Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Probe of Chrysler Minivan Brakes Set

Federal engineers have opened a probe of 1991 Chrysler minivans after receiving three complaints that the vehicles’ brakes have failed because of leaks, the government said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it was also stepping up probes of corroding door hinges on Isuzu Troopers, sticking throttles on this year’s Ford Explorer and speed control failure in the 1991 Honda Acura Integra. The minivan inquiry covers about 300,000 Chrysler minivans, the traffic safety agency said in its monthly defect investigation report.