YearToAvoid

2009 Mazda Mazda3 Steering Problems

NHTSA has 35 owner complaints about steering problems in the 2009 Mazda Mazda3, 30% of all 115 complaints for this model year. That is #3 highest steering complaint count among 21 Mazda3 model years. These complaints report 3 crashes. Median mileage at failure: 33,237 miles.

Steering complaints
35
30% of 115
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
33,237 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2009 Mazda Mazda3 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 1, 2009, latest Apr 28, 2023.

2009 Mazda Mazda3 steering complaints: complaints filed per month9Jul 2009Jul 2010Nov 2010Jun 2012Mar 2014Jul 2015Mar 2020
35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2009 to Apr 2023; peak Jul 2010 (9).

Steering recalls for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3

  1. NHTSA 10V374000Aug 12, 2010Steering215,000 vehicles

    Steering:electric power assist system

    Mazda is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 vehicles manufactured from april 2, 2007 through november 30, 2008. These vehicles may have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.

    Risk: Power steering assist is suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. The safety recall began on september 15, 2010. Owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

Steering complaints by Mazda3 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200515 (15%)
  2. 200628 (17%)
  3. 200789 (40%)
  4. 2008117 (39%)
  5. 200935 (30%)
  6. 201031 (5%)
  7. 201113 (10%)
  8. 201215 (7%)
  9. 20139 (8%)
  10. 20143 (2%)
  11. 20153 (2%)
  12. 20163 (3%)
  13. 20172 (2%)
  14. 20182 (2%)
  15. 20193 (4%)
  16. 20203 (9%)
  17. 20211 (2%)
  18. 20220 (0%)
  19. 20231 (8%)
  20. 20240 (0%)
  21. 20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 have steering problems?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints about the steering in the 2009 Mazda Mazda3, 30% of all complaints for this model year, including 3 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 33,237 miles.
Which Mazda Mazda3 year has the most steering complaints?
The 2008 Mazda Mazda3 has the most steering complaints (117), compared with 35 for the 2009.
Is there a steering recall for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2009 Mazda Mazda3 concerns the steering: 10V374000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.