Mazda Recalling Vehicles for Faulty Power Steering Problems
Well, if you thought you were in the clear with crazy vehicles running out of control due to “sticky gas pedals” or floor mat problems because you luckily didn’t own a Toyota or Lexus, don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Apparently, Mazda has recalled almost a quarter million vehicles for faulty power steering systems. The recall includes 2007 – 2009 model year Mazda 3’s and Mazda 5’s. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, the steering problems can increase the risk of crash because it involves a loss of power assist, reducing the ability to steer the automobile as intended.
As with the Toyota recall, it appears that Mazda may have been aware of the problem long before making it public in the United States. According to the New York Times, for at least the last year Mazda has been fixing an identical problem in Japan, and has reported to the NHTSC over two years ago that it was investigating the problem. Incredibly, Mazda is contending that because the problem had a low incidence rate in the U.S. they decided to NOT recall the vehicles and simply monitor the problem. Well, while Mazda was “monitoring” the problem, 33 Mazda owners made complaint to the NHTSC about “unintended steering events” (sound familiar?!?). One has to wonder how many other incidents went unreported because owners were unaware that there might be any problem. Seriously, how does “monitoring” a known problem instead of telling people that there is a serious risk make it OK? I wonder how many unnecessary and potentially harmful accidents took place while Mazda was content to “monitor” the problem?
We’ll have to watch this story to see how it develops now that the recall has taken place. For more information on this recall or if you have been injured or affected by power steering problems in the recalled vehicles, contact Brian D. Cook at Bahe Cook Cantley & Jones PLC to see what can be done about it.
