Mazda Australia Offers Special Service Program On Previous Generation Mazda 3

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – Aug 23, 2010: Mazda Australia is to offer a Special Service Program (SSP) on previous generation Mazda3 vehicles equipped with Electro Hydraulic Power Assist System (EHPAS). This service will be offered to customers free of charge.

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, in some instances, lead to a loss of steering power assist due to the failure of the electric oil pump. 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.

Previous generation Mazda3s, produced between 2 April 2007 and 30 November 2008 could be affected.

Owners of potentially affected vehicles will be contacted by Mazda Australia from November 2010 onwards and will be requested to contact their Mazda Dealer to make an appointment to undertake any necessary rework and parts replacement. Affected vehicles will require cleaning of the steering gear box by flushing all fluid lines with power steering fluid, followed by replacement of the power steering oil and then the installation of a new power steering pipe assembly.

If in the meantime a customer experiences a loss of steering power assist, it is recommended that they present the vehicle to their local Mazda dealer for inspection where the issue will be rectified under the normal warranty repair process.

As part of its normal operations, Mazda continuously monitors the quality of Mazda vehicles in production and in the field. No cases have been reported in Australia that have led to any injury or vehicle damage.