Japanese automaker Mazda sells no fewer than four rear-biased vehicles in Australia, beginning with the MX-5 soft top and its RF sibling. The other two are utility vehicles based on the manufacturer's new Large Product Architecture, and both of them have been hit with a recall over a manufacturing defect.
According to the Department of Infrastructure, an estimated 5,257 examples of the CX-90 and CX-60 feature a power steering assembly gear set that may not operate as intended. In the worst-case scenario, the driver could experience a sudden increase in power steering effort. Mazda Australia didn't offer any further information about said issue, but fret not because Mazda North American Operations did earlier this month under recall campaign 24V-022.
For the United States, the CX-90 is recalled to the tune of 43,752 units. The CX-60 isn't sold in this part of the world, but rather the CX-70 will join the CX-90 later this year with two-row seating. Mazda did confirm the CX-70 for Australia, which is kind of curious given that it overlaps with the CX-60.
Turning our attention back to 24V-022, the automaker determined in December 2023 that excessive spring force causes grease to be pushed out from the gear teeth. This, in turn, results in the lack of oil film, therefore leading to a sticking condition. The momentary loss of power steering assist may take the driver by surprise, but this condition doesn't cause the steering to lock up.
Back on December 11, the automaker implemented the permanent countermeasure in vehicle production. According to Mazda, the spring force applied to the worm gear was reduced. The recalled CX-90s will have the aforementioned spring replaced with the improved part, and dealers have also been instructed to regrease the gear teeth.
Photo: Mazda
Customers in the US will be informed about recall 24V-022 via first-class mail on March 18, whereas those in Australia will be contacted as soon as remedy parts become available. Mazda didn't offer an estimate, meaning that the remedy spring will become available no sooner than spring 2024.
According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the repair should take approximately 40 minutes. Both mild-hybrid I6 and plug-in hybrid I4 vehicles are recalled in the US market. For Australia, the CX-90 is available with either the 3.3-liter M Hybrid Boost I6 or the 3.3-liter M Hybrid Boost I6 turbo diesel.
Dubbed G50e and D50e in Mazda Australia vernacular, these lumps are connected to an eight-speed automatic. The G50e may be more powerful at 254 kW (340 hp), but the D50e has the upper hand in terms of peak torque (550 Nm or 406 lb-ft).
The CX-70 is coming to Australia with the inline-six gasser, whereas the narrow-bodied CX-60 can be had with either I6 engine or in e-Skyactiv PHEV flavor. The plug-in hybrid is built around a free-breathing I4 with 2.5 liters to its name. Its 17.8-kWh battery pack and 90-horsepower electric motor enable an electric range of 76 kilometers. In the United States, the EPA estimates the electric driving range at 26 miles.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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