STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
2008 Mazda Mazda5
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 67 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Mazda Mazda5, most frequently naming the steering, suspension and tires & wheels categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 219 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2008 | 1 | 1 |
| Oct 2008 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 2009 | 1 | 3 |
| Mar 2009 | 1 | 4 |
| Apr 2009 | 1 | 5 |
| Jun 2009 | 2 | 7 |
| Jul 2009 | 1 | 8 |
| Aug 2009 | 1 | 9 |
| Sep 2009 | 1 | 10 |
| Feb 2010 | 1 | 11 |
| Mar 2010 | 6 | 17 |
| Apr 2010 | 7 | 24 |
| May 2010 | 5 | 29 |
| Jun 2010 | 4 | 33 |
| Jul 2010 | 4 | 37 |
| Aug 2010 | 4 | 41 |
| Jan 2011 | 1 | 42 |
| Mar 2011 | 2 | 44 |
| Sep 2011 | 1 | 45 |
| Jan 2012 | 1 | 46 |
| Jun 2012 | 2 | 48 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 49 |
| Feb 2013 | 1 | 50 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 51 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 52 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 53 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 54 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 55 |
| Dec 2016 | 2 | 57 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 58 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 59 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 60 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 61 |
| Jun 2018 | 1 | 62 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 63 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 64 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 65 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 66 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 67 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Steering3744.0%
- Suspension910.7%
- Tires & wheels78.3%
- Other / unspecified56.0%
- Body & structure56.0%
- Electrical44.8%
- Visibility33.6%
- Engine33.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEQUIPMENT
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation Also vibration in the steering wheel, and when I mean, the steering logs all the way up it locks all the way up, likes flicker and go out, but then it goes away after a few moments
- NHTSA ID
- 11586233
- Incident
- Apr 30, 2024
Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation even more dangerous. The Mazda 5 is available for inspection upon request. My daughters life was put at risk when the steering fails intermittently potentially causing damage to the car, other vehicles, and injury or death of pedestrians. The car has not been repaired or inspected at this point. There is no warning before the power steering fails. The power steering indicator light is illuminated and occasionally also the check engine light when the power steering failure causes the engine to stall as well. The first occurrence of the issue was January 17, 2022, while my daughter was driving the vehicle. The vehicle recall history shows the power steering had been repaired previously for the same issue.
- NHTSA ID
- 11449859
- Incident
- Jan 17, 2022
We bought 4 of these tires 1/23/2018. The first failed within 3 months (passenger rear). The tire distributor no longer carried them, so we fit the next best ... a different Primewell. Now, the driver side front tire has developed a bulge where the tread and sidewall meet - similar to the first failure. We cannot drive it and - still - the distributor no longer carries THAT tire. We have - as of 9/1/2021 driven the car a TOTAL of less than 14,000 miles since the purchase. The 50K warranty was ignored in the first failure; and we have been told that it is irrelevant in this second one. The size is 205/50R17 for both - all four. Both tires were continuously losing air and had to start carrying a portable air pump. Just noticed this weekend that the driver side tire was ONCE AGAIN low on air. When I went to fill it, noticed the bulge. Do not know hoe long ot has been there ... just noticed it this weekend.
- NHTSA ID
- 11431413
- Incident
- Aug 28, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LOST CONTROL AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS BRIEFLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1-2284518588. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,889.
- NHTSA ID
- 11242105
- Incident
- Jul 8, 2019
- Mileage
- 179,889 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11208333
- Incident
- May 17, 2019
- Mileage
- 149,000 mi
I BOUGHT 4 KUMHO TIRES SIZED 205 50R17 FOR THIS CAR IN SEPTEMBER OF 2015. IN AUGUST OF 2017, AT ABOUT 25000 MILES ON THE TIRES, ONE OF THEM DEVELOPED WHAT WE LATER LEARNED WAS A BELT SEPARATION. THE SYMPTOMS WERE A SEVERE VIBRATION, AND SEVERE PULL. WE REPLACED TWO OF THE TIRES. 10 MONTHS LATER THE CAR DEVELOPED EXACTLY THE SAME SYMPTOMS, AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ANOTHER OF THE TIRES HAD A BELT SEPARATION. I REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH ANOTHER BRAND. I CALLED KUMHO TO REPORT THE ISSUE, AS THEY CLEARLY HAD A BAD RUN OF TIRES FOR ME TO HAVE TO OUT OF ONE SET. THE PERSON ANSWERING THE PHONE (WARRANTY DEPARTMENT) INSISTED THAT 'BELT SEPARATIONS ARE COMMON', THAT THE RECENT RECALL WAS A "VOLUNTARY RECALL BECAUSE THE ENGINEERS JUST WANTED TO SEE THE TIRES'. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE IN THEIR SAFETY OR ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS. SHE SAID "WE DON'T HAVE ANYONE LIKE THAT".
- NHTSA ID
- 11103068
- Incident
- Jun 19, 2018
- Mileage
- 162,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MAZDA 5. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11093335
- Incident
- Apr 20, 2018
- Mileage
- 141,000 mi
2008 MAZDA 5. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR SHOCK MOUNTS AND THE OIL ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THE WHEEL RIMS CORRODED INTERNALLY, ALLOWING AIR TO LEAK FROM THE TIRES. THE IGNITION SWITCH AND TRANSMISSION FAILED. UPDATED 08/23/2017*JS
- NHTSA ID
- 11005668
- Incident
- May 1, 2017
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE
This SA supersedes the previously issued SA(s) listed below. The changes are noted in Red. SA-061/25 12/17/25 DESCRIPTION If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Devices plugged into the 12V outlet 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay™/ Android Auto™ will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location) 7. DTC C0023:14 8. Decorative trim and/or cover on the START/STOP ENGINE button Example 1: Some electrical devices connected to the DLC-2 connector by insurance or mobile phone companies may cause: Battery discharge. The device may disrupt the CAN system battery saver mode. • IDS/MMDS will not communicate with the vehicle due to poor DLC-2 connection. The aftermarket device may cause DLC-2 female terminals to spread open.
ENGINE; POWER TRAIN; SERVICE BRAKES
This Service Alert supersedes the previously issued SA listed below: The changes are noted in Red. SA-011/24 02/12/24, 06/06/24, 07/29/24 DESCRIPTION Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Refer to the applicable Workshop Manual or Owner's Manual for vehicle -specific manufacturer scheduled maintenance. Workshop Manual - Refer to section 00-00 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. Owner's Manual - Refer to section 8 Maintenance and Care. b. Note: Please refer to the information below outlining the services not included in Mazda's Factory Scheduled Maintenance: IMPORTANT: Recommending fluid flushes when not necessary can lead to customer confusion and dissatisfaction. Fluid flushing for preventive maintenance purposes is strongly discouraged, unless otherwise specified in a published procedure (Owner’s Manual, Workshop Manual, Technical Service Bulletin, etc.).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/C evaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. “Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating” is available to encapsulate the mold to reduce odors. If the product is properly applied, it can effectively reduce the musty/mildew odor for up to three years. NOTE: See parts information for Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating and Kit part numbers.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection. If a structure's windows create enough of a curve, the concave glass can focus the sun's rays onto a small area and acting like magnifiying glass direct the sunbeams into a hot pinpoint of light. This magnifcation of the sun's rays can cause damage to vehicle trim (see examples). Additional information and exemplar images regarding this phenomenon can be found by performing a google search.
When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with an active SAT radio.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.