The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into potential power steering problems for the 2004-2005 MINI because, according to the NHTSA's website:The Office of Defect Investigations has received 54 complaints and a confidential number of field reports alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle. When the power steering assist stops working it requires increased force to steer the vehicle. Some drivers reported experiencing difficulty while trying to steer or control the vehicle. The reports indicate that the loss of power steering assist may be related to a power steering pump failure."Up to 80,000 vehicles might be effected if there is a recall due to this perceived issue. MINI claims it has no confirmation that any accidents have occurred due to steering pump failure.
[Sources: via Carscoop / MotoringFile]
