2009 Mazda Mazda3 problems
Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 25.7% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of tires at 18.6%.
Complaints140
Crashes13
Fires1
Injuries5
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 25.7% · 36
Tires 18.6% · 26
Wheels 13.6% · 19
Power train 4.3% · 6
Electrical system 3.6% · 5
Air bags 3.6% · 5
Exterior lighting 3.6% · 5
Electronic stability control (ESC) 2.9% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 13 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 5 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 16 model years of the Mazda Mazda3 in this data, 2009 sits 11th by complaint volume. 2010 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 10 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 36,105 miles.
In owners' own words
Power steering goes out on 2009 Mazda m3. Had two occurrences, and took to dealership. Auto was checked via computer and I was basically accused of being dishonest. 1 Month later, while on an exit ramp the power steering again went out (car going approximately 35mph), took a picture of dashboard to eliminate being dismissed by the dealership. Have another appt with service department. Steering · reported at 15,000 miles
When sitting at a traffic light in my 2009 Mazda3 4-door sedan, the power steering suddenly and unexpectedly stopped working. The warning light came on (a yellow steering wheel indicator with an exclamation point). I was able to drive home with much effort to make turns. Parked car in garage. 5 Minutes later returned to check it again. Started car and power steering was functional again. Steering · reported at 42,319 miles
My Mazda 3 sedan lost its power steering. I was driving on a straight road and suddenly the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. I called the dealership and they found debris in the steering fluid. They replaced the fluid, the fluid lines and other equipment to the cost of $1,400 covered by the warranty. My car is approximately 16 months old - purchased january 31, 2009. Steering · reported at 18,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…