Three problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3 based on all problems reported for the 2006 MAZDA3.
I was parallel parking and my wheel stiffened up. I turned off my engine and turned it back on. I then had to power my wheel from that point forward. I tried putting power steering fluid in and that did not work. I went to a mechanic and he said that I need a new power steering pump. This issue is very similar to the recall that was put on Mazda 3's for 2007-2009 models.
On numerous occasions the power steering in my 2006 Mazda 3s will fail. Sometimes if I turn the engine off and then back on, the power steering will work again. Most times I have to fight it with no power steering. My research online indicates that I am hardly the only one experiencing this issue. On a Mazda 3 forum from toronto they state that the supposed protective coating on the inside of the brake lines has flaked away and clogs the power steering pump which then begins to overheat and hence it shuts down. Mazda has owned up to the 2007-2009 models having this problem but, according to the local Mazda stealership, they have not heard of the 2006 model having this issue. This is a safety issue and Mazda needs to take responsibility for this. I thought Mazda stood for quality, apparently not. At this time I will not buy another Mazda product because of the way they are ignoring this issue.
Tl - the contact owns a 2006 Mazda 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speed she loss the power steering. The contact mentioned that the failure had occurred a total of four times . The vehicle was towed to the dealer who the first time diagnosed that the top module needed to be replace. The second time they stated that the connectors were corroded, in order to remedy they clean all of the lines. The third time they replace the top module again and the last time the dealer decided to replaced the pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offered any assistance since the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 35,000 and current mileage was 44,000. Pm.