general problems of the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 - part 2

Failed power steering for 2008 Mazda 3: I had no indication that there was a problem until it was to late. I was stuck in traffic and near my Mazda dealer when the power steering went out. Unable to turn steering wheel at idle, but able to steer as the car speeds up--but had to put much effort into it. I bought the car brand new. I was unaware of any recalls for this particular problem. Car is still in the shop for part replacement. Despite part replacement, I'm sure there will be more steering problems in the future. This is major safety issue.

Hi - I saw in a news story that you opened up an investigation into Mazda3 power steering. This is a problem I've had a couple of times over the last couple of months. I have a 2008 Mazda3 purchased new in early April 2008. Basically, the power steering has gone out twice on me - the vehicle is still fully functional and the warning light does go on, but it just requires a lot of muscle to turn on the car. Both times, it was on a warm day (I live in chicago) and toward the end of a relatively long commute (1 hour 15 minutes+) of mostly stop and go traffic, so I wondered if it may be heat-related but that could also be coincidence. The first time, I drove it the remaining mile or so and was able to park it. After restarting the car, power steering still didn't work. When I came later (either a few hours or the next day), it was fine. Second time was similar, I was able to take better mental notes of what might have triggered it - this time, it went out shortly after I cut the wheel all the way to one side when the car was practically stationary. Again, hard to tell if that was what triggered the problem or if it was sheer coincidence . . . This time, though, I pulled over and turned the car off for just a couple of minutes and when I restarted it, it was fine. Not sure what else you might need to know. . . I am up-to-date on my servicing and the first instance occurred about a week and a half after service at Mazda (a week in which I hadn't really driven the car since we were on vacation with our other car). I have not yet contacted Mazda about the problem, I was just going to ask them to take a look at it next time I brought it in.

I drive a Mazda 3 2008, 5 door with power steering. The power steering suddenly went off as I was turning from a busy street left into a parking lot. I was able to control the car and parked. The owner's manual said to turn off the engine wait and restart. If light stayed on call dealer. After 10 mins the indicator light stayed off. I was able to drive the car home without further incident. I am taking the car to the dealer. I went online Mazda users websites, jdpower, about automobile, etc. And discovered that this is a persistent (back to 2008) to current( 5/27/10) problem. When does such a problem rise tot the level of a recall? this is a dangerous condition!.

We bought our Mazda 3 in August of 2008. We live in CT and my son goes to college in ri. He has the car with him. He has complained numerous times that he has no power steering. Just recently the power steering was lost on I-95 when he was exiting. This is a very dangerous situation and it seems Mazda is aware of it but has not ordered a recall.

1. While the car was stopped for more than 5 minutes the engine was running including the air conditioner 2. Loss of power steering 3. Stopped the car and waited for a while and then restarted this has happened twice in the past 2 months.

Was driving in heavy traffic going about 5 to 10 miles per hour at each braking interval. Was ready to move again and heard a funny plastic click noise from the front. Thought something was wrong with the latch to steering wheel or had run over something on the road. Went to turn the well to make sure nothing was there and steering wheel began to stiffen extremely. After a few seconds a warning light came up in the dashboard that was of a steering wheel and a exclamation mark. Was able to brake and roughly turn the wheel to pull to the left median out of traffic. Went to glove box and pulled out vehicle manual and looked up the warning indicator that lit. It tells you to pull over and park safely and to turn the vehicle completely off to see if the warning will go out or stay on. I turned my vehicle off and gave it a few seconds and turned it back on. It went out and the power steering was restored. I called the dealership and was told they have recently heard of this issue and to bring it in sometime this week if possible. I told them I would bring it in that morning. I took it to them and when waiting to sign papers and turn over my keys was told another customer in front of me was having the same issue with their vehicle. The dealership says the repairs are at no cost to me and they offered to give me a rental car during repairs. One day to have repair kit done.

Vehicle: 2008 Mazda3 5 door semi-automatic after idling for approximately 15 mins. There was a complete loss of power steering. I restarted the vehicle and changed gears with no effect. I drove the vehicle home without power steering. The next day the power steering returned with further incident.

Power steering cutting out at random times. Very hard to steer. My young grand daughter almost had a crash. Power steering cut out three times before I got it to the dealer. (replaced power steering motor -see 10315633 from the same complainant).

The contact owns a 2008 Mazda, Mazda 3. While driving 70 mph, the power steering locked and she was able to use extreme force to turn the steering wheel onto the emegency lane. The vehicle was turned off and when it was restarted, it began to function normally. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure; however, the power steering fluid was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 28,000.

The power steering in my 2008 Mazda 3 failed the day before my brother was supposed to take it for his road test. My car has been sitting at my dealership for 4 weeks now, and the new estimate time for the parts replacement is mid-July. According to them, they have over 40 cars in their parking lot alone waiting for the same part. And Mazda USA has yet to recall it. They provided me with me loaner car, free of charge, but I am only 20 years old so my mother had to use it and I have to use her vehicle. It has created a bit of stress seeing as she drives a Ford expedition and the gas is twice as much as mine. And I have just received my second monthly bill in which I do not even have my car.

2008 Mazda 3 has electronic variable orfice in the power steering system the fuse that controls this valve blew for the first time on may 11th, 2009. It has blown 2 additional times, including today in rush hour traffic. Unlike other manufacturers, when this fuse blows, the valve closes, cutting off all flow to the rack, disabling the power assist. When the fuse blew today, I was in the middle of an intersection, turning left. I had to struggle to turn sharp enough to avoid hitting a car waiting to go straight. The valve should have been designed to stay open when power is removed, which would cause the assist to be at is greatest amount, not losing all assist by closing.