More than a year ago Mazda began an effort to repair potentially faulty power steering pumps and pipes for over 200,000 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles in the U.S., but with fewer vehicles being repaired than hoped, the Japanese automaker has decided to move forward with a full recall.
The recall, which is already posted on Mazda USA’s website, applies to over 200,000 model year 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles in the U.S. According to Automotive News, the recall became official after Mazda notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of its intentions to recall the vehicle late last week.
NHTSA was previously aware of the issues with the affected vehicles as it has received some 33 complaints about power steering failure, which resulted in three accidents after drivers were unable to control their vehicles. Despite the three accidents being attributed to the faulty power steering system, Mazda explains that at no points should drivers lose control of their vehicles, as the loss of power steering will only increase the required amount of input in order to achieve desired steering of the vehicles.
The failure of the power steering systems is being blamed on rust forming within the power steering pump, introduced during manufacturing.
References
1.’Mazda recalls more than 200,000…’ view
