NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
144 reportsClear category filter115,063 miles · Mar 1, 2013
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2012 I HAD MY NISSAN TRUCK SERVICED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER, REPLACE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, AIR FILTER, PERFORM ENGINE COOLANT EXCHANGE , TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE, POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, PERFORM BRAKE SYSTEM FL…
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DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2012 I HAD MY NISSAN TRUCK SERVICED. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID, REPLACE CABIN AIR FILTER, REPLACE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES, AIR FILTER, PERFORM ENGINE COOLANT EXCHANGE , TRANSMISSION FLUID EXCHANGE, POWER STEERING SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, PERFORM BRAKE SYSTEM FLUID EXCHANGE, AND FUEL INJECTION . I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, WHICH WAS DONE BY NISSAN. I HAD ALL OF THESE SERVICES PERFORMED BY THE NISSAN AUTOMOTIVE DEPARTMENT. ON FEBRUARY 28 2013, MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON ALONG WITH SENSOR LIGHT INDICATING A DOOR IS OPEN. HOWEVER, NO DOORS WERE OPEN. I TAKE THE TRUCK BACK TO NISSAN, AND THEY TELL ME THE TRANSMISSION IS ABOUT TO GO OUT!!!! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN MY TRUCK TO NISSAN TO PERFORM THE SERVICE . I AM OUTRAGED!!!! ALL OF THE SERVICE NEEDED HAS ALWAYS BEEN PERFORMED BY NISSAN. PLEASE HELP!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500967
144,000 miles · Feb 28, 2013
EnginePower Train
MY PATHFINDER BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND MAKE A DEEP RUMBLING NOISE WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED ANYWHERE BETWEEN 40-55PMH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND WAS TOLD THIS AFTERNOON THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE INTERCOOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND IT HAD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. IT HAS CAUS…
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MY PATHFINDER BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND MAKE A DEEP RUMBLING NOISE WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED ANYWHERE BETWEEN 40-55PMH. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND WAS TOLD THIS AFTERNOON THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE INTERCOOLER INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND IT HAD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. IT HAS CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE RADIATOR AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE TECH SAID THE ESTIMATED COST WILL BE $5300. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500860
78,241 miles · Feb 25, 2013
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE RPM READING BEGAN TO INCREASE AS THE VEHICLE SHIFTED HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE RPM READING BEGAN TO INCREASE AS THE VEHICLE SHIFTED HARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP12004 (POWER TRAIN) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,241.
NHTSA ODI #10499950
90,000 miles · Feb 14, 2013
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INCORRECT READINGS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 4/1/13 *C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED INCORRECT READINGS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 4/1/13 *CN UPDATED 04/23/2013 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10498108
93,000 miles · Feb 2, 2013
EnginePower Train
RADIATOR CRACKED AND COOLANT LEAKED INTO TRANSMISSION. I DID SOME RESEARCH, THIS HAPPENS TO ALL 2005-2010 PATHFINDERS. VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496166
120,000 miles · Dec 28, 2012
EnginePower Train
I OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE ENGINE COOLANT CONTAMINATED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BECAUSE AN INTERNAL PIECE BROKE. THE ONLY REASON I NOTICED ANY ISSUE IS THE REVERSE GEAR BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE ENGAGING. AFTER VISITING TWO MECHANICS, I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE RADIATOR/COOLANT SYSTEM AND PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION. ALTHO…
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I OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE ENGINE COOLANT CONTAMINATED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BECAUSE AN INTERNAL PIECE BROKE. THE ONLY REASON I NOTICED ANY ISSUE IS THE REVERSE GEAR BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLE ENGAGING. AFTER VISITING TWO MECHANICS, I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE RADIATOR/COOLANT SYSTEM AND PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION. ALTHOUGH NISSAN HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE, THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP WITH THE SITUATION. ULTIMATELY, THIS REPAIR COST ME UPWARDS OF $6000.00 TO REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10490298
98,000 miles · Dec 19, 2012
EnginePower Train
MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SUFFERED A RADIATOR LEAK WHICH LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING AT A HIGH RPM WHILE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST THE ABILITY TO DRIVE DESPITE THE CAR RUNNING AND THE GAS PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THEN THE TRANSMISSION "KICKED IN" AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWAR…
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MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SUFFERED A RADIATOR LEAK WHICH LEAKED FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING AT A HIGH RPM WHILE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST THE ABILITY TO DRIVE DESPITE THE CAR RUNNING AND THE GAS PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THEN THE TRANSMISSION "KICKED IN" AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD UNTIL THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE CAR COMPLETELY BROKE DOWN ON THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10489228
139,000 miles · Dec 18, 2012
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER CONTINUALLY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER CONTINUALLY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED CORROSION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP12004 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: COOLING UNIT AND LINES) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
NHTSA ODI #10489108
100,280 miles · Dec 9, 2012
EnginePower Train
WE OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT MY WIFE DRIVES DAILY UNTIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO THAT THE TRANSMISSION GAVE UP ON US AT EXACTLY 100298 MILES. SHE SAID THAT SHE WAS DRIVING AROUND 50 MILES AN OUR AND THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SUV JUST QUIT AND IT WOULD NOT GO NO FURTHER. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CARS BEHIND HER BECAUSE OUR DAUGH…
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WE OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER THAT MY WIFE DRIVES DAILY UNTIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO THAT THE TRANSMISSION GAVE UP ON US AT EXACTLY 100298 MILES. SHE SAID THAT SHE WAS DRIVING AROUND 50 MILES AN OUR AND THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SUV JUST QUIT AND IT WOULD NOT GO NO FURTHER. LUCKILY THERE WAS NO CARS BEHIND HER BECAUSE OUR DAUGHTERS WERE WITH HER AT THE TIME. SO NOW I HAVE A PATHFINDER THAT DOES NOT RUN BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD THE SIX GRAND THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME BECAUSE I WENT OVER 298 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487801
100,720 miles · Dec 7, 2012
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, AN UNUSUAL NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, AN UNUSUAL NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED AND THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION EXHIBITED INTERNAL DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V517000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT HAD EXCEEDED THE 100,000 MILE LIMIT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,720.
NHTSA ODI #10487637
Official recalls
2Oct 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.
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.
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
1DP12004 · 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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