NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
845 reports85,500 miles · Oct 29, 2013
Power Train
WE HAVE LEARNED THAT SOMETIME IN LATE 2007 NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER / RADIATOR ASSEMBLY FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO 8 YEARS, 80000 MILES ? UP FROM THE STANDARD 3 YEAR, 36000 MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY. NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION, TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, HAS NOT BEEN CONDUCT…
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WE HAVE LEARNED THAT SOMETIME IN LATE 2007 NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION ISSUED A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER / RADIATOR ASSEMBLY FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO 8 YEARS, 80000 MILES ? UP FROM THE STANDARD 3 YEAR, 36000 MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY. NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION, TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, HAS NOT BEEN CONDUCTING ANY PREVENTATIVE INSPECTIONS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO HELP CONSUMERS PREVENT CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CONSUMERS REPORT THAT NISSAN MOTOR CORPORATION IS DENYING THEIR WARRANTY CLAIMS AND AS A 'COURTESY MEASURE' WILL OFFER TO REPLACE THE FAILED OIL COOLER AT A DISCOUNT. THE ADDITIONAL TWO YEARS OR 20,000 MILES WITH A $3000 DEDUCTIBLE IS, AT MOST, A SAD JOKE AT THE EXPENSE OF CONSUMERS. NISSAN HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2007 AND HAS UNDERTAKEN NO PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT CONSUMERS FROM FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10550061
10,000 miles · Oct 24, 2013
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFire
JUST BOUGHT AUTO FROM USED CAR DEALER DAY BEFORE. DROVE IT 30 MILES PULLED IN VISITED THEN WENT OUT TO START AUTO. WOULD NOT START TRACED BACK TO BLOWN FUSE, CHANGED FUSE TRIED STARTING AGAIN, BLEW FUSE AGAIN, ONE MORE TIME THEN WHEN AUTO STARTED SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. AFTER 3 MONTHS OF REPLACING ELECTRICAL WIRING FR…
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JUST BOUGHT AUTO FROM USED CAR DEALER DAY BEFORE. DROVE IT 30 MILES PULLED IN VISITED THEN WENT OUT TO START AUTO. WOULD NOT START TRACED BACK TO BLOWN FUSE, CHANGED FUSE TRIED STARTING AGAIN, BLEW FUSE AGAIN, ONE MORE TIME THEN WHEN AUTO STARTED SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER HOOD. AFTER 3 MONTHS OF REPLACING ELECTRICAL WIRING FROM FRYING NARROWED DOWN TO RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION (FUSE THAT BLEW) THE COOLANT HAD BACKED UP AND TORE UP TRANSMISSION. IF IT HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A FULL BLOWN FIRE ON A HIGHWAY WITH POSSIBILITY OF HUMAN DAMAGES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10549388
95,825 miles · Oct 20, 2013
Power Train
THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHERE THE RADIATOR LEAKS INTO TRANSMISSION AND DESTROYS TRANSMISSION. I JUST LEARNED OF THIS ISSUE LAST WEEK, AND HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH NISSAN DEALER TOMORROW. MY XTERRA IS STARTING TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY. I FEAR IT HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. I DON'T SEE HOW THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH NOT RECALLING THIS. IT…
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THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHERE THE RADIATOR LEAKS INTO TRANSMISSION AND DESTROYS TRANSMISSION. I JUST LEARNED OF THIS ISSUE LAST WEEK, AND HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH NISSAN DEALER TOMORROW. MY XTERRA IS STARTING TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY. I FEAR IT HAS BEEN COMPROMISED. I DON'T SEE HOW THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH NOT RECALLING THIS. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND UNETHICAL. PLEASE HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548589
32,000 miles · Oct 15, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
ERROR CODE P0463 - APPARENTLY DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL LEVEL SENSOR AND REQUIRING SUBSTANTIAL SHOP TIME TO DROP FUEL TANK AND REPLACE SENSOR/PUMP UNIT (NOT TO MENTION PART COST, WHICH IS NOT BEING SUPPLIED BY MANUFACTURER DESPITE THE KNOWN, WIDESPREAD FLAW). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10547970
106,000 miles · Oct 8, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE AT 40 MPH. I TOOK IT TO TWO MECHANICS WHO COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I TRIED REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCE BUT THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. FINALLY, WHILE I WAS OUT OF TOWN, A MECHANIC DROPPED THE TRANSMISSION PAN AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE COOLANT HAD ENTERED THE TRANSMISSION SY…
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THE CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE AT 40 MPH. I TOOK IT TO TWO MECHANICS WHO COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I TRIED REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCE BUT THE VIBRATION CONTINUED. FINALLY, WHILE I WAS OUT OF TOWN, A MECHANIC DROPPED THE TRANSMISSION PAN AND DISCOVERED THE ENGINE COOLANT HAD ENTERED THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. HE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE NISSAN XTERRA 2005 - 2010. NISSAN EVEN HAS A BYPASS PART TO BE INSTALLED. THIS PIECE WAS INSTALLED AND THE TRANSMISSION FLUSHED AND NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID PUT IN. THE RADIATOR APPEARS TO BE FINE, NO CRACKS AS OFTEN REPORTED WITH THIS PROBLEM. NOW, THREE MONTHS LATER, I HAVE SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. THE CAR JERKS VIOLENTLY AT 40MPH ON ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. THE MIXING OF ENGINE COOLANT WITH THE TRANSMISSION HAS OBVIOUSLY CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO MY TRANSMISSION. I AM DEVASTATED. I LOVE THIS CAR BUT HAVE NO FINANCIAL MEANS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10547336
99,000 miles · Oct 8, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WAS DRIVING WHILE MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. DEALER SAID THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUID WERE MIXED. MY VEHICLE HAD 99,000 ON IT. HAD IT FIXED THEN AT 140,000 IT HAPPENED AGAIN. NISSAN WANTS ME TO PAY 5500.00 BUT I REFUSE. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10547330
90,000 miles · Oct 7, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY TRANSMISSION JUST STUTTERED AND STOPPED WORKING WHILE IN TRAFFIC.TURNS OUT THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FROM NISSAN, HOWEVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR FELL TO ME. LUCKILY, I DID NOT INCUR ANY INJURY WHEN THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED WORKING DURING 5PM RUSH HOUR ON A FRID…
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MY TRANSMISSION JUST STUTTERED AND STOPPED WORKING WHILE IN TRAFFIC.TURNS OUT THE RADIATOR LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING IT TO FAIL. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FROM NISSAN, HOWEVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR FELL TO ME. LUCKILY, I DID NOT INCUR ANY INJURY WHEN THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED WORKING DURING 5PM RUSH HOUR ON A FRIDAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10547107
124,356 miles · Sep 30, 2013
EnginePower Train
WHILE TURNING BACK INTO TRAFFIC MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA JERKED AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. ONCE I GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC IT BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLES SHIFTING GEARS AND ACCELERATING. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STEADY SPEED I DIDN'T NOTICE ANY OTHER ISSUES. AS I SLOWED TO AN EXIT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK…
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WHILE TURNING BACK INTO TRAFFIC MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA JERKED AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. ONCE I GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC IT BEGAN TO HAVE TROUBLES SHIFTING GEARS AND ACCELERATING. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STEADY SPEED I DIDN'T NOTICE ANY OTHER ISSUES. AS I SLOWED TO AN EXIT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. IT ALSO HAD TROUBLE ACCELERATING. AFTER HAVING THESE ISSUES I CHECKED MY FLUIDS AND FOUND A MILKY LIKE SUBSTANCE WAS IN MY TRANSMISSION AND MY COOLANT. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING WITH MY XTERRA AND FOUND THAT IT WAS VERY COMMON AND REALIZED THAT THEIR IS A CRACK IN MY RADIATOR WHICH IS CAUSING THE CONTAMINATION OF MY TRANSMISSION AND COOLANT. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR JUST ABOUT TWO MONTHS AND IT IS VERY UPSETTING TO KNOW THAT I MAY HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR WHICH IS MORE THEN WHAT I PAID FOR THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546166
49,000 miles · Sep 29, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE TROUBLE SHOOTING NUMBER IS P0463. WHICH I UNDERSTAND NISSAN AUTOMOBILES HAVE A LOT OF TROUBLE WITH THIS SITUATION. I WOULD LIKE TO INFORMED WHEN THEY ARE HAVING A RECALL TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546118
117,000 miles · Sep 29, 2013
Power Train
CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AS IT SHOULD. WE THOUGHT IT WAS TIRES AND HAD THE TIRES LOOKED AT. THEN THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON BUT THEN WENT OFF. CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THEN SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME BACK. MONDAY MADE APPT FOR NISSAN DEALER (SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY). BY TUESDAY MORNING, COULD ONLY USE 3RD GE…
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CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AS IT SHOULD. WE THOUGHT IT WAS TIRES AND HAD THE TIRES LOOKED AT. THEN THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON BUT THEN WENT OFF. CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. THEN SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME BACK. MONDAY MADE APPT FOR NISSAN DEALER (SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY). BY TUESDAY MORNING, COULD ONLY USE 3RD GEAR SO DROPPED OFF TO DEALER ON THAT TUESDAY. NISSAN DIAGNOSED: RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION MIXED AND CONTAMINATED WHICH DAMAGED THE TMC. RECOMMENDATION: REPLACING TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR ASSEMBLY (EST $6600). WE TOOK TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE WHO WAS WELL AWARE OF THE DEFECT OF THIS MODEL AND INDICATED THAT NISSAN WOULD BE FIXING THE PROBLEM BUT THEY ARE JUST REPEATING THE ISSUE AND THE PROBLEM COULD OCCUR AGAIN. A FLAW IN NISSAN'S DESIGN IS WHAT WE HAVE HEARD AND READ ABOUT. WE DIDN'T WANT TO RISK IT WITH NISSAN SO WE HAD REPAIRED ELSEWHERE. WE ONLY HAD 117,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546102
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.
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.
Oct 5, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN ACCESSORY TOW HITCH, INADEQUATE QUALITY OF SOME WELDED JOINTS IN THE HITCH ASSEMBLY MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE HITCH FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING USED TO TOW.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRAILER SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW HITCHES. ON OCTOBER 17, 2005, OWNERS WERE SENT AN INTERIM LETTER ADVISING THEM NOT TO USE THE TOW HITCH UNTIL IT CAN BE REPAIRED. ANOTHER LETTER WAS SENT OUT ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005, NOTIFYING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. 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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