Official Mazda Information about the Power Steering Recall:

Q1       What is the problem?
A1        Due to a manufacturing error, rust was able to form in the power steering pipe assembly. In some cases, the rust may detach from the pipe and enter the power steering pump bearings. As a result, the bearing lubrication is reduced, leading to greater sliding resistance and a greater load being placed on the electric motor that drives the gear, causing the gear motor to cut out at a high temperature. The warning light may then illuminate when the pump stops, and the steering assist may be lost and it will require more physical effort for the driver to steer the vehicle.
 
Q2.      Which model years does this recall cover?
A2        2007-2009 Mazda 3 vehicles produced from April 2nd 2007 to November 30th 2008, and 2007-2009 Mazda 5 vehicles produced from April 2nd 2007 to November 29th 2008.
 
Q3       When will Dealers receive detailed information about this recall?
A3        Detailed information will be sent to dealers on September 8th, 2010.
 
Q4       When will customers be notified of the recall?
A4        Mazda will mail a preliminary notification to all customers affected by this recall on September 15th, 2010. Due to a limited supply of repair parts and a large number of affected customers, Mazda will send customers a 2nd notification of when to bring their vehicle in for the recall repairs over a six month period beginning in September.  Customers in Georgia will receive notifications in October.
 
Q5       What type of repairs are involved with this recall?
A5        Replacement of the power steering pump, pipe assembly and flushing the power steering system. The repairs are basically the same as Service Bulletin 06-002/09 "HEAVY STEERING EFFORT WITH POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DTC C1099".
 
Q6       Are vehicles which have been previously repaired using Service Bulletin 06-002/09 subject to this recall?
A6        No, any vehicle previously repaired using Service Bulletin 06-002/09 is not subject to this recall.
 
Q7       What if a customer comes to the dealer with C1099 / heavy steering complaints prior to recall launch?
A7        Perform Service Bulletin 06-002/09 "HEAVY STEERING EFFORT WITH POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DTC C1099".
 
Q8       I have a customer who is not currently / never experienced C1099 or heavy steering, but refuses to drive the car because they are concerned about safety.
A8        Please explain to the customer they should not be afraid to drive their car. If power steering assist becomes inoperable, the power steering malfunction indicator light illuminates. Steering is still possible, but requires more physical effort. Should this situation occur, customers should pull safely to the side of the road and turn off the engine. After a short period of time (typically up to 15 minutes) restart the engine. The power steering malfunction indicator light may go out, and power steering assist may return. Should a customer experience this condition, they should contact an authorized Mazda dealer.
 
For additional information and to view a video that illustrates the effects of a loss of power steering assist, please click here . 

Q9       Are towing and / or rental cars provided at any time?
A9       For customers who are experiencing lack of power steering assist / steering MIL, and customers who have received their second letter of repair notification, rental car expenses are covered.  Only customers who are experiencing lack of power steering assist / steering MIL are eligible for towing expense reimbursement.     Customers who have not received a second letter of repair notification, or who are not experiencing lack of power steering assist / steering MIL are not eligible for towing or rental car expenses unless special circumstances exist.

Q10     What about Fleet cars which are subject to this recall. What do I do?
A10      Fleet cars will be treated in the same manner as customer cars.
 
Q11     I have used cars / CPO cars at my dealer. What do I do?
A11      Perform the recall on SOLD VEHICLES PRIOR TO DELIVERY ONLY.
 
Q12     Are there any special tools required for the repair?
A12      Yes, there is a flushing kit required for this repair. All dealers will be sent one kit (at no charge) addressed to the Service Manager's attention prior to September 8th Dealer notification. Additional kits may be ordered after September 8th. Information on ordering additional kits will be sent with the September 8th Dealer notification.
 
Q13     Do we use the same ATF fluid for the recall repair that is required for the current C1099 Service Bulletin 06-002/09?
A13      Yes and no. There will be a new "flushing" fluid which will be used to flush contaminates from the system, but not used as the final filling fluid. The flushing fluid will be sent to your Dealer in a 55 gallon drum prior to the September 8th Dealer notification. The final fill fluid is M-5, which will be sent to your dealer in a small quantity of quart bottles prior to September 8th.
 
Q14     Our Dealer does not have a fluid pump for a 55 gallon drum. How do we get one?
A14      A fluid pump will be sent to you (with the flushing kit) at no charge addressed to your Service Manager's attention prior to the September 8th Dealer notification