DETROIT (WWJ) - Federal regulators are looking into possible safety issues with some smaller- model BMW’s.

The Feds are stepping up their investigation into potential steering problems on almost 60,000 BMW Mini cars. The model year 2004-2005 Mini Cooper’s may have a steering defect linked to three vehicle fires.

The NHTSA has reviewed over 500 complaints.

Five minor crashes have been reported.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been looking into it since September.

In July of 2010 CBSNews.com reported another investigation into steering issues with the German automaker’s cars.

Government investigations sometimes lead to recalls.