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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

What owners actually said

222 reports
119,000 miles · Mar 27, 2013
Steering

WHEN I TRIED MAKING A TURN AT A SLOW RATE I FELT THE CAR STUTTER AND THE STEERING BECAME VERY HARD AND MY CAR STALLED...TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND IT WAS OK..FEW DAYS LATER IT HAPPEN AGAIN..WENT ONLINE AND READ THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING FAILING. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS …

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WHEN I TRIED MAKING A TURN AT A SLOW RATE I FELT THE CAR STUTTER AND THE STEERING BECAME VERY HARD AND MY CAR STALLED...TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND IT WAS OK..FEW DAYS LATER IT HAPPEN AGAIN..WENT ONLINE AND READ THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING FAILING. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR AND WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL..I'M UPSET BECAUSE IF MAZDA KNEW IT WAS A PROBLEM WHY NOT COVER ALL THE MAZDA 3 THAT IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM INSTEAD OF ONLY COVERING MAZDA'S THAT WERE BUILT BETWEEN A CERTAIN TIME FRAME. I HOPE NO ONE HAS TO DIE IN A CAR ACCIDENT DUE TO THE POWER STEERING FAILING FOR MAZDA TO COVER ALL EFFECTED MAZDA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504765

72,000 miles · Mar 18, 2013
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT HAPHAZARDLY. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERIN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT HAPHAZARDLY. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V374000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10503476

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DECELERATING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER DECELERATING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD ABNORMALLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10494479

61,000 miles · Dec 31, 2012
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V374000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #10490578

42,000 miles · Dec 18, 2012
Exterior LightingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3 HATCHBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ADVISED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE FOUND MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3 HATCHBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS ADVISED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE FOUND MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10489172

98,000 miles · Sep 6, 2012
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AXLE WAS RUBBING AGAINST A PIECE METAL IN THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AXLE WAS RUBBING AGAINST A PIECE METAL IN THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #10474144

38,000 miles · Aug 26, 2012
Steering

CAR PURCHASED NEW, NO PROBLEMS PRIOR TO 17-JANUARY-2012 0-37,000 MILES 1. 17-JAN-2011- PS RECALL : DEALER-REPLACED PS PUMP & LINES PER RECALL 37K 2. 21-FEB-2011- PS FAILURE AT STARTUP : DEALER-LOOSE CONNECTION, FIXED 38K 3. 11-AUG-2011- PS FAILURE AT STARTUP : DEALER-REPLACED PS PUMP & LINES 45K 4. 30-MA…

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CAR PURCHASED NEW, NO PROBLEMS PRIOR TO 17-JANUARY-2012 0-37,000 MILES 1. 17-JAN-2011- PS RECALL : DEALER-REPLACED PS PUMP & LINES PER RECALL 37K 2. 21-FEB-2011- PS FAILURE AT STARTUP : DEALER-LOOSE CONNECTION, FIXED 38K 3. 11-AUG-2011- PS FAILURE AT STARTUP : DEALER-REPLACED PS PUMP & LINES 45K 4. 30-MAY-2012- PS FAILURE AT STARTUP : DEALER-SCAN/DIAGNOSTICS-REPLACED CAR BATTERY 57K 5. 16-JUL-2012- PS FAILURE WHILE MOVING : DEALER-SCAN/DIAGNOSTICS-NO IDEA-NO HELP 59K 6. 25-AUG-2012- PS FAILURE AT STARTUP : WILL CALL DEALER TOMORROW 60K IF LEFT OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, PS RETURNS. DANGEROUS PROBLEM! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10472508

89,000 miles · Aug 23, 2012
Wheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES WERE CONTINUOUSLY BEING WEARING PREMATURELY AND COULD NOT BE ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS MANUFACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRES WERE CHANGED A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES WERE CONTINUOUSLY BEING WEARING PREMATURELY AND COULD NOT BE ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS MANUFACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRES WERE CHANGED AT LEAST SIX TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #10472065

55,000 miles · Aug 20, 2012
Electrical SystemVisibility

POWER WINDOW CONTROL ISSUE ON DRIVER'S SIDE ONLY - THE DRIVER'S POWER WINDOW BUTTON WILL WORK FOR AWHILE AND THEN INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING FOR A DAY OR SO. IT WILL RANDOMLY START WORKING AGAIN. NOT SURE IF IT HAPPENS MORE WHEN IT RAINS. I DID SEE THAT GM JUST PUT A RECALL DESCRIBING THE EXACT SAME THING I'M EXPERIENCING AN…

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POWER WINDOW CONTROL ISSUE ON DRIVER'S SIDE ONLY - THE DRIVER'S POWER WINDOW BUTTON WILL WORK FOR AWHILE AND THEN INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING FOR A DAY OR SO. IT WILL RANDOMLY START WORKING AGAIN. NOT SURE IF IT HAPPENS MORE WHEN IT RAINS. I DID SEE THAT GM JUST PUT A RECALL DESCRIBING THE EXACT SAME THING I'M EXPERIENCING AND WAS WONDERING IF IT MIGHT BE THE SAME ISSUE...THEY DESCRIBE IT AS MOISTURE ENTERING THE DRIVER'S WINDOW RESULTING IN THE POWER CONTROL NOT WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. IT FIRST STARTED HAPPENING IN MY CAR ABOUT BACK IN MAY, BUT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN EVEN LONGER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471580

88,000 miles · Aug 14, 2012
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN HE FELT THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE POWER STEERING RESET INDEPENDENTLY AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MAZDA MAZDA3. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN HE FELT THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE POWER STEERING RESET INDEPENDENTLY AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #10470660

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.