NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports85,290 miles · May 20, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
HAD A VIBRATION IN MY VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AS IT WAS GETTING WORSE. LONG STORY SHORT..A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE RADIATOR. CAUSED MY ANTIFREEZE TO ENTER INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID IN MY RADIATOR. MECHANIC SAID ITS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE, AND WE NEED TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR, AND FLUSH EVER…
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HAD A VIBRATION IN MY VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AS IT WAS GETTING WORSE. LONG STORY SHORT..A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE RADIATOR. CAUSED MY ANTIFREEZE TO ENTER INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID IN MY RADIATOR. MECHANIC SAID ITS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE, AND WE NEED TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR, AND FLUSH EVERYTHING OUT. TOTAL COST ~$1500. 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER ~ 85,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331473
59,000 miles · May 19, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005, 59K MILES - EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND SHUTTERING OF THE VEHICLE DURING ACCELERATION, TOOK IT INTO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE COOLANT LINE CRACKED CAUSING THE FLUID TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION CREATING REPLACEMENT OF BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT BY THE …
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NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005, 59K MILES - EXPERIENCED VIBRATION AND SHUTTERING OF THE VEHICLE DURING ACCELERATION, TOOK IT INTO NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THE COOLANT LINE CRACKED CAUSING THE FLUID TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION CREATING REPLACEMENT OF BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT BY THE CONSUMER! HOPEFULLY NISSAN WILL ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR WORSE, IT WOULD BE PRETTY SAD IF IT HAD TO COME TO THAT. EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED THE TRANSMISSION BUT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RADIATOR $950.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331188
45,000 miles · May 17, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE 6 CYLINDER STARTED SHOWING ERRATIC FUEL LEVEL AT 45,000 MILES. FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW EMPTY/FULL OR LOW AFTER FILLING TANK OR SHOW ERRATIC LEVELS WHEN CLOSE TO EMPTY. I HAVE TO WRITE THE MILEAGE AFTER EVERY FILL UP AND PROJECT MILEAGE FOR NEXT FILL UP. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR ALTHOUGH THE 2006 MODELS WITH…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER SE 6 CYLINDER STARTED SHOWING ERRATIC FUEL LEVEL AT 45,000 MILES. FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW EMPTY/FULL OR LOW AFTER FILLING TANK OR SHOW ERRATIC LEVELS WHEN CLOSE TO EMPTY. I HAVE TO WRITE THE MILEAGE AFTER EVERY FILL UP AND PROJECT MILEAGE FOR NEXT FILL UP. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR ALTHOUGH THE 2006 MODELS WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART IN THE FUEL TANK ARE BEING REPAIRED OR RECALLED. ESTIMATE COST OF REPAIR $450-$500. REPLACEMENT FOR DEFECTIVE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE AT DEALERSHIP PARTS STORE. THEY ARE BEING USED FOR THE RECALL OF THE 2006 AND NEWER MODELS. THIS IS AN ISSUE DURING LONG TRIPS AND REGISTRATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330933
52,000 miles · May 14, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
I HAD 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS AND WENT TO FILL UP. AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK, I TURNED ON THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THE NEEDLE DID NOT REGISTER THE FULL TANK. AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CAN NOT RELY ON MY GAUGES TO GIVE AN ACCURATE READING OF MY FUEL AND/OR HOW MANY MILES I HAVE UNTIL I AM EM…
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I HAD 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS AND WENT TO FILL UP. AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK, I TURNED ON THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THE NEEDLE DID NOT REGISTER THE FULL TANK. AFTER DRIVING A COUPLE MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CAN NOT RELY ON MY GAUGES TO GIVE AN ACCURATE READING OF MY FUEL AND/OR HOW MANY MILES I HAVE UNTIL I AM EMPTY. NOW I HAVE AN ADDITIONAL ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS WHERE MY OIL PRESSURE NEEDLE ALWAYS SHOWS HIGH. THIS DID NOT FIX ITSELF. IT APPEARS THERE IS A RECALL ON 2006 AND YOUNGER MODELS FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT MY 2005 PATHFINDER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE ISSUE I AM HAVING IS EXACTLY WHAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OTHER RECALLS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330472
70,000 miles · May 11, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE SENSOR SHOWS ERRONEOUS AMOUNT OF FUEL IN GAS TANK. CONSEQUENCE: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS FAILURE IS 100% OF THE TIME 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER XE, NISSAN CURRENTLY HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS SENSOR ON 2006 AND 2008, HOWEVER SINCE A SIMILA…
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FUEL GAUGE SENSOR SHOWS ERRONEOUS AMOUNT OF FUEL IN GAS TANK. CONSEQUENCE: THIS COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND STALL IN TRAFFIC, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS FAILURE IS 100% OF THE TIME 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER XE, NISSAN CURRENTLY HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS SENSOR ON 2006 AND 2008, HOWEVER SINCE A SIMILAR ISSUE IS PRESENT ON 2005 THEY EITHER MISSED MY YEAR OR THEY DON'T ACTUALLY KNOW ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10329892
65,000 miles · May 8, 2010
Power Train
WE OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION IS SLOW TO ENGAGE. IT HAS FAILED AT TIMES WHILE PULLING OUT FROM A STOP. IT PLACES THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD AND YOU ARE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. OUR VEHICLE HAS 65000 MILES ON IT, JUST OVER THE WARRANTY LIM…
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WE OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION IS SLOW TO ENGAGE. IT HAS FAILED AT TIMES WHILE PULLING OUT FROM A STOP. IT PLACES THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD AND YOU ARE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. OUR VEHICLE HAS 65000 MILES ON IT, JUST OVER THE WARRANTY LIMIT. WE RECENTLY TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM TO A FAULTY RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. A $6000 REPAIR ESTIMATE WAS GIVEN TO US. FROM WHAT INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND BY MY OWN RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE THAT NISSAN IS FULLY AWARE OF BUT REFUSES TO RECALL. WE HAVE CONTACTED NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WHICH HAS BEEN A TOTAL WASTE OF TIME. THIS PROBLEM IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IN MY OPINION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10329425
78,000 miles · May 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH APPROXIMATELY 78,000 MILES DEVELOPED A VIBRATION AND SHAKING WHEN DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED ON ANY ROAD, HOWEVER; WHEN DRIVING WITH OVERDRIVE OFF THE VIBRATION AND SHAKING IS NO LONGER PRESENT. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS MIXING WITH…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH APPROXIMATELY 78,000 MILES DEVELOPED A VIBRATION AND SHAKING WHEN DRIVING AT A CONSTANT SPEED ON ANY ROAD, HOWEVER; WHEN DRIVING WITH OVERDRIVE OFF THE VIBRATION AND SHAKING IS NO LONGER PRESENT. WHEN VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO NISSAN DEALERSHIP THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS MIXING WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT AND VICE VERSA. UPON DIAGNOSIS OF THIS PROBLEM THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD BE ABOUT $6,000 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR AND FLUIDS. LUCKILY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED THIS. I AM NOT THE FIRST PERSON TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.F177B6C/0 HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NISSAN/PATHFINDER/2005/TRANSMISSION/COOLANT_LEAKED_INTO_TRANSMISSION.SHTML FOR PROOF OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328913
78,092 miles · May 4, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE TAKEN MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TO MY DEALER ,BECAUSE OF A RUMBLING SOUND;THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE RADIATOR HAS A INTERNAL DAMAGE AND CAUSE THE ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK TO THE TRANSMISSION. I DO HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT THE DEALER ALSO REFUSE TO TAKE BECAUSE THE RADIATOR IS NOT COVER BUT THE TRANSMISSION IT IS,BUT THEY S…
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I HAVE TAKEN MY 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER TO MY DEALER ,BECAUSE OF A RUMBLING SOUND;THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE RADIATOR HAS A INTERNAL DAMAGE AND CAUSE THE ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK TO THE TRANSMISSION. I DO HAVE A EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT THE DEALER ALSO REFUSE TO TAKE BECAUSE THE RADIATOR IS NOT COVER BUT THE TRANSMISSION IT IS,BUT THEY STILL WILL NOT REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328773
56,000 miles · Apr 30, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE GAVE INCORRECT READINGS AND WOULD INDICATE THAT THERE WAS FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK WHEN IT WAS EMPTY; WHEN FULL, IT WOULD INDICATE THAT THE TANK WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE GAVE INCORRECT READINGS AND WOULD INDICATE THAT THERE WAS FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK WHEN IT WAS EMPTY; WHEN FULL, IT WOULD INDICATE THAT THE TANK WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RELATED RECALLS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO VERIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000. UPDATED 07/01/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS, EVEN THOUGHT HE TANK READ 1/2 TANK FULL. UPDATED 07/06/10.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10328226
74,500 miles · Apr 29, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 74,500 MILES NEEDS TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AND RADIATOR DUE TO LEAKING OF RADIATOR COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION, MIXING UP WITH TRANSMISSION OIL DAMAGING TRANSMISSION. LOOKING AT CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS ONLINE, IT LOOKS AS EVERY PATHFINDER WITH ABOVE 60,000 MILES SUFFERS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328139
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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