(Reuters) - U.S. auto safety regulator has opened a preliminary evaluation into 77,131 Nissan ( NSANF ) vehicles over reports of an issue with the steering tie rod, it said on Wednesday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the probe would involve Nissan's ( NSANF ) 2021 Rogue crossover models, adding that it launched the investigation after reports of inner tie rod failures resulting in a loss of steering control.

The evaluation will assess safety-related consequences and the scope, frequency and root cause of the alleged defect, the regulator said.

In June, the regulator opened a separate investigation into around 75,000 Nissan ( NSANF ) 2015 Rogue Selects in response to reports of unintended deployments of side airbags in some of them.