(August 17, 2010) Mazda is recalling more than 290,000 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 models for a power-steering problem.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) release, these vehicles may have a condition in which a "sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle."

This can potentially reduce the driver's ability to steer the vehicle and increase the risk of an accident, the agency said.

Affected owners may have to wait a bit longer before they see a fix, however. Due to a shortage in parts, the first batch of notification letters won't be sent out until "on or before Sept. 15, 2010" NHTSA said.

The second batch of letters will be sent out in September and end by February 2011. Owners may call the Mazda Customer Assistance Center at (800) 222-5500 for more information.