U.S. examining Mini Cooper steering

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is investigating Mini Coopers for unexpected loss of power steering.

NHTSA has launched an investigation of 2004-model Coopers after receiving 54 consumer complaints and a confidential number of field reports, the administration stated on its Web site. The reports state that it is hard to control the vehicle when the power steering fails.

The reports also say that the loss of power steering may be linked to the failure of the power steering pump.

The company will provide information sought by the safety agency, a spokesman for BMW, Mini's parent company, said.

By Brad Constant