Hummer H2 investigated for defects

updated 5:44 p.m. ET Dec. 6, 2004

WASHINGTON - Federal regulators are investigating the Hummer H2 after receiving three reports of wheels falling off the vehicle, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday.

Involved in the investigation are Hummer H2s from the 2003 and 2004 model years. General Motors Corp. said there are approximately 59,670 of those on the road.

Four drivers reported a fracture in the steering knuckle, which allows the wheels to turn. All said they lost control, including one driver whose H2 veered into oncoming traffic and ended up in a ditch on the other side of the road. In three of the cases, a wheel fell off.

The Hummer H2, which starts at around $50,000, weighs 6,400 pounds and is one of the largest sport utility vehicles on the road.

GM said it is cooperating with the new investigation. NHTSA investigations can lead to vehicle recalls.

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