Mazda recall in effect for 215,000 vehicles

On the heels of a GM recall of crossover SUVs, a Mazda recall has also been put into effect. The Mazda recall is a little more significant, as it affects a more vital part than the GM recall does. The GM recall was over some faulty seat belts, but the Mazda recall is over a flaw in the power steering system. Mazda kept on eye on cars sold within the U.S. after noticing the defect in Japan last year. To address the issue, Mazda has announced a recall for the United States.

Steer your Mazda to a dealership

The Mazda recall is being initiated over a fault in the power steering pump, as outlined by the New York Times. 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 defect can shut the power steering system off, making steering much harder and possibly cause accidents. Mazda knew of the problem by June of 2009, and the company has been keeping an eye out for how numerous vehicles it really occurred in.

The first incidents were in Japan

The defect was first noticed in Japan, and Mazda started an “improvement campaign,” tantamount to a recall, last year. There were more incidents noticed there than have been observed in America. The business issued notices to American Mazda dealerships with technical data on how to fix the problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation, as outlined by the Salt Lake Tribune. The NHTSA received 33 reports, of which 3 were from accidents that occurred.

What vehicles are involved?

There are 215,000 of the models in question within the United States alone, which are Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 vehicles from model years 2007 to 2009. If you drive one, take it to the nearest Mazda dealership for the fix. Issues within the power steering system are severe and should be addressed right away. You can wind up in a crash if your power steering locks up, as the car will become much harder to steer.

Additional information at these websites

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