2008 Mazda MAZDA5
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mazda › MAZDA5 › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Mazda MAZDA5. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2008 Mazda MAZDA5. Newest first.
Mazda IS recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 vehicles manufactured from april 2, 2007 through november 30, 2008. these vehicles may have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Power steering assist IS suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump and lines free of charge. the safety recall began on september 15, 2010. owners may contact mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.
Thule, inc. IS recalling 2,323 owner-installed roof-mounted fit kits, models 3068 and 3069, manufactured between january 1, 2008 and february 28, 2009 that are used with thule podium foot packs, models 460 and 460R. these fit kits were sold as aftermarket equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the bolt(s) used to secure the foot to the vehicle…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This may result in the bolt(s) snapping off during use or without a load. the unsecured rack and load can then come loose while driving creating a potential road hazard, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Thule will mail a retro fit kit along with repair instructions to owners free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on or before april 13, 2009. owners may contact thule toll-free at 1-800-238-2388.
Owner complaints
67 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Power train · Steering
Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation Also vibration in the steering wheel, and when I mean, the steering logs all the way up it locks all the way up, likes flicker and go out, but then it goes away after a few moments
- Steering
Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation even more dangerous. The Mazda 5 is available for inspection upon…
Mazda 5 power steering system fails intermittently. The power steering light comes on and steering becomes extremely difficult to steer. Occasionally, the check engine comes on as well and the engine stalls making the situation even more dangerous. The Mazda 5 is available for inspection upon request. My daughters life was put at risk when the steering fails intermittently potentially causing damage to the car, other vehicles, and injury or death of pedestrians. The car has not been repaired or inspected at this point. There is no warning before the power steering fails. The power steering indicator light is illuminated and occasionally also the check engine light when the power steering failure causes the engine to stall as well. The first occurrence of the issue was January 17, 2022, while my daughter was driving the vehicle. The vehicle recall history shows the power steering had been repaired previously for the same issue.
- Tires › Sidewall · Tires › Tread/belt
We bought 4 of these tires 1/23/2018. The first failed within 3 months (passenger rear). The tire distributor no longer carried them, so we fit the next best ... a different Primewell. Now, the driver side front tire has developed a bulge where the tread and sidewall meet - similar to the first…
We bought 4 of these tires 1/23/2018. The first failed within 3 months (passenger rear). The tire distributor no longer carried them, so we fit the next best ... a different Primewell. Now, the driver side front tire has developed a bulge where the tread and sidewall meet - similar to the first failure. We cannot drive it and - still - the distributor no longer carries THAT tire. We have - as of 9/1/2021 driven the car a TOTAL of less than 14,000 miles since the purchase. The 50K warranty was ignored in the first failure; and we have been told that it is irrelevant in this second one. The size is 205/50R17 for both - all four. Both tires were continuously losing air and had to start carrying a portable air pump. Just noticed this weekend that the driver side tire was ONCE AGAIN low on air. When I went to fill it, noticed the bulge. Do not know hoe long ot has been there ... just noticed it this weekend.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda 5. While driving various speeds, the power steering assist lost control and all the instrument panel indicators briefly illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1-2284518588. The failure mileage was 179,889.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda 5. When the contact started the vehicle, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 149,000. The vin was not available.
- Steering · Suspension · Wheels
I bought 4 kumho tires sized 205 50r17 for this car in september of 2015. in august of 2017, at about 25000 miles on the tires, one of them developed what we later learned was a belt separation. the symptoms were a severe vibration, and severe pull. we replaced two of the tires. 10 months later…
I bought 4 kumho tires sized 205 50r17 for this car in september of 2015. in august of 2017, at about 25000 miles on the tires, one of them developed what we later learned was a belt separation. the symptoms were a severe vibration, and severe pull. we replaced two of the tires. 10 months later the car developed exactly the same symptoms, and it was discovered that another of the tires had a belt separation. I replaced all 4 tires with another brand. I called kumho to report the issue, as they clearly had a bad run of tires for me to have to out of one set. the person answering the phone (warranty department) insisted that 'belt separations are common', that the recent recall was a "voluntary recall because the engineers just wanted to see the tires'. I asked to speak to someone in their safety or engineering departments. she said "we don't have anyone like that".
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda 5. While driving various speeds, the power steering seized and the power steering assist fault indicator illuminated. The failure occurred without warning. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 141,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Engine · Power train · Suspension · Wheels › Rim
2008 mazda 5. consumer writes in regards to systemic problems with vehicle transmission. *ld the consumer stated the rear shock mounts and the oil assembly had to be repaired. The wheel rims corroded internally, allowing air to leak from the tires. The ignition switch and transmission failed. Updated 08/23/2017*js
- Steering
Steering warning light comes on steering gets heavy
- Structure › Body
Rear sliding doors will not close in colder temperatures they open fine and then will not close, meaning the doors will not latch and can come open while driving and will not lock or allow setting the alarm function when parking. Has happened multiple times while cold,having two kids that ride in the back my doors should no come open on the highway. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Structure › Body
Rear slider doors freeze shut. there IS no way to know that this problem IS going to occur until it's already an issue. at the same time, the rear slider door latching mechanism freezes in 'open' position. if the door IS able to be opened and not closed, the door has to be tied shut with…
Rear slider doors freeze shut. there IS no way to know that this problem IS going to occur until it's already an issue. at the same time, the rear slider door latching mechanism freezes in 'open' position. if the door IS able to be opened and not closed, the door has to be tied shut with bungees. if the driver does not notice the open door light and the passenger does not notice that the door did not close and latch, the door will slide open when the car IS moving. this happened to my driver side door in 2013 and my passenger side door on saturday, december 19TH. the 2006 mazda 5 was recalled for this same reason (4306k). *tr
- Structure › Body
When temperatures drop below freezing, rear sliding doors have difficulty latching to the point where they can't be properly closed. This exact issue IS described in recall #06v463000 for which my vehicle's vin/year IS not included. I would like my vehicle to be included in this recall so I can have the issue addressed by the dealer. *tr
- Suspension
Going down the road and all of a sudden it sounds like a rock banging in the rear driver side wheel well. It turns out to be a broken shock mount. This IS the second one that has broken. One broke at ~80,000 miles and now this at ~120000. Search the internet and it IS a known problem.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2008 mazda 5. While driving at an unknown speed, the driver heard a bang sound near the front end of the vehicle and pulled over to the side. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed flames under the hood. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the…
TL* the contact owned a 2008 mazda 5. While driving at an unknown speed, the driver heard a bang sound near the front end of the vehicle and pulled over to the side. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed flames under the hood. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. A police report was filed and the fire department extinguished the fire. The fire department did not know the cause of the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a private tow company. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vin was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 166,000.
- Electrical system · Steering
This IS what IS going on with my car. I almost had an accident because of the power steering assist IS suddenly lost by reducing my ability to steer the vehicle. mazda said there was no recall on my car so they cant help me. mazda IS recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5…
This IS what IS going on with my car. I almost had an accident because of the power steering assist IS suddenly lost by reducing my ability to steer the vehicle. mazda said there was no recall on my car so they cant help me. mazda IS recalling certain model year 2007-2009 mazda3 and mazda5 vehicles manufactured from april 2, 2007 through november 30, 2008. These vehicles may have a condition in which a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle. consequence: power steering assist IS suddenly lost reducing the driver's ability to steer the vehicle as typically expected, and increasing the risk of a crash. *tr
- Seat belts
Rear seatbelt jam and will not unlatched. Seatbelt lockup and child was lock in belt and had to be carefully pulled from seat. Seal belt IS lock to seat. cannot used existing belt. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
I was driving mazda 5 and stopped for traffic light as it was red. As the light turned green, I moved my foot from brake to accelerator paddle, the car started going in reverse direction. I immediately applied brakes, I tried to accelerate again and again the car was going in reverse. no I did…
I was driving mazda 5 and stopped for traffic light as it was red. As the light turned green, I moved my foot from brake to accelerator paddle, the car started going in reverse direction. I immediately applied brakes, I tried to accelerate again and again the car was going in reverse. no I did not have my car on reverse gear, the car was on "d" drive all the time. I turned off the car and restarted the car again and out the car on "d" and again the car went on reverse. I tried this process again, this time all the car dashboard lights came on and car did not start. I immediately called 911, on 5TH july (sunday) around 3:00pm. My call details can be received. I towed my car to dealership and they are suggesting engine failure. The car can no way have engine failure. If it was engine failure how can the car go on reverse? I am thankful to god that I did not hit the car behind I had a 4 year old child in my car. This IS a serious issue with this car. I would suggest people are aware of this major issue as this can lead to major accidents. also, I got it serviced 3 months back and no issue was identified. I like mazda 5 MINI van I have been driving for about 4 years but this incident has great setback about mazda in my mind. I also have mazda CX-7 that I am so scared to drive. I can never imagine the car going into reverse while in drive mode. This IS life threatening defect in the car. thank you and god bless you. p.s. The vehicle speed was between 0-5 mph, the speed when you take foot of brake and press speed accelerator. *tr
- Suspension · Wheels
Mazda5 2008 wearing inside of tires prematurely and cupping. Outside edge of tires reported to still have 15000 miles left of use. Second set of tires purchased with same problem. Grinding noise every time dealer rotated and aligned the tires every 5K miles during oil change. I was accused of not…
Mazda5 2008 wearing inside of tires prematurely and cupping. Outside edge of tires reported to still have 15000 miles left of use. Second set of tires purchased with same problem. Grinding noise every time dealer rotated and aligned the tires every 5K miles during oil change. I was accused of not rotating tires enough; however, now they admit the alignment IS a common problem with mazda5. Dealer only recommends I get a "special" german engineering style alignment that costs $89 every 10K miles. I am forced to pay for their poor design. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda mazda5. The contact stated that all four tires were wearing excessively due to the factory specifications of the alignment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and could not provide any assistance to the contact. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Structure · Visibility
Noticed the seal that secures the window to the frame of the vehicle has an 1/8 inch opening, a break in the seal lining. on a recent road trip, in may, driver and passenger heard this popping noise, we thought that something was hitting the car top, apparently not, as the right window seal IS…
Noticed the seal that secures the window to the frame of the vehicle has an 1/8 inch opening, a break in the seal lining. on a recent road trip, in may, driver and passenger heard this popping noise, we thought that something was hitting the car top, apparently not, as the right window seal IS further stretched out and a break has now occurred. I am concerned that under consistent use and pressure that the opening will continue to stretch out even further affecting the windshield security and the driver. my mileage IS limited and very low at this time but very concerned for safety purposes. *tr
- Air bags · Engine
My husband was driving the car on the highway and the car began to stall and slow down suddenly. The car's heat indicator light went on high and then went to cold. He could not drive the car past 45 miles. When my husband exited the ramp off the highway the car shut down completely. The incident…
My husband was driving the car on the highway and the car began to stall and slow down suddenly. The car's heat indicator light went on high and then went to cold. He could not drive the car past 45 miles. When my husband exited the ramp off the highway the car shut down completely. The incident could potentially put my husband in a deadly accident having had stalled and stopped on a highway with cars speeding behind him. We were told by a mazda dealer that we are responsible for replacing the engine which apparently blew. They claim the engine had no oil, but we know the car should have had oil. No check oil light ever came on. In addition, this car stalled while I was driving on the highway 6 months after we purchased the car. That time I was able to pull over to the slow lane and drive it slowly as that time it also did not allow me to drive past 45 miles. The dealer fixed the problem stating that it was the trans control module that was defective. Earlier this month the car began to stall again while I was driving on the highway once more, the mechanic suggested to replace the transmission. I failed to mention that a few months after buying the car the air bag light would come on indicating that it was not working. We expected all the troubles with the car to be electrical, but either way these problems could have caused our lives. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda mazda5. the contact heard a knocking coming from the front end of the vehicle when accelerating. the dealer informed the contact that both the struts and shocks were fractured, leaking and needed to be replaced. the contact sent the manufacturer an email and was awaiting a response. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 51,000 and the failure mileage was 46,000.
- Tires
Toyo tires size 205 50 17 failed at 22,000 miles. *tr
- Tires › Valve
TL* the contact owns a 2008 mazda 5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph when a tire suddenly became flat. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who advised him that the valve stem was fractured and caused the flat tire. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 48,000.
- Steering
Took car in due to recall notice for power steering failure for replacement part. New part installed was defective and resulted in loss of steering ability. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged…
The subject vehicles have electro-hydraulic power assist steering (EHPAS).The complaint counts shown above alleged a loss of power steering assist in the subject vehicles.Usually, but not always, the loss is accompanied by the simultaneous lighting of an indicator light on the dash.The complaints include 14 alleged crashes involving 6 injuries.On Mazda3 and Mazda5 vehicles manufactured from April 2, 2007 through November 30, 2008, rust may have formed inside the EPAS high-pressure pipe during manufacture due to improper processing.If the rust is present it may damage the power steering pump bearings leading to an increased load on the electric motor; this results in an elevated operating temperature for the EPAS system.To prevent excessive overheating of the system, which could potentially cause permanent damage, afailsafe mode which de-powers the electric pump is implemented.This causes a loss of power assist making it more difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at lower vehicle speeds.Once the failsafe is implemented the EPAS system will remain disabled until the ignition is turned off.However EPAS will be re-enabled if the operating temperature is reduced (i.e., within an acceptable range) on a subsequent drive cycle.On August 8, 2010 Mazda submitted a Part 573 defect information report initiating Safety Recall 10V-374 to remedy the subject vehicles.The report, which contains additional details on the remedy repair, is available at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/.ODI notes that the affected population shown in that report includes approximately 8,000 vehicles Mazda repaired prior to initiating the recall.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11007022Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage such (melted, separating, etc.) when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 11007019If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
- 11006987In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealers responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the Speedometer Replacement Label. Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazdas vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMOs services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 11005671Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 11003398Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10251387Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10244679If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
- 10243569Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10240496Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10237216If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
- 10232299Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10226924If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal MGSS diagnosis by asking if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Below are a few examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices. Examples: 1. Devices connected to the DLC-2 (battery discharge/DTC stored) 2. Cell phone charger/accessory in 12V socket (engine no start or unable to turn off) 3. GPS tracking device (engine no start/battery discharge) 4. Dash cam (DTC stored) 5. Non-certified USB cable (Apple Carplay/ Android Auto will not connect) 6. Over-sized wheels/tires (incorrect GPS location)
- 10226814Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10225724Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10217209In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.
- 10215274This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
- 10213430Excessive condensation or water within the headlamp assembly caustion
- 10213429Paint damage Mazda pocket paint guide
- 10213427HandsFree bluetooth module and/or text messaging troubleshooting procedure
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10213423Siriusxm satellite radio registration transfer after unit replacement
- 10213422Proper usage of driver's floor mat.
- 10213421Condensation/Fog in front and rear combination lights
- 10213417Passenger fAirbag deactivation (PAD) indicator light illumination
- 10213399Brake noise, judder and dragging diagnosis and servicing
- 10213398Clunk/bang/buzz noise during first forward movement after sitting
- 10213387Shock absorber replacement guidelines
- 10213385Stains appear on wheels
- 10213333Battery test procedure requirements using the GR81291
- 10213332Battery Maintenance
- 10213331Sulfur smell from exhaust system.
- 10213330PreMixed long life "FL22" Engine Coolant
- 10213329Engine Start /Stop Procedure with room fuse removed
- 10213326Mazda guidelines for factory scheduled maintenance
- 10213185Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
- 10209778The Mazda DCA-8000 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda DCA-8000 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
- 10209761Accessory instructions can be found on OneMazda under Dealer Resources - Parts & Accessories.
- 10208567Some vehicles may experience exterior trim heat damage when parked near a glass building or Low-E windows. This may be caused by the sun's reflection.
- 10208556Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
- 10206002Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Cooler and Lines Flushing Procedure: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission (A/T) oil cooler and lines must be power flushed completely before an overhauled or replacement A/T is installed (except SKYACTIV-DRIVE). The most common cause of repeat A/T failures is lack of lubrication to the front and rear planetary gears. This is usually caused by an accumulation of metal particles and debris (from a previous A/T failure) on the internal mesh type baffle of the oil cooler. Power flushing will remove the restriction by back flushing, followed by forward flushing to dislodge a restriction, then back flushing again. This will in turn ensure full ATF flow for the transmission when it is operating.
Every Mazda MAZDA5 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.