SteeringSuspensionTiresCrash

2007 MAZDA323 LOST CONTROL AND HIT A BARRIER WALL. *KB THE POLICE REPORT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A FLAT LEFT FRONT TIRE AND STEERING MECHANISM DAMAGE THAT CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE

NHTSA ODI #10229538

1,000 miles · Jun 6, 2007
Steering

THIS IS A TOTALLY FICTITIOUS COMPLAINT THAT IS UNSUBSTANTIATED BY ANY FACT.

NHTSA ODI #10192511

Official recalls

2

21V494000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jul 1, 2021

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2004-2007 Mazda3 vehicles. During air bag deployment, the plastic emblem on the steering wheel air bag module cover may shatter, and project plastic fragments into the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Plastic fragments can hit occupants during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag module cover, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between August 28, 2021 and October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4921G.

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.