AUTOS

Regulators Step Up Dodge Truck Probe: Officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are investigating 1991-92 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks after receiving reports that three people were killed and 14 injured when the trucks unexpectedly shifted into reverse. A total of 71 complaints have been made about the vehicles, including 59 accidents, according to information compiled by regulators, State Farm Insurance and Chrysler Corp., which makes the truck. The investigation covers 154,393 of the popular compact trucks equipped with automatic transmissions. Chrysler spokesman Tony Cervone said he could not provide details about the fatalities and injuries that the auto maker reported to regulators. He said the Highland Park, Mich.-based company is cooperating with investigators.