2006 Mazda MAZDA3 steering problems
29 complaints about steering have been filed for the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3, which is 13% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 29 13% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 66,000 miles 25 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When steering problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 6 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 6 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 2 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 25 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 66,000 miles, and 40% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
Following a rear end collision, my 2006 mazda3 mileage dropped from ~24mpg to ~8mpg, with no torque at all from ~20MPH. Significant steering trouble, awful tire noise, and loud knocking when turning were dismissed by the local dealer as "well within specs". Requested brake caliper and alignment check, refused by the same dealer; tech performed a road test, declared the problem due to tire feathering and demonstrated 120MPH tight curve as remedy.
Over the past 2 weeks, my power steering goes out intermittently and the power steering indicator light on the dash turns on. The loss of power steering lasts for anywhere from 5 seconds to 5 minutes, and typically resolves when braking and/or turning and speed is reduced to below 20 MPH. The power steering loss has occurred at a variety of speeds, ranging from 25 to 70 MPH, and has LED to a jerking of the wheel and a potentially very dangerous situation on the freeway.
Other problems reported for the 2006 Mazda MAZDA3
- Engine 33 complaints
- Air bags 27 complaints
- Electrical system 22 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 16 complaints
- Brakes 15 complaints