# 1999 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA — STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
> NHTSA complaint `168610` · 1999-09-02 · Mazda Motor Corp.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** MAZDA
- **Model:** MX-5 MIATA
- **Year:** 1999
- **Manufacturer:** Mazda Motor Corp.
- **Component:** STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
## Narrative
MY MIATA WAS HIT IN THE FRONT LEFT SIDE BY A GMC PICKUP WHICH WAS TRAVELING AT LEAST 35 MPH.  I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, SO MY SPEED WAS MINIMAL.  BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE STEERING WHEEL CAME COMPLETELY OFF THE COLUMN.  THE CAR WAS DETERMINED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS.  I HAVE NOT HEARD OF A STEERING WHEEL BREAKING AWAY FROM THE COLUMN WITH THE DEPLOYMENT OF AN AIRBAG.  IS THIS A DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE?
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*