My 2012 mazda has approximately 42,000 miles on it. i purchased it used in 2013 when it had 35,570 miles on it. when i bought it used from a rental-car sale lot, i noticed a slight "hitch" in the steering if the wheels were turned far to the left or right. but the anomaly was very slight and the steering otherwise functioned smoothly. lately the "hitch" in the steering got noticeably worse, with "hitches" developing every few degrees of turning left or right. the factory authorized mazda shop that does my routine maintenance advised me to have my steering diagnosed. today, i took it in for diagnosis and was told i need a new steering rack and a steering alignment. in total the work will cost me approximately $1700. i was told the problem is considered "pretty much normal wear and tear" and that no manufacturer's warranty covers the repair. i've driven several cars over 100,000 miles without needing to have their steering serviced. i believe there is a defect in the steering of my mazda and that mazda should pay to have the rack replaced and the steering aligned.