Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Mazda Mazda3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Following a rear end collision, my 2006 Mazda3 mileage dropped from ~24mpg to ~8mpg, with no torque at all from ~20mph. Significant steering trouble, awful tire noise, and loud knocking when turning were dismissed by the local dealer as "well within specs". Requested brake caliper and alignment check, refused by the same dealer; tech performed a road test, declared the problem due to tire feathering and demonstrated 120mph tight curve as remedy. Three sets of tires, one set of wheels [3 of OEM were warped], entire complement of motor mounts, two sets of rotors later, I'm about to replace caliper mounts and axles. Car is unsafe, and dealership disregard of warranty and tsbs, and of basic safety standards was outrageous, especially given (ongoing) [spine injury from collision was nearly fatal] circumstances.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda 3. The contact stated that the power steering warning light flashed and remained lit. The contact stated that the steering wheel was tight and extremely difficult to turn left or right. The last time the failure occurred, the steering wheel locked and was not able to be driven. The vehicle was parked at the contact's residence due to the failure. The vehicle was not inspected or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,162. Updated 1/19/16 ln
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the vehicle. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000. The VIN was unavailable.
My car has been like loosing power when in stuck in traffic to the point it gas shut off in the middle of the highway and turns the power steering light. Now when I put gas on it and turn it on it turns off seems to be electrical but my mechanic told me it must be power steering pump gwtting defective. Well now it has no power steering but it dosent show the light on the panel either.
Driving down the road and went to make a turn and no power steering the light came on and has since cut on and off again working. We replaced the pump with another pump just the other day and it does the same thing.. This is not very safe when turning it would kick on and work after not working right when you were trying hard to turn and making you lose control.
Started vehicle and power steering light came on, no power steering available. Went out less than 2 minutes later. Drove to work and after work started vehicle. Light came on again, no power steering, and remained that way intermittently for 45 minute drive home, mostly on. Vehicle parked since.
Part 1 - 1. Re: complaint filed on 8/21/15 (arfc/NHTSA id no: 10750380) (denise from arfc ref no: 902722). As per instruction, I brought my car to an official, authorized repair Mazda dealer on 8/24/15 (liberty Mazda, wakefield, ma) for a diagnostic report to be done, which was completed. After the diagnostic report was completed, I kept my vehicle there for repair of the power steering completely not working. I faxed and mailed to the NHTSA, the diagnostic report, the total invoice of repair, proof of payment in full, as well as 3-4 more documents provided by liberty Mazda, and I have not yet received any update as of yet. …
Part 2 -(cont.) re: complaint filed on 8/21/15 (arfc/NHTSA id no: 10750380) (denise from arfc ref no: 902722). Letters from my vehicle manufacturer providing necessary repair information etc. I am adding these complaints to my existing complaint, as during my initial diagnostic report, dated 8/24/15, I faxed and mailed to you, it states how my vehicle's air bag crash sensor is not working and is in the wrong position, which I had to decline to have fixed, as I am financially unavailable to pay for the repair cost. I feel this issue should also be addressed and covered as soon as possible due to the alarming above-mentioned e-mails I had received and believe that those issues are clearly related. And 3. (part 1) re: unknown/or other: as a result of having my power steering issue repaired (initial complaint), I was told after the repair by a mr. …
Two loss of power steering incidents in the past two weeks. I am the second owner and purchased in November 2011. The first incident occurred in my parking garage at school after I had turned left into the garage. Could not turn the wheel at all, fortunately there was an empty space directly in front of me. Car sat for a few hours and then drove fine. A week later driving thru an alley at about 10 - 15 MPH lost steering again, this time had it towed to a local repair shop. They cannot find a thing wrong calling it a very "unique and strange" issue. Started doing some research on the internet and we found the recall on the 2007+ Mazda 3. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred a total of four times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who replaced the top module but did not correct the failure. The dealer then advised that the connectors were corroded and in order to remedy the issue, they cleaned all of the lines. The third time they replaced the top module again and most recently, the dealer decided to replace the power steering pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 35,000 and current mileage was 44,000. Updated 07/20/11 the consumer stated the pump was replaced three times, the lines were flushed and the connectors were cleaned. …
Steering complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, 17% of the model year's 166 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Mazda Mazda3 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 Mazda Mazda3, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Mazda Mazda3 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.