Recalls Aren’t Always a Bad Thing
Recalls get a bad rap, but most of the time, they show the system is doing its job. Automakers use recalls to fix problems that slip through production or supplier checks. Most are voluntary and wrapped up without fuss.
That said, Mazda called back the CX-90 two years ago to fix a steering issue linked to the power-assisted steering gear. The problem? Drivers felt the steering wheel growing heavier, apparently due to excessive friction in a worm gear within the steering assembly. Mazda’s solution was to swap out a spring, add fresh grease, and send owners on their way – all free of charge.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now reviewing the situation again, not due to inaction by Mazda, but because some owners have reported that the steering issue may persist after the initial repair.
Why the Feds Are Looking Again
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is now looking into 43,752 2024 CX-90s. According to published documents, the agency logged 26 complaints and several field reports where drivers noticed the steering suddenly got heavier – even after the recall fix was done.
Owners often describe the problem as ‘sticky steering,’ where the wheel briefly becomes harder to turn before returning to normal. Notably, all reported cases happened after the recall repair, so regulators are now evaluating whether the fix was sufficient rather than revisiting the original defect.
There have been two confirmed crashes possibly linked to the issue, but no injuries or fatalities. Regulators aren’t calling for a new recall yet. Right now, they’re just trying to see if the first fix really solved the root problem or if Mazda needs to do more.
What Happens Next for Owners
At this point, it’s just an investigation – not a new recall. Mazda hasn’t been told to do anything else, and owners don’t need to head back to the dealer unless they get new instructions. The focus now is on figuring out what’s causing the steering to act up after the repair, and whether the original fix needs a tweak.
If the fix falls short, Mazda might have to update the repair or launch another recall. If not, the case gets closed, and that’s that. For owners, if your steering feels off, even for a second, make a note and report it. That kind of feedback is what gets these investigations moving in the first place.
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