2012 Mazda MAZDA3: loss of power steering

5 of the 226 complaints about the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3 describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 15 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2023
1
2021
1
2018
2
2013
3
2012
5
2011
4
2010
14
2009
16
2008
50
2007
39
2006
11
2005
6
2004
9

What owners say

Filed Aug 31, 2021 · Brakes · IN · crash · 2 injuries

I was coming up on a car waiting to make a left turn. While attempting to move to the right-hand passing lane, five lights lit up and the power steering went out. The five lights were "Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light", "TSC/DSC Off Indicator Light", "Security Light", "ABS Warning Light", and "Seatbelt Warning Light" (even though my seat belt was on and buckled). Realizing I could not turn in time, I attempted to stop instead and could not stop in time to avoid striking the other vehicle. There had been no indication of problems with any of the indicated systems prior to this incident. The vehicle is currently in possession of our insurance company, as it was deemed a total loss, and no inspection for defects has been performed.

Filed Aug 8, 2017 · Electrical, Lights · 38,000 miles · DE

The headlight have been flickering since a few months after purchasing the car, & it causes inadequate alternator output, it has also caused issues with losing my power steering. The headlight not only flicker when breaking, but have gotten to the point they will completely go out, & will also flicker all interior lights when braking & turning the wheel. I have been pulled over due to police thinking I am flashing my lights when breaking, but was lucky to be able to show the police officer the service bulletin 01-019/13 & he let me go with a warning & strongly advised me to get it fixed. It is now time for my car to go through inspection, & it will not pass with the lights flickering & going completely out. The problem has only continued getting worse to the point the headlight are going completely off while driving during hours when headlights are needed. I have lost my power steering multiple times after starting my car and began driving, with a brand new battery installed by a mechanic, & when I have lost power steering I have almost crashed into the side of my work office & have had to try pulling over to the side of the road due to losing power steering while driving. It is time for action to be taken & this be a recall before someone is killed, gmc can recall for the same computer system upgrade that is needed for my mazda 3, but have only been told that it is not covered and that I have to pay out of pocket, which I have gotten quotes from several mazda dealers over the several years I have owned & continue to deal with the issue and it will cost me over $500 to have repaired!! Due to not having the money to afford to computer upgrade which I consider a huge safety issue that should be mazda's problem to fix before they have a class action law suit brought against them, because someone driving a mazda 3 get seriously injured or serious injure someone else!

Filed Dec 9, 2016 · Steering · 8,000 miles · MI

My battery was dead. I jump started the car and backed out of my driveway. When I started forward, the power steering had an intermittent malfunction and several warning lights activated. I replaced the battery, and everything returned to normal. In my case, there was no problem because the car was in my driveway. However, had I jump started the car elsewhere, a shopping center parking lot for example, the loss of steering may have had adverse consequences. In researching the problem, I found that this frequently occurs in mazda3s regardless of the year.

Filed Aug 17, 2015 · Steering · 81,000 miles · CO

As I was driving the power steering light came on, and I lost all power steering. I pulled over and checked the fluid, it was fine. When I got back in and drove the light went out. I called the dealer and explained what happened, made an appointment, took my car in and they said they couldnt get the car to do it again so just watch it. About a month later the car did it again but I was traveling at about 67 miles an hour, and lost power steering! The light stayed on long enough for me to record what what happening and to drive to the dealer. Again the light went out as I entered the dealership and they said there werent any codes on the car nor were there any in the memory. This is dangerous as I was turning into the dealer, the power steering turned back on and I almost spun in a donut because I was turning the wheel really hard due to no power at the time. Its annoying and I would really like to have it fixed but nobody can tell me what it is!

Filed Feb 21, 2014 · Steering · 30,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mazda, mazda3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the power steering assist failed with the illumination of the warning indicator. The steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the engine was turned off. The malfunction continued upon restarting. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.