Cases of Interest: Mazda Steering Problems 

UPDATE: Mazda Recall

A little over two weeks after the class action was filed, Mazda issues a recall for the defective steering pumps in certain MAZDA3 AND MAZDA5 produced for the 2007 through 2009 model years. According to a report on Automotive News, the recall was issued following complaints of power steering failures that have caused car crashes. The MAZDA5 minivan has also been recalled because it has similar defective components in its power steering system.

In the class action against Mazda for defective steering pumps the plaintiffs, before NHTSA was notified of the recall by Mazda, have asked for a temporary restraining order. They filed the motion for the TRO on August 16. In addition to the recall, it asks that Mazda notify owners that the vehicle has a defect and that if the owners experience a problem with the steering the car should be towed to get repaired, instead of the Mazda recommendation which is to turn the car off and then back on and keep driving it.

The recall is a result of contaminated sensors that shut down the power steering system. The power steering is defective because of a problem in the coating and cleaning procedure for the power steering pumps used during the manufacturing process. If you want more information on the class action or if you have been injured due to a problem with hard steering please call me at 1-800-913-1708.

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There is a potentially serious steering problem with some 2007-2009 Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 cars. 

NHTSA has opened an investigation as of July 2010 into the power steering pump on these cars. According to a Technical Service Bulletin, the problem is caused by a contamination of the power steering system caused by such things as corrosion. 

Mazda Steering Problems - a Personal Experience

I learned about this through a personal story. Since I do catastrophic personal injury and
wrongful death, I was particularly sensitive to my daughter driving a safe car, like the Madza 3
with side curtain air bags and good safety ratings. 

My daughter got my wife’s used 2009 Mazda 3 when she turned 16. About six weeks after she started driving, she called me crying saying that she had been in an accident. She described to me a situation where the car became hard to steer and she had to go up off the road and onto the median. Fortunately she was not seriously injured but the car had to be towed in to the Mazda dealer to be fixed. The Mazda dealer told us that they could only find impact damage, about $1,300 to replace the tie bars, and no problem with the steering. 

About two weeks after it was fixed, my daughter called me saying that she had the same steering problem and I asked her to have it taken to another Mazda dealer. The service rep there identified the problem immediately and said that the Mazda 3 had a known problem with the steering pump caused by corrosion. Supposedly the parts had been at a port and the sea salt caused the pumps to have early corrosion. I then did some research and found out about the NHTSA investigation. 

Mazda Steering Problems - If You've Been Affected, Contact an Attorney

Dead men tell no tales and who knows how many people, like my daughter, were told, at least initially, that there was nothing wrong with the power steering. There have been numerous complaints to NHTSA about this and some car crashes due to the defective steering.

If you or someone you know has had faulty power steering that lead to car accidents and/or
serious personal injuries then it is extremely important that you contact me today.

PLOUFF LAW OFFICES, P.C.
1-800-913-1708.