Feds Probe 37,000 Mazda CX-9s for Brake Fluid Leak

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into an estimated 37,000 2008 Mazda CX-9s because a brake fluid leak can cause a "degradation in brake effectiveness."

NHTSA said that such a brake fluid leak can result in "extended stopping distance." There have been no reports of crashes, injuries or fatalities linked to the investigation.

Bev Braga, a spokesperson for Mazda North American Operations, told Inside Line that the automaker is "fully cooperating with NHTSA on the investigation."

The federal safety agency said it opened the investigation into the CX-9s after receiving data from Mazda indicating a "high number of warranty claims and reports" about servicing brakes.

"(The) review of these reports concluded that in most instances Mazda dealers identified the primary cause as an internal brake fluid leak from the master cylinder into the vacuum booster," said NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation in its summary of the problem. "When brake fluid leaks into the vacuum booster the driver can experience reduced brake effectiveness which can result in extended stopping distance."

NHTSA said it has opened a preliminary evaluation to assess the scope, frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. Such a move is sometimes the precursor to a recall.

Inside Line says: If you own a 2008 Mazda CX-9 be aware that the feds are looking into concerns about a brake fluid leak.