IllustrationTIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON I PULLED OVER AND VALVE STEM BLEW A PIN OUT. ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE CALLED TO HELP ME AND VERIFIED IT WAS A PRESSURE VALVE STEM FAULT. SEEMS TO BE A LONG REPORTED ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND YEAR. WAS INFORMED TO CHECK ALL OTHER TIRE STEMS FOR DEFECTS. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all MAZDA3 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
400–25K
2925–50K
1350–75K
1175–100K
4100–150K
0150K+
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
Tires complaints
26 reportsMAZDA HAS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE VALVE STEMS BREAKING EVEN WITH THE OEM CAPS BUT THEY STILL INSIST OPERATOR ERROR AND OR THERE WHERE AFTERMARKET ONES ON AT THE TIME OF THE BREAKAGE. *TR
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE TPMS WARNING CAME ON. ON INSPECTION THE TIRE VALVE WAS MISSING, IT LOOKED SHEERED OFF. TOOK THE CAR INTO A TIRE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT CENTER AND HAD A NEW TPMS VALVE INSTALLED. I'VE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY…
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DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE TPMS WARNING CAME ON. ON INSPECTION THE TIRE VALVE WAS MISSING, IT LOOKED SHEERED OFF. TOOK THE CAR INTO A TIRE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT CENTER AND HAD A NEW TPMS VALVE INSTALLED. I'VE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE IN MAZDA 3'S, AND LIKELY MANY MAZDA'S. AT THE TIME, I CONTACTED A MAZDA DEALER WHO OFFERED NO EXPLANATION AS TO HOW A VALVE STEM CAN SHEER CLEAN OFF WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT, CLEAN HIGHWAY. ALL THEY OFFERED WAS A REPLACEMENT PART, NOT WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS UNDER THE BASIC WARRANTY AT THE TIME. SINCE THEN WE'VE HAD ANOTHER TIRE AIR VALVE SHEER OFF ON A SECOND MAZDA 3 (2009) WE HAVE. WE BOUGHT 2 - 2009 MAZDA 3'S AT THE SAME TIME. THE SECOND MAZDA 3 HAD LOW TIRE PRESSURE. ON INSPECTION, THE VALVE CAP WAS REMOVED AND THE VALVE BROKE OFF. IT BROKE WAS THE CAP WAS BEING REMOVED. THIS IS A VERYDANGEROUS CONDITION AS THESE THINGS CAN SHEER OFF ANY TIME WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION, AND YOU HAVE A SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. WE'VE NOW EXPERIENCED 2 FAILURES ON 2 CARS, AND ONE FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED THAT RESULTED IN A VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE FOR A YOUNGER LADY OF COLLEGE AGE. THIS IS DANGEROUS. MAZDA NEEDS TO PROPERLY ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AND MANUFACTURE A PROPER VALVE THAT CAN BE USED IN A VERY COMMON USE SCENARIO, NAMELY, DRIVING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN SALT IS BEING USED FOR SAFETY REASONS. THAT SHOULD NOT BE USED AS AN EXCUSE AS TO WHY THAT PART FAILS. HERE ARE AT LEAST A COUPLE OF WEBSITES WHERE YOU CAN SEE THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON. HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2009/MAZDA/MAZDA3/TIRES/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2009/MAZDA/MAZDA3/TIRE+PRESSURE+MONITORING+SYSTEM. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE VALVE STEMS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS HAD CORRODED AND THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA 3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE VALVE STEMS ON ALL FOUR WHEELS HAD CORRODED AND THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE VALVE STEMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED BECAUSE THE CORROSION WAS DUE TO SALT ON THE ROAD THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,110. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF UPDATED 09/07/11
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER VALVE STEM CASTING WAS DISINTEGRATED. ALSO, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE VALVE STEM CASTING WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDEN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MAZDA MAZDA 3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER VALVE STEM CASTING WAS DISINTEGRATED. ALSO, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE VALVE STEM CASTING WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SENSOR AND VALVE STEM WERE REMOVED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE VALVE STEM WITH A STANDARD VALVE STEM YET THE SENSOR WAS NOT REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A SECOND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO REPAIR THE CRACKED TIRE VALVE STEM ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE VALVES WOULD EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS FOR THOSE VALVES WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE VALVES HAD NOT FAILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF
I HAVE HAD MY 2009 MAZDA 3 SINCE OCT. OF 2009 AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRE SENSORS. THE TIRE SENSORS ARE MADE OF ALUMINUM AND METAL AND THEY KEEP BREAKING. EVERYTIME I TURN AROUND MY TIRE SENSORS ARE FALLING APART OR BREAKING OFF, LEAVING ME WITH FLAT TIRES! WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE DEFLATES AT AN ACCELERATED RA…
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I HAVE HAD MY 2009 MAZDA 3 SINCE OCT. OF 2009 AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRE SENSORS. THE TIRE SENSORS ARE MADE OF ALUMINUM AND METAL AND THEY KEEP BREAKING. EVERYTIME I TURN AROUND MY TIRE SENSORS ARE FALLING APART OR BREAKING OFF, LEAVING ME WITH FLAT TIRES! WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE DEFLATES AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. REFER TO ODI ID # 10357809 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. FOR I HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YRS. *TR
ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 2010 I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 MAZDA 3 WHEN I HAD A SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE, WHEN I LOOKED AT THE TIRE I NOTICED THE TIRE VALVE HAD SHEARED CLEAN OFF THE TIRE. TODAY (2/13/11) I FILLED MY TIRES WITH AIR AND A SECOND TIRE VALVE SHEARED OFF IN THE PROCESS CAUSING THE TIRE TO RAPIDLY DEFLATE. I'VE NOW HAD TWO T…
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ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 2010 I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 MAZDA 3 WHEN I HAD A SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE, WHEN I LOOKED AT THE TIRE I NOTICED THE TIRE VALVE HAD SHEARED CLEAN OFF THE TIRE. TODAY (2/13/11) I FILLED MY TIRES WITH AIR AND A SECOND TIRE VALVE SHEARED OFF IN THE PROCESS CAUSING THE TIRE TO RAPIDLY DEFLATE. I'VE NOW HAD TWO TIRE STEMS ON A 3 YEAR OLD CAR SNAP OFF (ONCE WHILE IN MOTION, ONCE WHILE FILLING IT WITH AIR) IN LESS THEN 6 MONTHS? I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DEFECT IN MATERIAL AND NOT A RARE OCCURRENCE! I HAVE NOTICED MANY OTHER MAZDA OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THIS ISSUE ONLINE. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN AT HIGH SPEEDS IF THIS VALVE FAILURE OCCURRED. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SAFETY ISSUE!!!! *TR
STEM VALUE BROKE OFF WHEN I PUT THE AIR CAP AFTER THE TIRE WAS REFILLED WITH AIR. *TR
I PURCHASED A NEW 2009 MAZDA 3. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND ON TWO DIFFERENT TIRES I HAVE EXPERIENCED A TPMS ALARM FOLLOWED BY A RAPID DEFLATION OF TIRE PRESSURE DUE TO THE TIRE VALVE STEM BREAKING OFF. FORTUITOUSLY, BOTH TIMES THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AT A LOW RATES OF SPEED. I AM CONCERNED OF THE …
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I PURCHASED A NEW 2009 MAZDA 3. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND ON TWO DIFFERENT TIRES I HAVE EXPERIENCED A TPMS ALARM FOLLOWED BY A RAPID DEFLATION OF TIRE PRESSURE DUE TO THE TIRE VALVE STEM BREAKING OFF. FORTUITOUSLY, BOTH TIMES THIS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AT A LOW RATES OF SPEED. I AM CONCERNED OF THE CONSEQUENCES IF THIS OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MAZDA CLAIMS THIS IS DUE TO CORROSION INDUCED BY METAL AFTER-MARKET VALVE STEM CAPS, BUT THE CAPS I HAVE ARE FACTORY ORIGINAL AND APPEAR TO BE MADE OF PLASTIC. I BELIEVE MAZDA HAS A DESIGN/MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION ISSUE WITH THESE ALUMINUM VALVES STEMS AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE REDESIGNED AND REPLACED. IN BOTH CASES I HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAVE NEW STEMS INSTALLED BUT I NOW FEAR THE REMAINING ORIGINAL STEMS WILL SHEAR OFF OR THE PROBLEM WILL REPEAT ITSELF WITH THE NEW STEMS. *LN
HAD MY MAZDA 3 OIL CHANGED TODAY AND FOUND OUT THAT IT NEEDED NEW TIRES - AT JUST UNDER 15,600 MILES. I HAD THESE TIRES ROTATED AT JUST UNDER 6,000 MILES AND JUST UNDER 12,000 MILES. THE DEFECT IS DUE TO THE ALIGNMENT SET AT THE FACTORY, THAT CAUSES THE REAR TIRES TO "TILT IN AT THE TOP" TO IMPROVE HANDLING. I AM HAVING TO PAY …
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HAD MY MAZDA 3 OIL CHANGED TODAY AND FOUND OUT THAT IT NEEDED NEW TIRES - AT JUST UNDER 15,600 MILES. I HAD THESE TIRES ROTATED AT JUST UNDER 6,000 MILES AND JUST UNDER 12,000 MILES. THE DEFECT IS DUE TO THE ALIGNMENT SET AT THE FACTORY, THAT CAUSES THE REAR TIRES TO "TILT IN AT THE TOP" TO IMPROVE HANDLING. I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR (4) NEW TIRES AND PAYING AN EXTRA CHARGE TO GET THE ALIGNMENT SET CORRECTLY. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER MAZDA PRODUCT. IF THIS DEFECT AT NOT BEEN FOUND TODAY, THE WAY THE REAR TIRES LOOKED, I POSSIBLY COULD HAVE HAD A BLOWOUT OVER THE NEXT 3,000 TO 5,000 MILES. *TR
Official recalls
311V329000 · 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
1PE10021 · 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.