GM Power Steering Recall Linked to 13 Deaths - Any in the RX8?
 

Long time RX-8 Driver and my power steering suddenly has gone out at least two separate instances. Was able to drive home and had them each fixed by an independent Mazda mechanic linked to harness issues. Just caught this Yahoo article about how the GM recall killed mostly young inexperienced drivers who happen to be women, who are not as physically strong.

I thought myself that my wife who sometimes drives my 6MT car would have an difficult time maneuvering if the power steering ever went out. I know it's a numbers game as GM sells many more cars than volume of RX8's but are there any other Mazda's with this issue or have there been any deaths with RX8's because of this? Just an idea... maybe something to think about because I'm pretty sure this is a known issue especially on this board.

For reference, the recall never killed anyone. The recall is addressing a failure point that resulted in some deaths.


Since 2006, I haven't seen any reference to any deaths in the RX-8 due to power steering problems. I can only think of a couple at all, which where >120mph collisions with very solid objects. The RX-8 is extremely safe in an accident, it really protects the occupants incredibly well.


If you are concerned about the power steering problem and any potential risk to your wife, you could always permanently solve the problem? Cut out the connector and hard wire it solid. No more connector to get corroded and fail. I did that around 15,000 miles on my 2005, and never once had a power steering problem over the next 100k till I sold it. Same story for anyone else that has bypassed that stupid connector completely.

13 GM admitted deaths with others outstanding at this juncture. Good point about the fix but I'm there's no warning about when it goes out.. it just happens. Not everyone is expecting it, just like the clutch pedal bracket braking off at mid shift (different story). I guess any potential failure can just happen unexpectedly and BAM!

I had mine on 2 separate occasions randomly spin the wheel full right then left followed by the power steering going out. Thankfully both times were at red lights, and I wasn't moving. Can't imagine what would happen doing 70...

I also got rid of the connector after. No problems since.

not to get sidetracked but what is this rx8 powersteering issue?

i havent driven the 8 heavily in a year or so and just started driving it more often. i notice at low to moderate speeds it feels as if the steering studders or cuts off for a brief second while turning. like the steering wheel gets loose and then regains itself. feels very strange...and id hate for that to happen if im doing a higher speed turn.

95%+ of all RX-8 power steering problems are sourced from that stupid connector that is put above the fans under the coolant overflow. Between road spray, road grime, coolant drips, etc... the connector just gets fouled up really easily, causing all sorts of issues, including false signals, signal loss, and voltage problems at the modules and rack.

Trying to keep the connector clean usually helps, replacing the harness on the rack side of that connector usually is a temporary fix, but the only thing I've ever seen that permanently eliminates the problem is to eliminate the connector. A few minutes of proper wiring with a couple bucks of material from Radio Shack and you won't ever deal with it again.

^^^^awesome thanks for the heads up...i will make this a project.

I noticed my DSC light turn on by itself a couple days ago, then yesterday I noticed it was a little harder to turn the steering wheel at low speeds then what im used too.. Looks like it might be time to do some soldering

The problem with the GM cars was faulty ignition switches, which cut off electrical power disabling the airbags, that contributed to the fatality rate.
The recall is not for power steering.