US safety agency opens probe into steering problems with up to 1,500 Pierce fire trucks

U.S. safety regulators are investigating reports of steering problems that could affect up to 1,500 Pierce fire trucks nationwide.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the probe covers trucks made since the 2004 model year.

The agency says it received a complaint in January from a fire department that a driver had trouble steering a truck and never felt in control. Mechanics found problems in the ball joints, which connect wheels to the steering system. Also, the agency cited media reports of wheels falling off trucks three times the Baltimore area. No injuries were reported.

In November the company recalled 135 trucks because suspension parts can fail and wheels could fall off.

The agency says it will determine the size of the problem and how risky it is.