First time facing this problem in 8 years. I have a 2.4L 2014 Mazda CX-5. I turned it on today and the steering had no "power". Very hard to turn. All dashboard lights are on as if there is some electrical malfunction. But the car still drove around a block from the house without any problem other than heavy steering.

Turning off was difficult. One push of button didn't do anything. Had to keep holding the start-stop button down for a long time. Any ideas of what is going on or if I can debug (and fix) myself rather than take to a Mazda dealer.

 

No power steering - possibly a broken belt.

 

Get your battery professionally tested. Sounds like a faulty battery. If battery tests ok get it scanned for DTC's ( fault codes)

Steering is electric assist, no belt or fluid.

 

CORRECT - I had half dead battery and power steering did NOT work for like few seconds after engine started!!!