The power steering on my 2008 Mazda 3 went out. I took it to a mechanic shop who diagnosed the power steering pump is creating pressure that is getting to the rack and pinion and the fluid is just bouncing off of the rack and pinion and the computer system does not know how to function, so the power steering is not working.
2008 Mazda MAZDA3 steering problems
117 complaints (39% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 34,000. 11 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 117
- of this car's complaints
- 39%
- typical mileage
- 34,000
- crashes
- 11
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Electric power assist system5
- Hydraulic power assist: pump2
- Hydraulic power assist system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Mazda MAZDA3 steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Mazda is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 vehicles manufactured from april 2, 2007 through november 30, 2008. These vehicles may have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 15, 2010. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1‑800‑222‑5500.
Recall number 10V374000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V‑374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
PE10021
What 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda mazda3. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist while driving at various speed and making turn. The power steering failed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The parking brake and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred five times in two days. The contact mentioned that an unknown recall repair was completed on the vehicle for the power steering, however the repair had not corrected the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that a recall repair was completed for the same failure and it was a one-time free fix and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Airbag light is on.....lost power steering at only 110,000 miles...ABS break system not working
While driving my car I completely lost my power steering going about 55 MPH, we live in a very rural curvey area. At other times I have been going in reverse or driving and my car would shake and just shut off! This.would happen would turning onto.the road or going down the road. It happened at different speeds. Sometimes the car would instantly start back up or I would have to push the car in a safe area (if possible) and wait. I have a 5 month old and 8 year old son having a reliable car is extreme priority for us, I'm so scared of my car. We do normal maintenance and I took it in to be looked at when it shut off and the mechanic couldnt find anything noticeable. He said I would basically have to just start replacing parts and see which part fixes the problem.
Power steering goes in and out while driving
Loss of steering, immediately fixed itself but with steering wheel light on dash. Vehicle in motion. Loss of ability to steer vehicle. Vehicle was in motion.
While driving the speed goes up and down on its own the automatic transmission of my 2008 mazda 3 shifts down from the 5th to the 3rd gear. This causes the car to jerk violently and the controls to illuminate including check engine, no traction and at. My mechanic could not find a cause of this, and he serviced the transmission by changing the filter and transmission fluid but the problem persists. One mechanic said it is the speed sensor another the transmissions computer I have spend about 1,800 and I still have the same problems. It is very scary for my kids and myself while driving and I can't afford to get another car. What is the problems with mazda with my car? Can someone please help?! Also all the electrical stop working about two years ago, another thing is the steering wheels problems when making a turn it really time forever and it is really slow and heavy.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda 3. While driving 5 MPH, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in the federal safety agency campaign number: 10v374000 (steering). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mazda 3. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start. After a few attempts, the vehicle started, but there was no power steering. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence very slowly. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired in 2010 by star mazda in glendale, california for the same failure per an unknown recall issued by the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired this time and the dealer was not contacted again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Lost all power while driving and turning. Abs, brake , ps , battery lights on dash illuminated, car looses steering and then the engine dies. Battery discharged as per load test.alternator tests fine. Happened two times after the power steering manufacturer recall was performed to remedy the same issue.
Questions about the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 steering
Does the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 have steering problems?
Owners have filed 117 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3, 39% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 34,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 10V374000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mazda MAZDA3 have bad steering?
The Mazda MAZDA3 model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (117 complaints), 2007 (89 complaints) and 2009 (35 complaints).
Other 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 problems
Tires 41Wheels 33Engine 26Airbags 22Brakes 22Electrical 17Lights 17Suspension 15Transmission 15Visibility 15Acceleration 10Fuel system 9Body 8Seat belts 4Driver assistance 2
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