Sept 8 (Reuters) - The U.S. National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration said on Monday it had opened a probe into

about 287,000 Stellantis' ( STLA ) Chrysler minivans over

concerns related to their electric power steering.

The probe covers Chrysler Pacifica from model years 2017 to

2018.

The auto safety regulator said it had received reports that

the steering system could feel sticky during gradual turns when

the wheel was in certain positions, followed by a sudden return

of power steering assistance.

The sudden reactivation of electric power steering

assistance could result in an oversteer situation, potentially

increasing the risk of a crash, the NHTSA added.