The problem
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles May have a mis-assembled or incorrectly manufactured nut that attaches the steering wheel assembly to the steering column. The nut could be upside down in the steering wheel assembly, which could overstress the steering column shaft when the nut is tightened. In addition, some of the nuts May have been cracked during manufacture resulting in the nut fracturing when it is tightened during vehicle assembly.
The risk
Either of these conditions can lead to the steering wheel becoming loose or separating from the steering column, resulting in loss of steering control.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 00V223002 (00V223002) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mazda Motor Corp. |
| Component | Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar |
| Report date | August 9, 2000 |
| Owners notified | August 28, 2000 |
| Vehicles affected | 641 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 00V223002 repair free?
Yes. Mazda dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel retention armature and, if necessary, the steering column to correct this condition.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 641 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.