NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
837 reports106,000 miles · Jul 1, 2013
Power Train
I PURCHASED A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER BECAUSE I HAD A NISSAN ALTIMA THAT I LOVED BUT NEEDED A BIGGER VEHICLE. I HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR 8 MONTHS AND WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT COMPLETELY STOPPED AND WOULDN'T GO. I HAD ALL 5 KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME THIS COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY BAD AND WE COULD HAVE BEEN HIT. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY …
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I PURCHASED A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER BECAUSE I HAD A NISSAN ALTIMA THAT I LOVED BUT NEEDED A BIGGER VEHICLE. I HAVE ONLY HAD IT FOR 8 MONTHS AND WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT COMPLETELY STOPPED AND WOULDN'T GO. I HAD ALL 5 KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME THIS COULD HAVE BEEN REALLY BAD AND WE COULD HAVE BEEN HIT. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY $5000 TO HAVE IT FIXED! I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING AND IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING ALOT!! I HAVE 5 KIDS AND I CARRY THEM IN THIS CAR EVERYDAY! IF IT STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH NO WARNING THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE N NEEDS A RECALL OR DEATHS ARE GOING TO START HAPPENING! PLEASE HELP!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10522640
114,000 miles · Jun 28, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
COOLANT LEAKED IN TO TRANSMISSION CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10522317
142,000 miles · Jun 25, 2013
Electrical System
I, ALONG WITH MY DAUGHTER AND FRIEND WAS TRAVELING BACK FROM FLORIDA, MY NISSAN PATHFINDER STARTED TO JERK AND WOULDN'T PULL, WE BY THE GRACE OF GOD MADE IT HOME AND WHEN I GOT HERE I TURNED MY TRUCK OFF. MY HUSBAND ASKED ME TO PULL THE HOOD AND HE CHECK ALL THE FLUIDS IN THE VEHICLE. I SWITCH THE CAR ON AND IT WOULD SAY ANYTH…
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I, ALONG WITH MY DAUGHTER AND FRIEND WAS TRAVELING BACK FROM FLORIDA, MY NISSAN PATHFINDER STARTED TO JERK AND WOULDN'T PULL, WE BY THE GRACE OF GOD MADE IT HOME AND WHEN I GOT HERE I TURNED MY TRUCK OFF. MY HUSBAND ASKED ME TO PULL THE HOOD AND HE CHECK ALL THE FLUIDS IN THE VEHICLE. I SWITCH THE CAR ON AND IT WOULD SAY ANYTHING. WE CHECK EVERYTHING AND NOTHING HELP. I DID GOT MY VEHICLE TOWED TO FIVESTAR NISSAN AFTER FINDING OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ECM RELAY,. THEY REPLACE IT AND AFTER THEN FOUND OUT THAT IT STILL DID NOT WORK. THE DEALER CALLED AND STATED THAT IT WAS THE RADIATOR AND THE COOLANT. THEY SAID WE WERE OUT OF WARRANTY AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 1/2 YEARS AGO AND STILL GOT TO PAY FOR IT. THIS IS NOT GOOD BUSINESS. I NEED HELP. I NEED JUSTICE FOR ALL THE ONES LIKE MYSELF WHO GO TO WORK, MAKE A LIVING, AND EXPECT THAT WHEN I MAKE A PURCHASE THAT PEOPLE WILL STAND BEHIND WHAT IS RIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521713
98,897 miles · Jun 24, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I WAS PREPARING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I SLOWED DOWN TO YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN THE GAP BETWEEN ONCOMING CARS WAS LARGE ENOUGH I ACCELERATED AND PROCEEDED TO MERGE. INSTEAD OF ACCELERATING MY CAR BEGAN TO RUMBLE AND MOVE SLOWLY. INSTEAD OF PROPERLY MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY IT JUST SLOWLY ROLLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.…
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I WAS PREPARING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I SLOWED DOWN TO YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. WHEN THE GAP BETWEEN ONCOMING CARS WAS LARGE ENOUGH I ACCELERATED AND PROCEEDED TO MERGE. INSTEAD OF ACCELERATING MY CAR BEGAN TO RUMBLE AND MOVE SLOWLY. INSTEAD OF PROPERLY MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY IT JUST SLOWLY ROLLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I BECAME HORRIFIED AND I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY, AND I HAD TO REVERSE TO BACK OUT. I TOOK BACK ROADS TO NISSAN DEALER. THE CAR WOULD RUMBLE AND VIBRATE AND DRIVE SLOWLY AS IF IT WAS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. DEALER DETERMINED THAT "TRANSMISSION OIL MIXED WITH ANTIFREEZE" DUE TO "COOLER HOSE CRACKED AND READY TO BREAK" RENDERING TRANSMISSION INCAPABLE OF PROPER OPERATION. NISSAN DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR, AND FLUSHED COOLING SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #10521369
116,095 miles · Jun 22, 2013
EnginePower Train
AFTER DRIVING AROUND I HAD MILKY SUBSTANCE COMING OUT OF THE OVER FLOW. WHEN I CHECKED IT, THE TRANSMISSION WAS DRY AND IT HAD MIXED IN THE WITH RADIATOR FLUID. ON A SHORT TRIP BEFORE IT WAS REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPEN, THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING AND SHIFTING HARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521219
160,000 miles · Jun 22, 2013
EnginePower Train
THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION TEND TO FAIL OR GO BAD. TRANSMISSIONS ON CAR SHOULD LAST LONGER. THE PATHFINDER THERE HAS BEEN CASES WHERE AT 100,000 MILES IT ALREADY NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY PATHFINDER MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN IM DRIVING. SOMETIMES IT…
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THE ENGINE LOOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT PATHFINDER TRANSMISSION TEND TO FAIL OR GO BAD. TRANSMISSIONS ON CAR SHOULD LAST LONGER. THE PATHFINDER THERE HAS BEEN CASES WHERE AT 100,000 MILES IT ALREADY NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY PATHFINDER MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN IM DRIVING. SOMETIMES IT TAKES A WHILE FOR IT TO GO AT A NORMAL SPEED. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT THIS POINT. NISSAN SHOULD TEND TO THIS PROBLEM AND FIX IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521204
97,000 miles · Jun 21, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. WHEN HE DOWN SHIFT, THE TRANSMISSION AND THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. WHEN HE DOWN SHIFT, THE TRANSMISSION AND THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
NHTSA ODI #10521026
82,536 miles · Jun 19, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THERE WAS A JERK IN MY CAR AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PRESSED THE GAS AND IT WOULDN'T GO ANYWHERE. THE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CAUSED THE MY CAR TO STOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520678
120,000 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY VEHICLE IS SUFFERING THE FATE OF COUNTLESS OTHERS. I HAVE THE COOLANT INTERMIX ISSUE THAT HAS RUINED MY RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. NOW, I AM OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION COSTING $4500! NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL THIS--I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS ALREADY AND IT SIMPLY ISN'T FAIR THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO PU…
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MY VEHICLE IS SUFFERING THE FATE OF COUNTLESS OTHERS. I HAVE THE COOLANT INTERMIX ISSUE THAT HAS RUINED MY RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. NOW, I AM OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD AND I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION COSTING $4500! NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL THIS--I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS ALREADY AND IT SIMPLY ISN'T FAIR THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO PUT A BANDAID ON A DEFECT THAT HAS HARMED AND COULD CONTINUE TO HARM THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS. PLEASE FIX THIS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520268
150,000 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE RETURNING FROM LUNCH BREAK, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR ON MY 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND DID NOT ACCELERATE. IT SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS IDLING BUT THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TO NO MOVEMENT. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER HAVING THE TRUCKED TOWED AND THE PROBLEM ASSESSED, I WAS TOLD THAT THE…
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WHILE RETURNING FROM LUNCH BREAK, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR ON MY 2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND DID NOT ACCELERATE. IT SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS IDLING BUT THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TO NO MOVEMENT. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER HAVING THE TRUCKED TOWED AND THE PROBLEM ASSESSED, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS COMES WITH A HEFTY PRICE TAG. IN THE MECHANICS EXPLANATION OF THE PROBLEMS HE ASSERTED "YOU HAVE HEARD ABOUT THESE PATHFINDERS, HAVEN'T YOU". WELL, I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE FAILED TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR IS NOT A NEW OCCURRENCE. THIS HAS BEEN AND IS HAPPENING REGULARLY AND THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS PUTS CONSUMERS IN A BAD POSITION, ESPECIALLY WHEN, LIKE ME, THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED. I AM STILL WAITING FOR A TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIPPED FROM CALIFORNIA. BY THE WAY, I FOUND OUT THAT IT IS ON BACKORDER. THAT'S JUST HOW FREQUENTLY THIS PROBLEM OCCURS. MAKE SURE YOU PURCHASE EXTENDED WARRANTIES AND/OR TRADE IT BEFORE THIS HAPPENS TO YOU. OR EVEN WORSE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT PHYSICALLY NOT JUST FINANCIALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520136
Official recalls
3Oct 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.
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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