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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.

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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
85,000 miles · Mar 22, 2017
Engine

10 MINUTES AFTER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON MY CAR LOST POWER TO ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS THIS STARTED AND BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY MY CAR DIED AT THE TOP OF THE OFF RAMP. AT THIS POINT IT BEGAN BILLOWING WHITE SMOKE OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, OUT THE TAILPIPE, AND INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. …

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10 MINUTES AFTER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON MY CAR LOST POWER TO ACCELERATE. I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS THIS STARTED AND BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY MY CAR DIED AT THE TOP OF THE OFF RAMP. AT THIS POINT IT BEGAN BILLOWING WHITE SMOKE OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, OUT THE TAILPIPE, AND INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. IT WAS NOT BLUE NOR DID IT HAVE AN OIL SMELL. I WAS ORIGINALLY TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 70 MILES AN HOUR WHEN I STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND IN THE MINUTE OR TWO IT TOOK ME TO GET TO THE OFF RAMP AND AT THE TIME THE CAR DIED I WAS GOING LESS THAN 5MPH. WHEN TAKEN TO THE SHOP THEY SAID THAT 3 OF THE 4 CYLINDERS HAD 0 REMAINING POWER AND THE FOURTH ONLY HAD AROUND 1/8TH OF THE POWER THAT IT SHOULD HAVE HAD. THEY SAID THAT OIL AND COOLANT REMAINED IN THE CAR AT PROPER LEVELS. MY CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND, AGAIN, THE FLUID LEVELS WERE APPROPRIATE. I HAD BETWEEN 10 AND 15 MINUTES BETWEEN WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FIRST WENT ON AND CATASTROPHIC, IRREPARABLE ENGINE FAILURE. THE CAR ITSELF HAD ONLY 85,000 MILES ON IT. LOOKING ONLINE I SEE MANY OTHERS, NOT JUST ONE OR TWO HUT HUNDREDS, WHO HAVE HAD NEARLY IDENTICAL EXPERIENCES WITH THIS EXACT MAKE, MODEL, AND ENGINE SIZE. YET MAZDA, WHEN CALLED, STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND HE HADN'T HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT IT, THOUGH OTHERS HAVE EXPRESSED THAT THEY, TOO, CONTACTED MAZDA AFTER THIS TYPE OF COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. MAZDA'S RESPONSE WAS THAT IT WAS OUT OF THE POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY PERIOD AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO DO.

NHTSA ODI #10967810

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2017
Unknown Or Other

NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH GONE BAD AND RUSTY AND MAZDA REFUSES TO HELP. DID RESEARCH ONLINE AND FOUND OVER 500 CONSUMERS WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE!

NHTSA ODI #10953702

90,000 miles · Feb 7, 2017
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING), THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS WRITTEN IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL STATED THAT DEALERS WOULD REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALER REPORTEDLY STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING), THE DEALER DID NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE AS WRITTEN IN THE RECALL. THE RECALL STATED THAT DEALERS WOULD REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE DEALER REPORTEDLY STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE POWER STEERING RESERVOIR AND LINES, AND THAT REPLACING THE POWER STEERING PUMP WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DISCREPANCY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10950170

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2017
Power Train

THE CAR WE PURCHASED FOR MY 20 YEAR OLD SON IN JANUARY 2016 HAS HAD SEVERAL REPEATED TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND A DEFECTIVE SUN ROOF. AFTER THREE WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP, THE CAR'S AT CODE APPEARED AND THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON TWO OCCASIONS AND WAS TOWED TO RUSS TRANSMISSION IN TOUGHKENNAMON, PA. AS A RESULT AND TO OUR SHOCK AND DISMAY, I…

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THE CAR WE PURCHASED FOR MY 20 YEAR OLD SON IN JANUARY 2016 HAS HAD SEVERAL REPEATED TRANSMISSION ISSUES AND A DEFECTIVE SUN ROOF. AFTER THREE WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP, THE CAR'S AT CODE APPEARED AND THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON TWO OCCASIONS AND WAS TOWED TO RUSS TRANSMISSION IN TOUGHKENNAMON, PA. AS A RESULT AND TO OUR SHOCK AND DISMAY, IN FEBRUARY, THE CAR HAD A $2800 REBUILT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. CONVERSELY, AFTER SIX RETURN VISITS TO THE TRANSMISSION MECHANIC, HE HAS REPLACED THE CELLENOIDS, THE COMPUTER AND ASSOCIATED WIRES. HOWEVER, THE CAR CONTINUES TO CODE "AT" WITHIN 3 DAYS OF EACH OF THE 6 RETURN VISITS TO THE MECHANIC.! LIKE THE TRANSMISSION MECHANIC AND MY 21 YEAR OLD SON, WE ARE BOTH FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY WITH MAZDA AND THE VEHICLE! PLEASE PROVIDE A SOLUTION OR ASSIST US WITH THIS FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MAZDA. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU. THANK YOU [XXX] [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*JB

NHTSA ODI #10949649

111,000 miles · Oct 14, 2016
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL ON ITS OWN AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO TRACTION …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL ON ITS OWN AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO TRACTION CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

NHTSA ODI #10916046

115,000 miles · Sep 19, 2016
Air Bags

THE AIR BAG WORNING LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF AS I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD. TRUNING, GOING OVER A BUMP ETC. I WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT IS ON...

NHTSA ODI #10907690

37,000 miles · Sep 9, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

A FEW YEARS AGO UPON WASHING MY CAR I NOTICED MY TAIL LIGHTS LOOKED A BIT ODD SO I TOOK A CLOSER LOOK AND REALIZED THEY HAD MELTED TO THE POINT THEY WERE DEFORMED AND AS A RESULT THE LIGHT EMITTED IS FAR LESS THAN WHEN IN TACT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THEM UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH MY WARRANTY EXPIRED…

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A FEW YEARS AGO UPON WASHING MY CAR I NOTICED MY TAIL LIGHTS LOOKED A BIT ODD SO I TOOK A CLOSER LOOK AND REALIZED THEY HAD MELTED TO THE POINT THEY WERE DEFORMED AND AS A RESULT THE LIGHT EMITTED IS FAR LESS THAN WHEN IN TACT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THEM UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH MY WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THEY ASSURED ME IT WAS A FLUKE ISSUE AND THAT IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. WELL LAST WEEKEND I GO TO PLACE GROCERIES IN MY TRUNK AND SAW THEY LOOKED MELTED AGAIN. AFTER A CLOSER LOOK THEY HAD INDEED MELTED AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME EVEN WORSE THAT BEFORE AND THEY EMIT EVEN LESS LIGHT THAN THE FIRST TIME AROUND. AFTER A LITTLE RESEARCH IT'S BECOME APPARENT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE FOR A MULTITUDE OF MAZDA MODELS. ONLINE FORUMS ARE FULL OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE BOTH ON THE MAZDA 3 AND A WIDE ARRAY OF DIFFERENT MAZDA MODELS. THE MAZDA, 5 AND EVEN THE CX9 ALL HAVE THIS VERY ISSUE AND ALMOST EVERYONE STATED THE LIGHT OUTPUT WAS VERY SUBDUED AND IN A FEW CASES NO LIGHT AT ALL OR THE HOUSING MELTED SO BADLY IT BROKE THE LIGHT COMPLETELY AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO CHANGE OUT THE BULB, AND RATHER, HAD TO PURCHASE BRAND NEW TAILLIGHTS. I JUST CALLED MAZDA USA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT SINCE MY CAR IS SO FAR OUT OF WARRANTY THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, SO I EXPLAINED IT'S NOT A COSMETIC OR AESTHETIC ISSUE, BUT A SAFETY ISSUE AND THOUGH THE REP AGREED IT WAS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE, EVEN AMONG CURRENT MODELS BEING SOLD, HE INSISTED THAT SINCE MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM!!! HOW CAN SO MANY UNITS FROM SO MANY MODELS HAVE THIS SAME SAFETY ISSUE AND IT NOT HAVE BEEN RECALLED???!?!?!?!? THIS IS AN OUTRAGE AND EVENTUALLY IT WILL END IN CATASTROPHE AND HOPEFULLY IT'S NOT WITH ME! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF NECESSARY. I'D BE GLAD TO HELP. MAZDA SERVICE IS PRETTY TERRIBLE AS IT IS BUT THIS IS INSANE!

NHTSA ODI #10904985

40,000 miles · Jul 7, 2016
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10883327

70,000 miles · Jun 10, 2016
Wheels

2 TPMS SENSOR VALVE STEMS WERE CORRODED, WHILE FILLING THE TIRES WITH AIR THE STEMS BROKE OFF CAUSING TIRES TO GO FLAT. THE REMAINING 2 DID NOT LOOK ANY BETTER. HAD TIRE DEALER REPLACE ALL 4 AT $280 DOLLARS

NHTSA ODI #10873709

118,000 miles · May 23, 2016
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V374000 (STEERING), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

NHTSA ODI #10870348

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.