Mazda Ireland is recalling 800 Mazda3 and Mazda5 models built between April 2007 and November 2008 for a potential problem with the power steering.
The recall is for certain Mazda3s and Mazda5s equipped with an electro hydraulic power assist system (EHPAS). The service is offered free of charge to the customer and the repair will take 90 minutes.
Affected vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic power steering system with an electrically motorised oil pump that lubricates the gear/pinion bearing with power steering fluid. Residual particles from the inside of the hydraulic pipes may lead to a loss of steering power assist due to failure of the electric oil pump - in some instances.
A statement from Mazda read, "During such an event, the power steering malfunction indicator lamp in the instrument cluster will be illuminated and steering resistance will be increased. The steering system's fail safe mode will ensure that the mechanical components of the steering system remain completely functioning, allowing the vehicle to be driven safely in the absence of power assist. This will make parking and manoeuvring in small spaces less comfortable, but it will not affect driving safety."
Only a few specific models, produced between 2 April 2007 and 30 November 2008, could be affected: the first-generation Mazda3, with either the 1.6 MZ-CD diesel engine or the 2.0 MZR petrol engine; or the Mazda5 with either the 1.8 or 2.0 MZR petrol engines. In Europe, this represents a total of 40,260 Mazda3 and 30,242 Mazda5 cars.
Here in Ireland 800 vehicles are affected and Mazda Ireland will be contacting customers of these cars inviting them to their local dealer.
A spokesperson for Mazda Ireland told CompleteCar.ie that there have been no recorded accidents in Europe as a result of the problem and that it will not affect driving safety.