Mazda is recalling the 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 due to an issue with the power steering system.

It isn’t said exactly what causes the problem, but the car may lose power steering at any given time while driving. This can result in more effort required to steer than you expect, which can result in a crash.

There are an estimated 215,000 affected cars, manufactured from April 2, 2007 to November 30, 2008. Because of a short supply of repair parts, the recall will be made up of two phases. The first notification letters will be sent out September 15th, and the second batch will be sent out later that month. Mazda expects to repair all cars by February 2011.

Press Release

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): MAZDA / MAZDA3 2007-2009 MAZDA / MAZDA5 2007-2009 Manufacturer: MAZDA MOTOR CORP Mfr’s Report Date: AUG 12, 2010 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V374000 NHTSA Action Number: PE10021

Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected: 215000

Summary: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-222-5500.

Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Source: NHTSA