Mazda UK is asking owners of some Mazda3 cars from October onwards to visit their local dealer for a free precautionary technical check of the power steering system. In the absence of power assistance the vehicles remain safe to drive. This is part of a Special Service Programme to check for possible residual particles in the power steering pipes which could cause the hydraulic power assistance system and its electric pump to overheat and shutdown.

If the electric pump were to shut down, all the mechanical components of the steering system remain fully functioning, allowing the vehicle to be driven safely in the absence of power assistance. Parking and manoeuvring in small spaces will require more steering effort, but driving on the open road will not be affected. If the vehicle suffers a problem with the power assistance for the steering a malfunction warning lamp will be illuminated, alerting the driver.

In the UK there have been no reports of a power steering problem on the Mazda3 – therefore the Special Service Programme for both cars is a precautionary measure. Mazda has not received any reports of an accident or injury associated with this issue. In the UK, Mazda is contacting the owners of 10,268 vehicles who may be affected. Only a few specific models, manufactured between April 2007 and November 2008, could be affected.  These models are Mazda3 (1.6 diesel) models. Fixing the electric oil pump and the associated power steering parts will take between 90 and 110 minutes, depending on model, and will be free of charge to the customer.