NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
585 reportsClear category filter93,000 miles · Mar 22, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR CRACKED ALLOWING COOLANT TO CONTAMINATE TRANSMISSION FLUID. TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED ON HIGHWAY. NO WARNING SIGNS. VEHICLE WAS REVVING BUT NOT MOVING. DEALER SAYS INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REPAIR UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. SPECIALTY SHOP SAYS RADIATOR IS CRACKED. PHOTOS AND PARTS AVAILAB…
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RADIATOR CRACKED ALLOWING COOLANT TO CONTAMINATE TRANSMISSION FLUID. TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED ON HIGHWAY. NO WARNING SIGNS. VEHICLE WAS REVVING BUT NOT MOVING. DEALER SAYS INTERNAL TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REPAIR UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. SPECIALTY SHOP SAYS RADIATOR IS CRACKED. PHOTOS AND PARTS AVAILABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504100
111,000 miles · Mar 19, 2013
Power Train
TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NISSAN A COUPLE MONTHS AGO THAT STATES SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE HAD ISSUES. ALSO THEY DO NOTHING FOR THIS AFTER 100000 MI. WELL, IT SEEMS THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THIS AND THERE ARE ALOT MORE OF THESE THAN SOME OF THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE WEB AND HAVE COME TO T…
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TRANSMISSION IS GOING OUT, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NISSAN A COUPLE MONTHS AGO THAT STATES SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE HAD ISSUES. ALSO THEY DO NOTHING FOR THIS AFTER 100000 MI. WELL, IT SEEMS THAT NISSAN KNEW ABOUT THIS AND THERE ARE ALOT MORE OF THESE THAN SOME OF THESE VEHICLES. I HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE WEB AND HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF THESE ISSUES AND NISSAN FAILS TO ADMIT FAULT. I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO FIX MY VEHICLE WITH 112000 ON IT AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 112000 ON IT, ESPECIALLY A WELL MAINTAINED ONE.NISSAN KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10503604
104,000 miles · Mar 18, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS DRIVING AND STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE MOVED LESS THAN 5 M.P.H. THIS CONTINUED ALL THE WAY TO CHURCH ON MARCH 10TH, 2013. I DROVE TO THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE. THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSI…
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I WAS DRIVING AND STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL THE VEHICLE MOVED LESS THAN 5 M.P.H. THIS CONTINUED ALL THE WAY TO CHURCH ON MARCH 10TH, 2013. I DROVE TO THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND 2 DAYS LATER THEY DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE. THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION, CROSS CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THIS CAUSED THE VALVE BODY IN THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE NISSAN DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE RADIATOR AND VALVE BODY IN THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT MY POWER TRAIN WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED BECAUSE I WAS OVER 100,000 MILES AND MY VEHICLE IS AT 104,000. I WAS TOLD THAT NISSAN WOULDN'T COVER THE REPAIR EVEN THOUGH THE RADIATOR IS DEFECTIVE BUT SINCE I CAUGHT IT EARLY THE TRANSMISSION WASN'T TOTALLY DAMAGED JUST PARTIALLY DAMAGED SAVING ME MORE MONEY. HOWEVER, MY REPAIR BILL WAS $2,999.94!! EVEN THE MECHANICS AT NISSAN TOLD ME THAT THIS IS AN KNOWN ISSUE (OFF THE RECORD) AND NISSAN SHOULD COVER THE REPAIR!! THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR AND NISSAN SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. CONSUMERS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF! IT EFFECTS 2005 THRU 2010 PATHFINDER, XTERRA AND FRONTIER VEHICLES. NISSAN IS VOLUNTARILY OFFERING TO CO-PAY FOR REPAIRS IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 100,000 MILES BECAUSE OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT IS STILL PENDING IN COURT. THE ISSUE ONLY OCCURS AFTER 100,000 MILES LEAVING MILLIONS OF CONSUMERS ON THE HOOK FOR AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING DEFECT!! PLEASE HELP US RECOVER THE COST OF THIS EXPENSIVE REPAIR?? PLEASE!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10503393
136,000 miles · Mar 14, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS LEAVING AN APPOINTMENT AT THE HOSPITAL AND AS I APPROACHED A SPEED BUMP I HEARD A LOUD DROP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER MOVE UPON PRESSING THE GAS. THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND IT WENT INTO GEAR HOWEVER I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELLERATE O…
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I WAS LEAVING AN APPOINTMENT AT THE HOSPITAL AND AS I APPROACHED A SPEED BUMP I HEARD A LOUD DROP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER MOVE UPON PRESSING THE GAS. THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND IT WENT INTO GEAR HOWEVER I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELLERATE OVER 40MPH AND HEADED STRAIGHT TO A DEALERSHIP. I RECEIVED A CALL ON FROM THE DEALER DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LOCATED IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY THAT ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH AND CONTAMINATE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, RESULTING IN DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS AND A DAMAGED INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPUTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502746
135,000 miles · Mar 13, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING IN MIDDLE OF THE STREET, SUDDENLY CAR STOPPED DRIVING. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. IT SEEMS THERE IS A COOLANT LEAK INTO TRANSMISSION THAT CAUSED THE ISSUE. HOWEVER NISSAN'S EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY ALLOWS UP TO 100000 MILES OR 10 YEARS WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. SINCE MY MILEAGE IS OVER THAT, NISSAN WILL NOT COVER…
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WHILE DRIVING IN MIDDLE OF THE STREET, SUDDENLY CAR STOPPED DRIVING. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. IT SEEMS THERE IS A COOLANT LEAK INTO TRANSMISSION THAT CAUSED THE ISSUE. HOWEVER NISSAN'S EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY ALLOWS UP TO 100000 MILES OR 10 YEARS WHICHEVER COMES FIRST. SINCE MY MILEAGE IS OVER THAT, NISSAN WILL NOT COVER ANY REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502708
127,525 miles · Mar 11, 2013
EnginePower TrainFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, A STRONG BURNING ODOR EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING AREA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND SMOKE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, A STRONG BURNING ODOR EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING AREA. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND SMOKE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR FAILED AND CAUSED THE RADIATOR FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,525.
NHTSA ODI #10502335
85,000 miles · Mar 8, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TRANSMISSION COOLER LEAKS, ALLOWING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX, LEADING TO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. NISSAN DEALER IS AWARE OF THE INCIDENT AND OFFER A $2500 DEDUCTIBLE, THIS IS NOT A FAIR DEDUCTIBLE AND NISSAN IS NOT PLAYING A FAIR GAME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502096
90,048 miles · Mar 7, 2013
EnginePower Train
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40-45 M/H AND THE CAR STOP ACCELERATING, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAY IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION($7,000.00) SO I LOOK IT UP IN THE INTERNET AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10501938
116,000 miles · Mar 4, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO ENGAGE IN GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO TO THE TRANSMISSION AND AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION SOL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO ENGAGE IN GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT RADIATOR FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO TO THE TRANSMISSION AND AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10501288
127,000 miles · Mar 4, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO SHIFT INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR THAT WAS ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE ALSO CRACKS IN THE HOSES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO SHIFT INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR THAT WAS ALLOWING COOLANT TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION. THERE WERE ALSO CRACKS IN THE HOSES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 127,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10501149
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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