Detroit,MI- Safety regulators have opened up a probe into reduced brake effectiveness for an estimated 62,319 Mazda Motor Corp CX-9 large crossover vehicles after receiving seven complaints from consumers who experienced a loss in power-assisted braking.

A recall could be a serious possibility if regulators find an immediate safety hazard during a preliminary evaluation.

Consumers state there were several incidents where the brake pedal suddenly felt hard, requiring increased effort to stop the vehicle, according to the NHTSA documents.

NHTSA previously investigated brake master cylinder leaks in the 2008-model CX-9 but closed the case in April 2012 because of a low chance the condition could affect actual brake performance.

However, this is not the case for this model CX-9. The complaints state possible loss of power assist to the brake, reduced brake effectiveness, and several consumers have reported hearing a hissing noise during brake application, according to the NHTSA documents.

Full story at Reuters