The day after the GM recall of crossover SUVs was announced, a Mazda recall was announced as well. The Mazda recall is a tad more serious, as the defect in question is more vital than the GM recall. Mazda has noticed a flaw in the power steering system, whereas GM merely has some issues with seat belts. Mazda had noted the very same problem in Japan last year, and waited to see if the defect manifested in American models. Mazda is issuing a recall in the United States to address the flaw.
Steer to a dealership
As outlined by the New York Times, the defect is a flaw in the power steering pump system. The power steering system can build internal rust, which can flake off to the power steering pump, causing the pump to stop working properly or shut off completely. The power steering system could potentially shut off, causing steering to be far more difficult and potentially cause an accident. Mazda knew of the problem by June of 2009, and also the business has been keeping an eye out for how many autos it occurred in.
Japan was where they found out
The business observed the problem in Japan, and started an “improvement campaign,” or a recall in all but name. The incidence rate was higher than it has been within the U.S. Mazda preemptively notified Mazda dealers and provided technical data on how the problem should be fixed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started an investigation, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The NHTSA received 33 reports, of which 3 were from accidents that occurred.
The Mazda makes and models
Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 models from the 2007 through 2009 years are subject to the recall, of which you will find 215,000 in America. Owners should take them in to an authorized Mazda dealership to have the problem fixed. Power steering issues are serious. If the steering column locks up and you also can’t steer the automobile also, that can lead to a crash.
Additional data at these websites
New York Times
wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/17/mazda-recalls-215000-cars-for-power-steering-problem/
Salt Lake Tribune
sltrib.com/sltrib/money/50126001-79/mazda-vehicles-seat-problems.html.csp
