This is not directly related to the power steering pump recall issue. The recall work has been performed on this vehicle by the dealer. I am writing to complain about a bigger issue regarding "design negligence" by Mazda as it relates to the placement of the power steering pump on this 2008-3. you see, the pump (an itegral part of the steering and vehicle safety control system) is mounted outside the car's frame, just forward of the passenger front tire. It is basically just behind the passenger headlight/foglight/bumper/quarter panel assembly. This location makes it very susceptible to damage in even minor accidents, rendering the vehicle uncontrollable and unsafe in the very instant where control and maneuverability may keep others from being injured or killed. What brought this to my attention was when a deer recently ran into this very location and rendered the vehicle uncontrollable and therefore undrivable. My daughter (who sustained a concussion) was driving the car at the time and was very shocked and surprised that even though the car was technically drivable (minus quarter panel, leadlight/foglight and part of the bumper cover) she could not physically steer the car. In addition, the officer writing up the accident report tried to maneuver the car off of the road to a safer location and was also unable to physically steer the car. There was nothing obstructing the turning of the wheel in either direction. I would hate to think what might have happened if this accident occurred at a higher speed and on a busier roadway or highway. This type of public health safety and welfare issue needs to be investigated and prosecuted. Car manufacturers need to be made to locate critical safety, handling, and manueverability components/equipment in places afforded some reasonable measure of protection and survivability in minor traffic accidents.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

I have a faulty paint job. There is multiple spots that are flaking including on the trunk. There isn't a single dent in the car. I took it in they said they sent it off to Mazda but no one else complained about this so tough luck.

- Deltona, FL, USA

Paint of inferior quality. Vehicle paint finish appears normal in medium to dim lighting. However, under bright lighting, microscratches are apparent over the entire vehicle. New car stock at the dealer I purchased from as well as another dealer in the state shows the same defects.

- Elkhart, IN, USA