NHTSA Investigates Mazda CX-9 for Brake Issue

A probe launched by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will examine the Mazda Motor Corp CX-9 large crossover vehicles from model years 2010-2011 due to several complaints regarding the loss of power-assisted braking.

About the Mazda Brake Probe

• According to the Washington Post, the 2008-model CX-9 was also suspected to have brake master cylinder leaks. However, due to the slow leak, the declining failure trend, and low probability that the issue would affect performance, the probe was closed in April 2012.
• This preliminary investigation may lead to a recall in the future. Currently, the Japanese company is cooperating with the officials in the investigation.
• There are approximately 62,319 that may have brake issues.
• They described the brake pedals’ decreasing effectiveness, and the increase in the effort required to stop the vehicle.

Additional Information on Break Failure

According to a survey taken by the NHTSA in 2008, the failure of the braking system was the second most critical reason, and accounted for 25% of crashes that were attributed to problems with the vehicles.

Common signs of brake failure include:

• Difficulty slowing/stopping the car
• Grinding or squealing noises during braking
• The vehicle pulls to one side when brakes are applied
• Pulsation or excess vibration in the brake pedal during braking
• Clicking noises during braking