Mazda's US division is recalling 215,000 units of its 2007-2009MY Mazda3 and Mazda5 cars manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, because of a problem with the steering wheel system. More specifically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said a defect in these vehicles could lead to a sudden loss of power assist which reduces the driver's ability to steer the car, especially at low speeds.
In a notice to the safety agency, the Japanese automaker said that due to short supply of parts, "the first phase of mailing of owner notification letters will begin on or before September 15, 2010 and the second phase mailing will begin in September 2010 and be completed in February 2011."
If you happen to own one of the recalled models, you can contact Mazda's customer assistance center for more details at 1-800-222-5500.
