Government probe focuses on Hyundai Santa Fe's steering

DETROIT — U.S. safety regulators are investigating a steering problem in Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a fastener can come loose, causing the steering shaft to come apart and drivers to lose control.

The probe covers about 70,000 Santa Fes from the 2011 model year. It will determine if the problem is bad enough for Hyundai to recall the SUVs.

No injuries or crashes have been reported.

NHTSA says one driver complained about a complete loss of steering. Hyundai also got a complaint that a loose bolt caused a similar problem.

The probe was announced amid recalls from the world's largest automaker, Toyota. The company recalled 7.43 million vehicles Wednesday after complaints of fires that were started in the power window switches of some models.