general problems of the 2009 Mazda MAZDA3

When driving and trying to negotiate a turn, or sometimes when going straight, the power assist steering simply fails (stops assisting the steering). I have to "muscle" the car off the roadway and either restart the engine or stop the car (off the road) straighten the steering wheel, restart the car, and the power assist is restored. This has happened five times in the last 9 months. So far there have been no accidents. The date velow is the most recent date of this failure.

The power steering cuts out while driving and the electricity for the car cuts out for a second or two and then it comes back on. This happens frequently when turning the steering wheel.

Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash, while driving in the streets or in the highway, it happened today and during the last week a few times.

While driving on the highway I heard a loud clatter like a rock in the wheel well and the saw something bounce out from the side of my car. Moments later the car began to shake and veer to the left. I was able to move over and pull of to the side of the highway to find that my valve stem on my wheel had lost the nut holding it in place so that the valve fell into the tire leaving a large hole. After having the tire replaced (it was destroyed) I saw that the valve (which was part of the tpms) was corroded and could be easily snapped in half. Another of these valves had failed four months prior so I think this is a common problem. Mazda refuses to believe there is anything wrong with their part and suggests that I continue to drive with the remaining sensors.

While driver was backing car out of a parking space, the right front control arm that holds the right front wheel and axle broke in two, totally disabling the car. According to law enforcement personnel, had this occurred on the road, the following scenario would have taken place: the right front wheel slammed to the ground, the left control arm would have over-compensated and caused vehicle to swerve suddenly into the left lane, going into a skid and then flipping end-over-end through traffic, killing the driver and occupants of this car and causing a multi-car pile-up. Upon examination of the broken control arm, it was determined that this part, factory original, was made of welded metal, an inherently dangerous concept, since welded metal is weaker than a solid piece of steel. Obviously, Mazda cares more about cost-cutting than the safety of its customers. Upon contacting Mazda, their answer: powertrain warranty (that would not include this part) was expired; Mazda refused to accept any responsibility for this poor design.

2009 Mazda3. Consumer writes in regards to a defect on the steering wheel. The consumer stated it appeared to be a defect with the steering wheel. There appeared to be gaps developing on either side of the steering wheel hub. The center panel where the horn and air bag were located. The gaps were becoming increasingly wider to the point where she could actually see mechanisms through the gap. The consumer was concerned , because the hub seemed to be detaching and she feared in the event of an accident, the air bag would not deploy, or inadvertently deploy. The dealer insisted it was a common cosmetic issue describing it as trim deterioration.

The contact owns a 2009 Mazda, Mazda3. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph on the highway, proceeded into the left lane and the vehicle unexpectedly swayed from the left to right direction without engaging the steering wheel. In addition, the engine exhibited a loud roaring noise. The contact was able to gain steering control and continued. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the two front wheel ball bearings were replaced. The noise stopped after the repair was performed on the vehicle. The contact drove at low speeds to avoid the unintended swaying movement of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 33,681.

(2009 Mazda 3i touring value automatic transmission) the temperature was about 94 degrees outside, I was driving on a sidestreet, going no more than 25 mph, the steering wheel got harder to turn & then I noticed the dashboard light up with the power steering icon.

When sitting at a traffic light in my 2009 Mazda3 4-door sedan, the power steering suddenly and unexpectedly stopped working. The warning light came on (a yellow steering wheel indicator with an exclamation point). I was able to drive home with much effort to make turns. Parked car in garage. 5 minutes later returned to check it again. Started car and power steering was functional again.

Power steering goes out on 2009 Mazda m3. Had two occurrences, and took to dealership. Auto was checked via computer and I was basically accused of being dishonest. 1 month later, while on an exit ramp the power steering again went out (car going approximately 35mph), took a picture of dashboard to eliminate being dismissed by the dealership. Have another appt with service department.