NHTSA — Steering Problems

2008 Mazda MAZDA3 (Page 2 of 6)

CarComplaints.com Notes: Except for a minor issue with cracked motor mounts, the 2008 MAZDA3 is a fantastic vehicle with a great reputation.

If you need to replace the motor mounts, first ask your dealer if they'll cover it -- the motor mounts were dealt with in a TSB & were recalled for some model years. Otherwise buy aftermarket motor mounts -- owners report this solves the problem. If you use the same OEM parts, they may just crack again.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,216 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Mazda MAZDA3 steering problems

steering problem

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2008 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #88

Mar 272014

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 68,606 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In the past month the radio, lights, the cluster, all shut down and restart as driving. Last night as driving on telegraph rd, 45 mph, the power steering suddenly stopped working, I could not control the car, and another vehicle behind me almost hit me, as I was switching in neutral, and back in drive. All of the sudden regain control and was able to turn right into a parking lot. I remember having this issue back in Jan. Of 2011, and there was a recall for it, that I have had fixed. The pattern is that I bought the vehicle in 2008, 3 years later - in 2011 the recall took care of the defective part, and now, 3 years after the replacement the same issue arise. This is very dangerous, can cause accidents, as is happens as driving unexpectedly.

- Dearborn, MI, USA

problem #87

Nov 012013

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 54,000 miles
This is not directly related to the power steering pump recall issue. The recall work has been performed on this vehicle by the dealer. I am writing to complain about a bigger issue regarding "design negligence" by Mazda as it relates to the placement of the power steering pump on this 2008-3. you see, the pump (an itegral part of the steering and vehicle safety control system) is mounted outside the car's frame, just forward of the passenger front tire. It is basically just behind the passenger headlight/foglight/bumper/quarter panel assembly. This location makes it very susceptible to damage in even minor accidents, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable and unsafe in the very instant where control and maneuverability may keep others from being injured or killed. What brought this to my attention was when a deer recently ran into this very location and rendered the vehicle uncontrollable and therefore undrivable. My daughter (who sustained a concussion) was driving the car at the time and was very shocked and surprised that even though the car was technically drivable (minus quarter panel, leadlight/foglight and part of the bumper cover) she could not physically steer the car. In addition, the officer writing up the accident report tried to maneuver the car off of the road to a safer location and was also unable to physically steer the car. There was nothing obstructing the turning of the wheel in either direction. I would hate to think what might have happened if this accident occurred at a higher speed and on a busier roadway or highway. This type of public health safety and welfare issue needs to be investigated and prosecuted. Car manufacturers need to be made to locate critical safety, handling, and manueverability components/equipment in places afforded some reasonable measure of protection and survivability in minor traffic accidents.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

problem #86

Jun 062013

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
My steering is tight unavailable to drive.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #85

Aug 152012

MAZDA3

  • 82,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 10V374000 (steering:electric power assist system) and was repaired. After the recall repair while driving approximately 5 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning light also illuminated on the instrument panel. In addition, the interior and exterior lighting failed. The failure recurred intermittently while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

problem #84

Aug 102012

MAZDA3

  • 55,000 miles
At approximately 55 miles an hour the in-tire pressure monitoring system's rim attaching nut corroded off of the valve stem on the tire. Tire pressure dropped immediately and had to stop and pull off the road. The valve stem fell into the tire once pulled over and inspected. All 4 tires all corroded evenly and need to have the stems and nuts replaced. I've opted for a rubber valve stem whilst submitting complaints. I still have not had the 3 other tires fixed. Replacement non-aluminum TPMS are 35-50 a piece + installation. 1. cheap nuts that crack and fall off tire stems. 2. aluminum stems that corrode completely removing the threads. 3. high speed crash hazard.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #83

May 212012

MAZDA3

  • 46,000 miles
While driving approx 75 mph on a highway, my power steering suddenly failed, and simultaneously my brakes failed (felt like they locked up, as they became extremely difficult to push pedal). I had to shift suddenly in to neutral in order to reduce my speed and pull safely to the shoulder. This same incident also occurred on 8/10/2012.

- Easton, PA, USA

problem #82

May 022012

MAZDA3

  • 30,633 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Sudden loss of power steering while traveling at moderate speed. Upon sudden loss of power steering the car pulled heavily to the right causing me to nearly hit a large tree on this very narrow road.

- Greensburg, PA, USA

problem #81

Apr 062012

MAZDA3

  • 49,150 miles
I started the car, put it in reverse and began backing out. As the car began to move the steering felt sluggish like the power steering was not working. The condition lasted a few seconds then cleared up. That happened twice more as I was backing out. Whenever the steering became sluggish some of the warning lights turned on (low tire, ABS, brake, oil, etc). They turned off whenever the steering returned to normal. The condition seemed to clear itself so I put the car in drive and went a few hundred feet. The sluggish steering and flashing warning lights began again. I stopped the car, left the engine running and checked the tires, power steering belt, and power steering fluid level. All were ok. At this point I shut off the engine and removed the key. The speedometer and tachometer needles oscillated wildly from end to end for several seconds. The warning lights were also on. After waiting for the instrumentation to settle to the normal off state, I inserted the key and attempted to start the vehicle. There was no electrical power whatever, like the battery had been removed. I removed the key waited 15 seconds and attempted to start the engine again. That time the car started as expected. I drove the car slowly for a few minutes and there was no recurrence of the problem. The car has been driven several hundred miles since then with no recurrence of the steering issue or flashing warning lights.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #80

Sep 152011

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 72,773 miles
Vehicle was traveling in left lane on interstate and suddenly turned into concrete divider.

- Kimberly, AL, USA

problem #79

Aug 312011

MAZDA3

  • 25,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. While driving approximately 35 mph, the contact experienced a loss of electronic power steering assist and as a result, crashed into a curb. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostics where the technicians advised the contact of NHTSA campaign id number: 10V374000 (steering:electric power assist system), which the vehicle was included. The technician agreed to repair the vehicle under the recall but would not cover the repairs for the damage to the wheel due to the crash. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #78

Sep 012010

MAZDA3

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received a recall notice associated with NHTSA campaign id number 10V374000 (steering:electric power assist system). An authorized dealer was notified and the contact was informed that they were waiting on the necessary parts to arrive before performing the repair. Approximately one year later, the contact was still being informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

- Orange Grove, TX, USA

problem #77

Jan 202011

MAZDA3

  • 24,334 miles
My car was included in a Mazda recall of the power steering system. Since the repair was completed my steering has performed in an erratic, unpredictable and sometimes dangerous manner. In three trips to the dealer the car performed normally and because no fault codes were generated, no repairs were performed. However this does not negate the fact that the steering is failing and that my safety is being compromised.

- Watauga, TX, USA

problem #76

Mar 222011

MAZDA3

  • 23,750 miles
I was driving my 2008 Mazda 3 on I-75 on 3/22/2011 when I suddenly lost the power steering and the car became impossible to steer. I continued drifting to the right uncontrollably, struck a road sign, and ultimately ended up in a ditch. This all occurred 12 days after I took the car to the Mazda dealership to replace the recalled power steering pump. I don't understand how this can happen only 12 days after the power steering pump and pump line were replaced. I wonder if the pump had indeed been replaced or if a new pump was installed correctly. Or maybe the new pump is just as defective as the old pump!!! it will cost $8,000-$10,000 to repair the damage and I am now responsible for the $1,000 insurance deductible. The only good news is that the side impact and head airbags were deployed and that I was not injured badly. I feel that Mazda should be held responsible and should be ashamed of how they have handled this recall. I have read many of the complaints on this site and others and there is no question in my mind that this accident was caused by the failure of the power steering system.

- New Port Richey, FL, USA

problem #75

Sep 152010

MAZDA3

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. The vehicle was included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 10V374000 (steering:electric power assist system). The contact was told by the dealer that the parts necessary to complete the remedy were on short supply. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the parts had been on short supply for approximately five months, prevented the vehicle from being repaired. The failure and current mileage was unavailable.

- Eureka, CA, USA

problem #74

Jan 012011

MAZDA3

  • miles
I was advised of a recall for a potential power steering (#6010H) in September of 2010. Unless you already had the symptoms, they advised to do nothing until a second notice was sent, as parts were in short supply. It would seem 4+ months would be more than adequate time to secure the parts. I drive on windy 2 lane mountainous roads every workday; failure of power steering assist on these roads could be deadly. Why is it taking Mazda so long to correct this problem?

- Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

problem #73

Jan 192011

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 72,500 miles
I have a 2008 Mazda 3 with power steering issues. I did get the recall repair fixed in Oct 2010 but the same issue occurred again this week (Jan 19th 2011). I took the vehicle to the dealership and they tell me that it is the electrical part of the recalled pump and not part of the recall. They refused to repair it or show me other cases like this that where taken care of but not mine. I have reviewed close to 1000 complaints and issues where Mazda paid for a loaner car and made car payments until this issue was fixed. I am not wiling to pay $920 for an issue that should be covered 100% by the dealer with this recall. This is very dangerous and I am willing to go to the next step to make sure justice is taken care of before a death happens (more deaths) from the lack of responsibility of Mazda.

- Wheeling, WV, USA

problem #72

Oct 262010

MAZDA3

  • 10,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. The contact was driving approximately 32 mph when she attempted to avoid an animal. The contact steered to the left but the vehicle instead violently veered to the left causing her to crash into an embankment. The vehicle proceeded to roll over once crashing and the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained head injuries as a result. A police report was available. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.

- Rotonda West, FL, USA

problem #71

Dec 312010

MAZDA3

  • 33,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. The contact was driving approximately 60 mph when the steering wheel became abnormally stiff causing the contact limited ability to steer the vehicle. The contact was unable to maneuver the vehicle and was involved in a crash. A police report was available. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and was not diagnosed for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages was 33,000.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #70

Oct 232010

MAZDA3 4-cyl

  • 19,800 miles
Power steering failed on 2008 Mazda 3 causing a crash. Mazda has acknowledged the problem on the vehicle in it's letter to Mazda 3 owners but stated it had no parts to repair the defect. While still waiting for an official recall notice from Mazda, the power steering on our car failed on a busy city street causing the driver loose control of the vehicle which resulted in a crash.

- New Canaanc, CT, USA

problem #69

Sep 152010

MAZDA3

  • 51,642 miles
On 9/15/10 my daughter was driving her '08 Mazda3 in NJ on int. 78 when her power steering failed and she lost the ability to steer the car.. the car had to be towed 40 mi. To our mechanic where the mechanic discovered and informed us of the recall. She has not been notified by Mazda of this significant threat to her safety.

- Metuchen, NJ, USA

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