On the heels of a GM recall of crossover SUVs, a Mazda recall has also been put into effect. The Mazda recall is just a little more significant, as it affects a more vital part than the GM recall does. GM has some difficulties with seat belts, but certain Mazda models have a fault in the power steering system. Mazda kept on eye on vehicles sold in the United States of America after noticing the defect in Japan last year. To address the issue, Mazda has announced a recall for the United States.
Steer to a dealership
The issue, as outlined by the New York Times, is in the power steering pump and system. The power steering pump starts accumulating rust internally, which can cause rust to enter the pump and cause the power steering to malfunction or shut down. The assistance of the power steering system could fail, making it far more difficult to steer and increasing the chance of an accident. Mazda knew of the problem by June of 2009, and also the business has been keeping an eye out for how many autos it actually occurred in.
The first incidents were in Japan
The company observed the problem in Japan, and started an “improvement campaign,” or a recall in all but name. There were more documented instances in Japan than the U.S. Mazda dealers were given notice and technical data on how to fix the defect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. It received 33 complaints about the problem, involving 3 crashes.
The affected models
Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 models from the 2007 through 2009 years are subject to the recall, of which you will find 215,000 in America. Owners should take them in to an authorized Mazda dealership to have the problem fixed. Power steering issues are significant. Should the steering system lock up or power steering should disengage, the vehicle will be harder to steer and a crash may result.
Citations
New York Times
wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/17/mazda-recalls-215000-cars-for-power-steering-problem/
Salt Lake Tribune
sltrib.com/sltrib/money/50126001-79/mazda-vehicles-seat-problems.html.csp
