On 8/24/10 I was driving in sf city traffic as I neared an intersection, my power steering on my 2008 Mazda 5 failed. I pulled over into a red zone, barely out of traffic, and turned off the car. I read the manual and it suggested turning the car on again. I did but the steering light remained on. I moved the car (with difficulty and no small amount of stress) to a safer location. I called Mazda…
2008 Mazda Mazda5 steering problems
severe 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 37 steering complaints filed for the 2008 Mazda Mazda5, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 7 model years of Mazda Mazda5 we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 37.
Steering accounts for 55% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Power steering on 2008 Mazda5 models frequently fails without warning, leaving drivers with heavy, unassisted steering and potential collision risk. Even with low mileage, owners face $1,000+ repair costs after the 3-year warranty expires, and Mazda has issued only a technical service bulletin rather than a recall despite knowing about the defect for years.
Owners report the 2008 Mazda5 power steering system fails intermittently and without warning, with the steering wheel becoming extremely heavy or completely unresponsive. The power steering warning light illuminates when failure occurs. Failures happen at any speed—from low-speed parking maneuvers to highway driving—and can occur as early as 3,000 miles but are more common between 8,000–50,000 miles. Heat and idling appear to trigger failures more often; one owner noted the system failed after the car sat idling 20 minutes on a warm day. In most cases, drivers report power steering returns after the engine is shut off, allowed to cool, and restarted, though some failures require hours of cool-down time. One owner reports the replacement pump itself failed. Mazda issued Technical Service Bulletin 06-002/09 for certain 2007–2009 model year vehicles, identifying contamination (corrosion) inside power steering lines as the cause. The bulletin covers only specific VIN ranges produced between April 2007 and November 2008. Repair typically requires pump and hose replacement, costing around $1,000 or more with labor. Parts frequently backordered—some owners waited 15 weeks for repair. Warranty coverage ends at 36,000 miles, leaving owners responsible for costs. No full recall has been issued despite owners noting online forums with persistent complaints and one report that Mazda knew of the defect for two years before taking action.
Same Mazda Mazda5 steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent power steering loss with heavy steering effort
Power steering system fails intermittently, causing steering wheel to become extremely heavy or immovable. Power steering warning light illuminates on dashboard. System typically restores function after vehicle is shut off, allowed to cool, and restarted. Occurs unpredictably during normal driving, low-speed maneuvers, or after extended idling in warm conditions.
When: Can occur as early as 3,000 miles; commonly reported between 8,000–50,000 miles. More frequent in hot weather or after vehicle has been idling or in traffic. After restart cycles and cool-down.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely heavy or difficult to turn; Power steering warning light illuminates on dashboard; Occasional check engine light illumination; Engine stalling in some cases; Vibration in steering wheel reported in at least one complaint; Steering may lock up completely in severe cases
Codes mentioned: C1099 (Electro-Hydraulic Power Assist Steering [EHPAS] circuit fault), Power steering malfunction indicator stored in memory
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repairs typically involve replacement of power steering pump and/or power steering hose. Owners cite repair costs around $1,000 including labor and parts; pump alone cited at $650+. Extended backorder delays reported (5–15 weeks in some cases). One complaint notes replacement part was defective and resulted in loss of steering ability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda TSB 06-002/09 issued for 2007–2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles (certain VIN ranges, produced April 1, 2007 – November 4, 2008). TSB attributes problem to contamination (corrosion) inside power steering lines that stick in pump and lower revolution speed, causing system fail-safe activation. No full recall issued; Mazda offered TSB repair procedure only. One complaint indicates Mazda was about to issue recall notices (August 2010) and that Japanese management knew of issue for 2 years prior.
Contamination-induced power steering pump malfunction
Power steering pump intermittently shuts down, with diagnostic code C1099 indicating hydroelectric power steering pump circuit fault. Problem stems from contamination (corrosion, debris) inside power steering lines that lodges in the pump, reducing pump speed and triggering fail-safe mode.
When: Occurs unpredictably; some complaints note increased frequency after extended idling or in hot/traffic conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering light illuminates; Steering effort becomes extremely heavy; Pump shuts down intermittently without warning
Codes mentioned: C1099 (Hydroelectric Power Steering Pump Circuit Fault – Intermittently Shuts Down)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair per Mazda TSB involves replacement of pump and hose assembly. One documented repair cost approximately $1,000. Parts frequently on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda TSB 06-002/09 identifies root cause as contamination (corrosion) inside power steering lines. TSB provides repair procedure for affected vehicles.
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Loss of power steering two times on my Mazda 5. *tr
First incident, power steering was lost while making a u-turn. Warning light illuminated. Regained power after half an hour. Second incident, attempted to avoid a swerving car, but steering wheel locked up and could not control vehicle. Ended up spinning out and crashed into another car and the center median. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda 5. While driving various speeds, the power steering assist lost control and all the instrument panel indicators briefly illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1-2284518588. The failure mileage was 179,889.
Power steering failed three times yesterday. Dash light came on and steering got very heavy although I was able to muscle the car through turns. Day was very hot and we were driving in an urban environment. I did what the owners' manual said - stopped and shut off the car, waited a few seconds and restarted the car. In two out of the three instances the power steering light had gone out and…
Mazda 3 and 5 power steering failure. This is currently covered by Mazda tsb: 06-002/09 I think Mazda should issue a recall for the affected parts. Loss of power steering can be very dangerous for people with limited physical strength. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2008 Mazda Mazda5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Mazda Mazda5?
It's a meaningful issue. 37 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 33 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 19,718 and 53,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,718; a quarter make it past 53,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mazda/Mazda5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.