The dominant complaint is sudden loss of power steering assist—the steering wheel abruptly becomes stiff and nearly impossible to turn, often while the driver is navigating a turn or already under way. The power steering warning light typically illuminates. Most owners report the assist returns after shutting off and restarting the engine, or after the vehicle cools down, but the loss can happen at any moment: stopped at a red light, idling in traffic, making a parking lot turn, or at highway speed in heavy traffic.
Several owners describe a related electrical event: the entire vehicle loses power momentarily (all indicator lights illuminate, engine shuts off), then restarts. When this happens, power steering is the last system to come back online, leaving the driver manually steering through the turn. One owner noted this escalated from once monthly to every outing within a few months.
Mazda issued recall 10V374000 in 2010 for 2007–2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles (April 2007 through November 2008 manufacture), replacing the power steering pump and lines. However, multiple owners report their vehicles are excluded from the recall despite experiencing the exact symptoms described in the recall notice. A few owners have had pumps, lines, and tubing replaced under warranty. One incident involved a fractured right front control arm that disabled the vehicle in a parking lot. Additional complaints cite TPMS valve corrosion, steering wheel hub separation, and a squeaking steering column.
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of Power Steering Assist (Temporary)
Power steering assist suddenly stops working while driving, then returns after restarting the engine or waiting. Owners report the steering wheel becomes very stiff and hard to turn, making vehicle difficult to control. Power steering warning light illuminates on dashboard during the failure.
When: Random timing, often during turns or while braking; some incidents correlated with hot weather (90–100+ degrees); some episodes occur while idling in traffic or at stops
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving; Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn; Power steering warning light illuminates; Power assist returns after engine restart or cool-down; Difficulty maneuvering vehicle during failure
Repairs/costs cited: Mazda dealers replaced power steering pump and lines (free under recall 10V374000); some dealers also replaced steering hoses, assembly, and fluid; one owner reported $1,400 repair cost (covered by warranty) for fluid contamination, fluid lines, and other equipment replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 10V374000 (issued Aug 2010, began Sept 2010): Mazda recalled 2007–2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured April 2, 2007 through Nov 30, 2008 for possible sudden loss of power steering assist. Remedy: replace power steering pump and lines free of charge. However, many complainants report their VINs were excluded from the recall despite experiencing identical symptoms. Dealers have acknowledged this as an ongoing problem but some owners report the car was excluded from the recall.
Power Loss Event Affecting Steering (Electrical)
Vehicle experiences a complete power loss (all electrical systems shut down momentarily) triggered during certain driving conditions—particularly when both blinker and brake are applied. Power steering is the last system to come back online, leaving the driver without power assist while finishing the turn. Owner describes it as a 'quick reset' that lasts 3–6 seconds and occurs increasingly frequently.
When: Triggered when turning and braking simultaneously (especially when blinker and brake applied together); frequency escalated from once per month to every outing over 3–4 months
Symptoms owners cite: All electrical systems shut off momentarily while turning; Power steering does not reset with the rest of the car; Steering wheel becomes difficult to maneuver for 3–6 seconds after power returns; Owner completes turn without power steering
Right Front Control Arm Breakage
Factory-original welded control arm completely fractured in two while vehicle was being backed out of a parking space. Owner and law enforcement noted that had this occurred at highway speed, the failure would have caused the wheel to slam down, the vehicle to swerve violently, and likely result in a rollover and multi-vehicle crash. Manufacturer stated the powertrain warranty had expired and refused responsibility, citing the welded design as cost-cutting rather than a defect.
When: At approximately 40 mph equivalent stress (parking lot backing)
Symptoms owners cite: Visible fracture of right front control arm in two pieces; Complete loss of steering control on right side; Vehicle totally disabled
Repairs/costs cited: Part was factory-original welded metal assembly; owner claims welded construction is inherently weaker than solid steel
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda refused to accept responsibility, citing expired powertrain warranty
Cracked Steering Tubing (Moisture Intrusion)
Cracks in power steering tubing allow moisture to enter the system, causing internal corrosion and shorting out the electronic pump. Dealer confirmed this as a known problem but it was not flagged as a recall issue. Owner reports the car was deemed unsafe to drive.
When: During normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power steering failure; Power steering warning light illuminates; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced power steering tubing and pump at no cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged this as a known problem but no recall was issued; parts replaced under warranty
Vehicle Electrical Shutdown During Driving
Vehicle shuts down completely during normal driving (all indicator lights illuminate before shutdown). Engine and all systems cut off momentarily, then restart. Power steering does not fully recover until after the vehicle has been driven a short distance. Incidents occur increasingly often and have happened on highway exits and in intersections.
When: Random timing; frequency increased from rare to several times per month; instances noted on highway exits and during intersection turns
Symptoms owners cite: All indicator lights illuminate on dashboard; Engine and electrical systems shut off completely; Vehicle momentarily loses all power; Power steering does not immediately recover after restart; Power steering functionality returns after driving a brief distance
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reported visiting dealer monthly (at least 3 times) with video evidence; dealer unable to resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner received recall notice for 10V374000 (power steering) and returned car around 36,000 miles for repair; problem worsened after recall service
TPMS Valve Stem Corrosion and Failure
Tire pressure monitoring system valve stem loses the retaining nut, allowing the valve to fall into the tire and create a large hole. Valve assembly is heavily corroded and can be easily snapped in half. At least two valves on the vehicle have failed. Mazda refuses to acknowledge the problem and suggests continuing to drive with the remaining sensors.
When: Highway driving; second failure four months after first failure
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clattering noise from wheel well during highway driving; Valve stem falls into tire, creating large hole; Tire destroyed; vehicle shakes and veers to the left; Valve stem heavily corroded
Repairs/costs cited: Tire destroyed and replaced; TPMS valve assembly showing heavy corrosion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mazda refuses to acknowledge defect and suggests driver continue operating with remaining sensors
Steering Wheel Hub Separation
Steering wheel center hub is separating from the steering wheel rim, creating visible gaps on either side of the hub panel where the horn and airbag are located. Gaps are widening progressively, and the owner can see internal mechanisms through them. Owner expressed concern that the airbag may not deploy properly in a crash.
When: Progressive deterioration over time
Symptoms owners cite: Visible gaps developing on either side of steering wheel hub; Center panel (horn and airbag location) separating from rim; Gaps widening over time; Internal mechanisms visible through gaps
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed this is a common cosmetic issue described as trim deterioration
Front Wheel Ball Bearing Failure
Both front wheel ball bearings failed, causing the vehicle to sway unexpectedly side-to-side on the highway without driver input. Vehicle also exhibited a loud roaring noise that stopped after bearing replacement.
When: At 33,681 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unexpectedly sways left to right without steering input; Loud roaring noise from front end; Steering control regained after pulling over
Repairs/costs cited: Both front wheel ball bearings replaced
Squeaking Noise from Steering Column
Loud squeaking noise emanating from the steering column. Owner added power steering fluid at an independent mechanic's suggestion, but the noise persisted.
When: At 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squeaking noise from steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic added power steering fluid; noise continued despite fluid addition
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.