Electric Power Assist Steering System problems of the 2007 Mazda MAZDA3

The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda 3. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the steering warning light while the contact was attempting to change lanes. The contact stated that the failure was an intermittent occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the power steering pump, line and power steering fluid were replaced. In addition, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion around the power steering unit. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was a recall issued under NHTSA campaign id number: 10v374000 (steering:electric power assist system) but the contacts VIN was not included. After the repairs were made, the steering warning light continued to illuminate sporadically. The mechanic was unable to diagnose why the steering light continued to illuminate and there were no further repairs. The contact stated that the failure progressively became worse until the power steering became inoperable. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was not available.

I have a 2007 Mazda 3 I touring that was purchased in June of 2007. The car was used for highway driving and all maintenance was done at the dealer per described in the owner's manual. On February 8th of 2009, I went out to drive my vehicle only to find that the power steering warning light was on, and I had no power steering. I turned the vehicle off, waiting a few minutes, and checked the fluid level of the reservoir. Seeing that the level was fine, and having waited, I tried turning the car on again, and again no power steering. This issue never went away, and I did some research online. My vehicle was only 2000 miles out of the 36k warranty, so I was very upset. I checked online and found that many other recent Mazda 3 owners were experiencing the same issue. I approached the Mazda dealer with the issue, saying it was barely out of warranty and that others had the same issue. I was firm on them making this right. The car was dropped off at Mazda on 02/10/09 and service was completed on 02/12/09. The part they replaced may still be faulty! the dealer agreed that the part was bad, and the only way they agreed to fix the issue is if I paid for a broken transmission mount (also many complaints online about that) to the tune of $505. 99. That transmission mount was still suppose to be covered under the 60k mileage warranty, but seeing as the steering pump was $1,200, it was my best option. So I paid for a warranty covered part to fix a part that is now proven recalled. Now, as of 08/12/10 Mazda has recalled 2007-2010 Mazda 3's and 5's for a problematic and faulty steering pump, but is only covering 2007 Mazda 3 cars manufactured from 04/02/07 - 11/30/08 (recall campaign 10v374000 & NHTSA action number pe10021). My vehicle was manufactured in January of 2007. I feel that the recall issued should be expanded to include all 2007 Mazda 3's, as mine obviously suffered the same issue as in the recall description.