NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
220 reportsClear category filter90,000 miles · Jul 15, 2013
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHILST TRYING TO DRIVE FORWARD, THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO HAVE ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO DRIVE- IN OTHER WORDS THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC I BROUGHT IT TO, I WAS ADVISED THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR BEFORE AND IT IS CAUSED DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE RADIATOR LEAKING AN…
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WHILST TRYING TO DRIVE FORWARD, THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO HAVE ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO DRIVE- IN OTHER WORDS THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC I BROUGHT IT TO, I WAS ADVISED THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN WITH THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR BEFORE AND IT IS CAUSED DUE TO AN ISSUE WITH THE RADIATOR LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE INTO THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524964
103,100 miles · Jul 12, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO BREAK AND BE CHILE TO STALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524599
84,377 miles · Jun 25, 2013
Power Train
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE DROVE SLUGGISH. HAD NO POWER. FELT LIKE IT WAS IN LOW GEAR. HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN. NO PRIOR INDICATION OF TROUBLE. ALL FLUID LEVELS AND MAINTENANCE WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED AT THE APPROPRIATE MILEAGE INTERVALS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521746
116,000 miles · Jun 18, 2013
EnginePower Train
THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED AND MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN 2 MPH. I COULD NOT GET IT UPHILL. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. IT WAS CONSTANTLY JUMPING FORWARD PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. ON THE HIGHWAY IT FELT LIKE IT COULDN'T GET OUT OF GEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520564
125,000 miles · Jun 11, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR. THE FRONTIER IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN. I WAS DRIVING IN FRONT OF A TRACTOR TRAILER AND JUST MISSED GETTING REAR ENDED. I'VE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT NISSAN HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE RADIATOR LEAKING AND CROSS CONTAMINATING WITH …
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I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR. THE FRONTIER IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN. I WAS DRIVING IN FRONT OF A TRACTOR TRAILER AND JUST MISSED GETTING REAR ENDED. I'VE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT NISSAN HAS BEEN AWARE OF THE RADIATOR LEAKING AND CROSS CONTAMINATING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND BLOWING OUT THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THESE VEHICLES INVOLVED AND NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THEIR DEFECT REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE MILEAGE. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10516195
112,000 miles · Jun 7, 2013
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH I WOULD GET A VERY LOUD HARSH VIBRATION THAT FELT SIMILAR TO DRIVING OVER ONE OF THE WARNING STRIPS ON SIDE OF HIGHWAYS WARNING YOU YOU'RE GOING OFF ROAD. IT ALSO EVENTUAL WOULD BARELY MOVE FROM A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. TOOK IT TO LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP THAT INFORMED ME THE COOLANT FROM RADIA…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 40-45 MPH I WOULD GET A VERY LOUD HARSH VIBRATION THAT FELT SIMILAR TO DRIVING OVER ONE OF THE WARNING STRIPS ON SIDE OF HIGHWAYS WARNING YOU YOU'RE GOING OFF ROAD. IT ALSO EVENTUAL WOULD BARELY MOVE FROM A STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. TOOK IT TO LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP THAT INFORMED ME THE COOLANT FROM RADIATOR LEAKED INTO TRANS CAUSING THE FAILURE. LOOKS LIKE I'M GETTING A NEW TRANS AND RADIATOR. NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL AND REIMBURSE ALL THESE PPL SPENDING THOUSANDS ON WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A FACTORY DEFECT. I SEE COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT OF THE EXACT PROBLEM I AM HAVING. THANKS A GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE. HOPEFULLY NISSAN DOES THE RIGHT THING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10515734
82,156 miles · May 25, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I BOUGHT A USED 2006 FRONTIER 2 YEARS AGO AND ONLY PUT 20,000 MILES ON IT AND NOW THE COOLANT IS MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THEY WANT TO PAY 2500 DOLLARS TO HELP FIX IT. AND THIS BULL CRAP. NISSAN NEEDS TO MAN UP AND STAND BEHIND THERE VEHICLES. DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS CAN SPREAD THE WORD. NEVER BUY A NISSAN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513489
91,000 miles · May 23, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKIN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513232
75,000 miles · May 15, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
COOLANT HAS ENTERED TRANSMISSION FLUID, THIS CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO BECOME IMMOBILE IN TRAFFIC, INTERSECTIONS, ETC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512172
97,731 miles · May 7, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
HELLO, I HAVE A 2006 FRONTIER ON IT'S WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW HAVING THE RADIATOR & TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THAT IS CAUSED FROM THE COOLANT MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I DON'T KNOW HOW NISSAN CAN SAY THIS ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOUR VEHICLE CAN STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC DUE TO YOUR TRANSMISSION DYING. R…
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HELLO, I HAVE A 2006 FRONTIER ON IT'S WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW HAVING THE RADIATOR & TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THAT IS CAUSED FROM THE COOLANT MIXING WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I DON'T KNOW HOW NISSAN CAN SAY THIS ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOUR VEHICLE CAN STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC DUE TO YOUR TRANSMISSION DYING. RECALL NEEDED! THANK YOU! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10511002
Official recalls
4Oct 28, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 ARMADA, TITAN, INFINITI QX56 AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 FRONTIER, PATHFINDER AND XTERRA VEHICLES. THE INTELLIGENT POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE (IPDM) ASSEMBLY CONTAINS AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) RELAY THAT HAS A DIODE FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT NOISE REDUCTION. THE ECM RELAY MAY ALLOW SILICON VAPOR TO FORM AND, OVER TIME, THE SILICON EVAPORATES FROM THE DIODE MOLDING WHICH CAUSES SILICON OXIDE TO DEVELOP ON THE ECM RELAY CONTACT DUE TO ARCING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ENGINE STALLING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECM RELAY INSIDE THE IPDM ASSEMBLY. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Mar 3, 2010
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 AND MODEL YEAR 2008 FRONTIER, XTERRA AND PATHFINDER VEHICLES. THE MOLDED FUEL TANK SHELLS CAN DEFORM, CAUSING THE FUEL SENDER FLOAT ARM TO CONTACT AN EMBOSSMENT MOLDED INTO THE TANK SHELL CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FUEL GAUGE TO SHOW THAT THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER TANK WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS A MODIFIED FLOAT ARM. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Dec 29, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 242,720 MY 2005-2009 PATHFINDER, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN THOSE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY WHICH USE HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT IN THE WINTER, A MIXTURE OF SNOW/WATER AND SALT CAN ENTER INTO THE FRONT CRASH ZONE SENSOR (CZS) HOUSING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CZS MAY INTERNALLY RUST RESULTING IN A SIGNAL INTERRUPTION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE RED AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE TO ALERT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS ISSUE COULD RESULT IN THE NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAGS IN A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT CZS WITH A REDESIGNED SENSOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 26, 2009. OWNERS IN THE OTHER STATES WILL RECEIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE SENSOR TO 10 YEARS. THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY MAIL AND WILL RECEIVE A STICKER TO PLACE IN THEIR WARRANTY BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Mar 30, 2006
ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CAP TETHER PIN ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP26003 · Fuel Smell And Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Mar 30, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Fuel System, Gasoline
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
Fuel System, Gasoline
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a Petition dated February 5, 2026, requesting an investigation into model year (MY) 2006 Nissan Frontier vehicles. The Petitioner alleges that the vehicle poses an imminent fire hazard due to “[a] powerful and persistent odor of raw gasoline” that he says “emanates from the vehicle” and “indicat[es] a breach in fuel system integrity.” He further alleges that the vehicles can experience sudden engine stalling “during startup and operation,” which he believes could cause collisions or loss of vehicle control. The Petitioner further alleges these symptoms are identical to conditions addressed in previous NHTSA recalls (10V-517, 07V-435, and 10V-075) and that the issues persist in the 2006 MY Nissan fleet despite these past actions. ODI is opening this Defect Petition to evaluate the Petitioner’s allegations and determine whether to grant or deny the Petition. The Petition can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under NHTSA Number 11718552.
DP12004 · Transmission Failures
Opened Jun 11, 2012 · Closed Oct 22, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train; Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines; Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
Power Train
On February 29, 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter petitioning the agency to conduct a defect investigation into MY 2005-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Frontier, and Xterra vehicles [the subject vehicles] for automatic transmission failures related to failed transmission coolers.NHTSA conducted a comprehensive review of data related to this subject. Our report, documenting this review, is available in the document file for this defect petition.It will also be published in the Federal Register. Of the 2,505 referenced complaints, 638 relate to a potential hazard (unable to maintain speed, no motive power, engine stall) and 1,867 concern customer satisfaction issues including, but not limited to, repair cost, vehicle shudder and shake, and engine overheating.Taking into account the allocation of agency resources and priorities and the likelihood that additional investigation would result in a finding that an unreasonable risk to highway safety exists, we conclude that further investigation is not warranted and deny the petition.ODI Complaint ID numbers are referenced on the next page.
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