Mazda MAZDA3 Steering Problems
Owners have filed 393 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Mazda MAZDA3 across 20 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (117). The words owners use most often: “steering pump” (12% of reports).
- 393steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 43mention a crash
- 13mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $1,700typical repair cost reported by owners
- 26%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering pump: mentioned in 49 of 393 complaints (12%)
- Wheel became: mentioned in 27 of 393 complaints (7%)
- Power assist: mentioned in 21 of 393 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Mazda MAZDA3 at $1,700, and half of them between $1,400 and $1,900.
Based on 11 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2010–2019), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 348 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 393 complaints, 43 mention a crash, 13 an injury.
Mazda MAZDA3 steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 MAZDA3 | 1 | 100% | — |
| 2023 MAZDA3 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2021 MAZDA3 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2020 MAZDA3 | 3 | 9% | 1,177 |
| 2019 MAZDA3 | 3 | 4% | 2,802 |
| 2018 MAZDA3 | 2 | 2% | 7,400 |
| 2017 MAZDA3 | 2 | 2% | 49,346 |
| 2016 MAZDA3 | 3 | 3% | 28,330 |
| 2015 MAZDA3 | 3 | 2% | 20,600 |
| 2014 MAZDA3 | 3 | 2% | 35,000 |
| 2013 MAZDA3 | 9 | 8% | 35,000 |
| 2012 MAZDA3 | 15 | 7% | 48,865 |
| 2011 MAZDA3 | 13 | 10% | 65,000 |
| 2010 MAZDA3 | 31 | 5% | 51,200 |
| 2009 MAZDA3 | 35 | 30% | 33,237 |
| 2008 MAZDA3 | 117 | 39% | 34,000 |
| 2007 MAZDA3 | 89 | 40% | 79,750 |
| 2006 MAZDA3 | 28 | 17% | 68,500 |
| 2005 MAZDA3 | 15 | 15% | 78,000 |
| 2004 MAZDA3 | 19 | 13% | 81,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009
Problem: 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.
Risk: Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3.The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact stated that the vehicle's steering wheel would fail to operate as needed. The contact stated that an abnormal, clunking noise would emit from the steering wheel while turning at various speeds…
Steering sticks in one direction doesnât recenter by itself stiff while driving even city or freeway
On 14th, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the northbound 55 Freeway near the Katella exit, my vehicle suddenly began to shake violently without any prior warning. In response, I attempted to slow down by applying the brakes; however, the speedometer rapidly increased even as I…
The contact owns a 2007 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The check engine warning light was illuminated and flashing. The contact stated that the steering then seized. While checking the…
TSB 02-003/24 Car front suspension bolts corroded and making metal on metal sounds during turning and braking
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mazda MAZDA3s have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 393 owner complaints about steering for the Mazda MAZDA3. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mazda MAZDA3 steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Mazda MAZDA3?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,700 (half paid between $1,400 and $1,900), from 11 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Mazda MAZDA3?
The most frequent phrase is “steering pump”, in 49 of 393 complaints, followed by “wheel became” (27).
Other Mazda MAZDA3 problems
- Electrical System problems (366)
- Structure problems (282)
- Air Bags problems (259)
- Power Train problems (249)
- Engine problems (211)
- Service Brakes problems (197)
- Seats problems (175)
- Tires problems (167)
See all Mazda MAZDA3 problems.