(June 22, 2012) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is opening investigations into 170,000 2011 Ford Explorer and Chrysler 200 vehicles over complaints of steering problems and engine stalling.

NHTSA said it was opening two preliminary investigations.

The agency is investigating 87,288 Chrysler 200 and Chrysler 200 convertibles for engine stall. NHTSA has received 15 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall in the 200s with a 3.6-liter engine. All 15 incidents reported stalling without warning during low-speed decelerations such as braking for a stop sign or traffic light.

In the second investigation, NHTSA said it is investigating 83,000 2011 Ford Explorer SUVs. NHTSA said it has received 15 complaints alleging loss of power steering assist and increased steering effort in model year 2011 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with Electric Power Assisted Steering.

Some of the complaints indicated observing a power steering warning message when the failure occurred. In some cases, the condition was corrected by turning the vehicle off and restarting. However, some reports indicate the condition returned after restarting the vehicle.

NHTSA has no reports of crashes or injuries.

Source: The Detroit News