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2006 Nissan Pathfinder

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Pathfinder years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder are substantially higher than the model-year median of 97.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

742 reports with mileage · 95 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 450 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 185 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 147 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports0 fire reports9 injury reports

Power Train complaints

450 reports
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123,000 miles · Jul 19, 2017
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE ALHAMBRA NISSAN DEALER IN ALHAMBRA, CA FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ADVISED TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED EIGHT DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE ALHAMBRA NISSAN DEALER IN ALHAMBRA, CA FOR A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ADVISED TO HAVE A TRANSMISSION OIL CHANGE. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE ON THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED EIGHT DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE ALHAMBRA NISSAN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OLD IN AGE AND OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

NHTSA ODI #11006446

153,677 miles · Jun 28, 2017
Power Train

RADIATOR TRANSMISSION COOLER FAILURE, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL

NHTSA ODI #11002019

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2017
Power Train

A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RADIATOR BRAKING WITH COOLANT IN TRANSMISSION RESULTING IN NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR 4439.65. NISSAN SHOULD BE BARRED FROM SELLING CARS IN USA WITH SUCH SUBSTANDARD PRODUCTS/

NHTSA ODI #11000460

122,000 miles · May 28, 2017
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, PENULTIMATE WEEK. I OBSERVED LOUD ENGINE NOISE, VIGOROUS SHAKING AND JERKING AND A RELUCTANCE IN ACCELERATION WHEN I APPLIED GAS PEDAL​. I WAS A LITTLE BEWILDERED AS I HAVE BEEN VERY PUNCTILIOUS WITH THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF MY CAR. I GENTLY PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO AVERT ANY DANGER ON T…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, PENULTIMATE WEEK. I OBSERVED LOUD ENGINE NOISE, VIGOROUS SHAKING AND JERKING AND A RELUCTANCE IN ACCELERATION WHEN I APPLIED GAS PEDAL​. I WAS A LITTLE BEWILDERED AS I HAVE BEEN VERY PUNCTILIOUS WITH THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF MY CAR. I GENTLY PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO AVERT ANY DANGER ON THE FREEWAY. UPON EXITING THE CAR, I PERCEIVED A PUNGENT BURNING SMELL. AT THIS POINT, I KNEW IT WOULD BE UNSAFE AND PERNICIOUS TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC. HE CALLED BACK THE FOLLOWING DAY WITH THE MOST DISHEARTENING NEWS. FOR SOME UNCANNY REASON, FLUID FROM THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING INTO AND CONTAMINATING THE TRANSMISSION. HE VEHEMENTLY POINTED OUT THAT HE HAD SEEN QUITE A FEW OF THE SAME OMINOUS PROBLEMS BROUGHT TO HIS SHOP, INVOLVING MOSTLY 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDERS. I WAS GIVEN A QUOTE OF ABOUT $4500-$7000 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A USED CAR DEALER WITH APPROXIMATELY 117,000 MILES. I'M CURRENTLY FINANCING THE CAR AND BECAUSE OF MY STUDENT LOAN AND EXORBITANT FEES, I STILL OWE A LOT ON IT. HONESTLY, I CANNOT​ AFFORD THE REPAIRS AT THIS JUNCTURE. IT IS VERY RAPACIOUS AND IMMORAL OF NISSAN TO ABDICATE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND PASS ON THE FINANCIAL BURDEN TO INNOCENT CONSUMERS​. THESE CARS HAD FACTORY DEFECTS AND DESIGN FLAWS THAT NISSAN WAS AWARE OF BUT CHOSE TO IGNORE. I ENJOIN ANYONE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND INDEED CONSCIENTIOUS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO VOCIFEROUSLY CONDEMN NISSAN'S ACTION AND FORCE A RECALL. THIS IS CORPORATE GREED AT IT'S WORST !!

NHTSA ODI #10991985

103,000 miles · Mar 25, 2017
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE DUE TO FAULTY RADIATOR. VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #10968447

170,000 miles · Jan 19, 2017
EngineEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE RADIATOR FLUID ACID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 10-50 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF THE TRANSMISSION FROM THE RADIATOR FLUID ACID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

NHTSA ODI #10946443

53,000 miles · Dec 30, 2016
Power Train

TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON I95 IN CONNECTICUT ,10PM AT NIGHT, AT 55MPH , WITH FAMILY IN CAR. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING A TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND DID NOT CONTACT VEHICLE OWNERS TO WARN OF THE PROBLEM OR OFFER SUGGESTED REPAIR. REPLACING THE RADIATOR WOULD HAVE BEEN A …

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TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON I95 IN CONNECTICUT ,10PM AT NIGHT, AT 55MPH , WITH FAMILY IN CAR. COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING A TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NISSAN KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND DID NOT CONTACT VEHICLE OWNERS TO WARN OF THE PROBLEM OR OFFER SUGGESTED REPAIR. REPLACING THE RADIATOR WOULD HAVE BEEN A $300.00 FIX. INSTEAD NISSAN OFFERED NO WARNING AND THE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON AN INTERSTATE AT NIGHT HAPPENED. TOTAL COST TO REPAIR WAS $4381, PLUS A WEEK CAR RENTAL.

NHTSA ODI #10938815

Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

I PAID OFF MY PATHFINDER LAST YEAR. JUST ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO AFTER LEAVING A FRIENDS HOUSE THE TRUCK STARTED TURNING ON ALL THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. I DROVE IT VERY SLOWLY HOME NOT EVEN A MILE AWAY, I TURNED IT OFF AND NEXT DAY..MY SURPRISE IT DIDN'T TURN ON TO TAKE TO THE MECHANIC. I CALLED THE TOW TR…

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I PAID OFF MY PATHFINDER LAST YEAR. JUST ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO AFTER LEAVING A FRIENDS HOUSE THE TRUCK STARTED TURNING ON ALL THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. I DROVE IT VERY SLOWLY HOME NOT EVEN A MILE AWAY, I TURNED IT OFF AND NEXT DAY..MY SURPRISE IT DIDN'T TURN ON TO TAKE TO THE MECHANIC. I CALLED THE TOW TRUCK TO TAKE IT IN TO NISSAN DEALER AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION OIL AND MESSED UP THE MODULE TOO. THEY WHERE ORIGINALLY CHARGING ME 7200 DOLLARS TO FIX. I BROUGHT IT BACK HOME AND AFTER WHEN I WAS ABLE TO PAY WITH CREDIT I TOOK IT IN TO FIX. THEY URGED ME TO FIX ALL AT ONCE BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURER DEFECT ON ANY OF THE ABOVE..MOST LIKELY THEY SAID IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10938649

178,000 miles · Dec 29, 2016
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUID MIXING AND CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. I SEE THAT YOU HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND YOU CHOOSE NOT TO HELP THE CONSUMERS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A CONTINUING PROBLEM AND AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISN'T FAIR TO THE CONSUMER …

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THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUID MIXING AND CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. I SEE THAT YOU HAVE HAD MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND YOU CHOOSE NOT TO HELP THE CONSUMERS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A CONTINUING PROBLEM AND AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISN'T FAIR TO THE CONSUMER BECAUSE THIS IS A FAULTY ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL TRANSMISSION/RADIATOR.

NHTSA ODI #10938547

178,000 miles · Dec 29, 2016
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUIDS ARE INTERMINGLING AND HAS CAUSED MY TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. IT HAS RUINED THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL.

NHTSA ODI #10938528

Official recalls

3

10V517000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Oct 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.

10V075000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:auxillary Tank

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.

08V690000 · Air Bags:frontal

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

1

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.