Mini Cooper steering problems probed by gov't

The government opened a probe into potential power steering problems in Mini Coopers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website that it had received 54 complaints about the loss of power steering in Mini Coopers from the 2004-2005 model years. When the power steering stops working, it can become more difficult for the driver to steer or control the vehicle.

NHTSA said the preliminary investigation covers about 80,000 vehicles.

BMW, the Mini Cooper maker, said it had not received any reports of crashes related to power steering problems.