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 2008 Mazda Mazda3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Mazda 3. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to veer to the right causing the contact to crash into a fence and the mile marker. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an impound lot. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
Steering wheel locked up on the highway as I was curving to the right. Caused my car to veer off the road and ran along a rail until the I braked the car. I could not turn the steering wheel and that caused the accident. Last year I had the Mazda serviced which they had fixed the recall supposedly. But this is the second time that this happened. I May not be lucky the next time.
I was driving my 2008 Mazda 3 on I-75 on 3/22/2011 when I suddenly lost the power steering and the car became impossible to steer. I continued drifting to the right uncontrollably, struck a road sign, and ultimately ended up in a ditch. This all occurred 12 days after I took the car to the Mazda dealership to replace the recalled power steering pump. I don't understand how this can happen only 12 days after the power steering pump and pump line were replaced. I wonder if the pump had indeed been replaced or if a new pump was installed correctly. Or maybe the new pump is just as defective as the old pump!!! It will cost $8,000-$10,000 to repair the damage and I am now responsible for the $1,000 insurance deductible. The only good news is that the side impact and head airbags were deployed and that I was not injured badly. …
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle started to sputter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed where it was diagnosed that the oxygen sensor was seized into the catalytic converter and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the steering had excessive movement, while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,352.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the power steering failed without warning causing the contact to crash into a guard rail. The air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to the back, neck and right arm and was transported to the hospital via ambulance. A police report was available. The contact was able to locate a recall for the failure (NHTSA campaign id number: 10V374000-steering: electric power assist system) yet the recall was not scheduled to begin until September 15, 2010. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 18,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda 3. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 10V374000 (steering). The dealer diagnosed that the power steering pump and fluid lines failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000. Updated 09/09/15 the consumer stated the problem was resolved. The manufacturer paid for the parts and the consumer paid for the repair. Updated 12/10/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mazda 3. While having the vehicle serviced for NHTSA campaign number: 10V374000 (steering), the dealer did not repair the vehicle as written in the recall. The recall stated that dealers would replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The dealer reportedly stated that they would replace the power steering reservoir and lines, and that replacing the power steering pump would be at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and discrepancy. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.
Related recalls
Steering › Electric power assist system
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.
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.
NHTSA 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…
Steering complaints in other Mazda3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Mazda Mazda3?
NHTSA has 117 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Mazda Mazda3, 39% of the model year's 303 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Mazda Mazda3 steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-374 (electric power assist system, Aug 12, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Mazda Mazda3 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 34,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries 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.