NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
268 reportsClear category filter42,001 miles · Aug 25, 2010
Power Train
MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA CLUTCH WENT OUT AT 42000 MILES ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I GAD NOTICED A LITTLE SLIPPAGE AND WAS PLANNING ON TAKING IT IN WENT IT WENT OUT. AFTER TOWING TO DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $2400 TO FIX. THE PRESSURE PADS WERE SHREDDED AND CAUSED PRESSURE PLATE AND FLY WHEEL TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALSO. THE PR…
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MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA CLUTCH WENT OUT AT 42000 MILES ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I GAD NOTICED A LITTLE SLIPPAGE AND WAS PLANNING ON TAKING IT IN WENT IT WENT OUT. AFTER TOWING TO DEALER I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $2400 TO FIX. THE PRESSURE PADS WERE SHREDDED AND CAUSED PRESSURE PLATE AND FLY WHEEL TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED ALSO. THE PRESSURE PLATE AND FLY WHEEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS TOLD WERE AND TEAR SO NO HELP. THIS CLUTCH IS UNDERSIZE FOR ENGINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10351763
27,661 miles · Aug 19, 2010
Power TrainFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATE UNTIL REACHING 20 MPH AND WOULD NOT TRAVEL OVER THE SPEED. THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATE UNTIL REACHING 20 MPH AND WOULD NOT TRAVEL OVER THE SPEED. THERE WAS ALSO A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLUTCH WAS BURNED OUT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DISC ASSEMBLY, FLY WHEEL AND CLUTCH. THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,661 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,701.
NHTSA ODI #10350583
27,661 miles · Aug 13, 2010
Power Train
VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN ON THE FREEWAY, TOOK ALMOST FULL POWER TO MAINTAIN 20 MPH SPEED.BURNING SMELL IN CABIN ACCOMPANIED THE LOSS OF POWER. VEHICLE TOWED TO ORIGINAL DEALER. AFTER A DAY, HE STATED IT WAS THE MANUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. VEHICLE HAS 27661 ORIGINAL MILES, THIS IS THE SECOND MANUAL TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH FAILURE SINCE I BOUG…
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VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN ON THE FREEWAY, TOOK ALMOST FULL POWER TO MAINTAIN 20 MPH SPEED.BURNING SMELL IN CABIN ACCOMPANIED THE LOSS OF POWER. VEHICLE TOWED TO ORIGINAL DEALER. AFTER A DAY, HE STATED IT WAS THE MANUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. VEHICLE HAS 27661 ORIGINAL MILES, THIS IS THE SECOND MANUAL TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH FAILURE SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2007. FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER ONLY 7954 MILES. FIRST TIME, THE DEALER SAID HE DIDN'T HAVE TO COVER REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY ( "WEAR" PARTS), BUT DID IT ANYWAY BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED THERE WERE NO "DRIVER" ISSUES, IE., PART FAILURE, NOT DRIVER MIS-USE. AS AN ASIDE, MY WIFE AND I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MANUAL TRANSMISSION VEHICLES FOR 40 YEARS APIECE, AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. THIS TIME, TWO MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, DEALER CLAIMED NISSAN WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR. $2100 LATER, I DROVE OFF THE LOT WITH A CLUTCH PEDAL VERY MUCH SOFTER THAN WHEN IT WAS NEW. I TEST DROVE IT WITH THE REPAIRING MECHANIC, HE SAID HE HAD ADJUSTED THE PEDAL PLAY TO FACTORY SPEC, AND THE CLUTCHES SHOULD LAST 60-70000 MILES (SEEMS LOW TO ME-MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS ARE USUALLY BULLET-PROOF WITH OTHER MANUFACTURES ). MECHANIC REPLACED FLYWHEEL, CLUTCH DISC, COVER ASSEMBLY, BEARING RELEASE AND FIRST SHAFT BUSHING. AWAITING RESPONSE TO APPEAL FOR COST COVERAGE FROM NISSAN. MULTIPLE CLUTCH FAILURES REPORTED ON THE INTERNET ( EDMUNDS.COM, FACEBOOK ) FOR SAME YEAR/MAKE. BELIEVE A POOR DESIGN/PARTS MANUFACTURER IS THE CAUSE OF THESE FAILURES, NISSAN NEEDS TO RECALL AND REPAIR THESE VEHICLES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10349163
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2006 NISSAN XTERRA. CONSUMER COMPLAINT AGAINST MANUFACTURER REGARDING FAULTY RADIATORS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND IT IS LEAKING, ALLOWING ANTI-FREEZE TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION AND VICE VERSA. WHEN THE ANTI-FREEZE LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, IT DESTROYED THE COOLING SYSTEM…
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2006 NISSAN XTERRA. CONSUMER COMPLAINT AGAINST MANUFACTURER REGARDING FAULTY RADIATORS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER IS INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND IT IS LEAKING, ALLOWING ANTI-FREEZE TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION AND VICE VERSA. WHEN THE ANTI-FREEZE LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, IT DESTROYED THE COOLING SYSTEM AND CONSEQUENTLY THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10342230
140,000 miles · Jun 10, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
1: 2006 NISSAN XTERRA STARTED HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND STARTED LEAKING MILKY RAINBOW COLORED OIL. 2: HAPPENS IN FIRST GEAR ALL THE TIME NOW. TOOK IT IN TO SHOP WHEN IT STARTED. 3: REPAIR SHOP SAID IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE RADIATOR HAS LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. $7000. GOT A QUOTE FOR $5700 AND WILL BE T…
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1: 2006 NISSAN XTERRA STARTED HAVING SHIFTING PROBLEMS AND STARTED LEAKING MILKY RAINBOW COLORED OIL. 2: HAPPENS IN FIRST GEAR ALL THE TIME NOW. TOOK IT IN TO SHOP WHEN IT STARTED. 3: REPAIR SHOP SAID IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE RADIATOR HAS LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. $7000. GOT A QUOTE FOR $5700 AND WILL BE TAKING IT THERE TOMORROW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10335742
73,000 miles · May 20, 2010
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT ABNORMALLY, VIOLENT VIBRATIONS. THE VIBRATIONS WERE MORE INTENSE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT FURTHER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING INTO THE COOLANT SYS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT ABNORMALLY, VIOLENT VIBRATIONS. THE VIBRATIONS WERE MORE INTENSE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT INTO THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT FURTHER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING INTO THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON IN HIS MODEL VEHICLE YET THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 73,000.
NHTSA ODI #10331334
72,000 miles · May 14, 2010
Power TrainSuspension
WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 60, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. AFTER NEW TIRES, ROTATION OF THE TIRES, NEW U-JOINTS, IT STILL SHAKES VERY BAD. NOW I AM TOLD IT IS THE "DRIVE SHAFT" THAT IS "WARPED" WHICH IS GOING TO COST ANOTHER $800. THE GARAGE HAS REMOVED THE DRIVE SHAFT AND NOW IT DOES NOT SHAKE. BUT I WILL NEED TO REPLAC…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 60, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. AFTER NEW TIRES, ROTATION OF THE TIRES, NEW U-JOINTS, IT STILL SHAKES VERY BAD. NOW I AM TOLD IT IS THE "DRIVE SHAFT" THAT IS "WARPED" WHICH IS GOING TO COST ANOTHER $800. THE GARAGE HAS REMOVED THE DRIVE SHAFT AND NOW IT DOES NOT SHAKE. BUT I WILL NEED TO REPLACE IN ORDER FOR THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE TO WORK. THE VEHICLE HAS 72,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330391
53,000 miles · Apr 18, 2010
Power TrainSteering
2006 NISSAN XTERRA: STEERING COLUMN ("CONTROL UNIT") WAS DEFECTIVE CAUSING SHORTS IN BREAK/TURN LIGHTS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, STEERING LOCKING UP IN A TURN, REQUIRING ME TO FIGHT TO GET THE WHEEL TO TURN AND AVOID AN ACCIDENT. MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE PARTS VENDOR SAID THEY GET THIS A LOT WITH XTERRAS! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10326196
70,000 miles · Mar 15, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I BOUGHT A NEW NISSAN XTERRA FROM SLOANE NISSAN IN 2006, AFTER 70+ MILES, THE CAR VIBRATES AT AROUND 40MPH WHILE SHIFTING AUTOMATIC GEAR (I DID NOT KNOW WHY IT WAS VIBRATING). FINALLY AFT 80+ MILES, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO ONLY FIND OUT THAT THE RADIATOR BLEW THE TRANSMISSION. THAT IS A SHAME, I JUST FINISHED PAYING FOR THE C…
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I BOUGHT A NEW NISSAN XTERRA FROM SLOANE NISSAN IN 2006, AFTER 70+ MILES, THE CAR VIBRATES AT AROUND 40MPH WHILE SHIFTING AUTOMATIC GEAR (I DID NOT KNOW WHY IT WAS VIBRATING). FINALLY AFT 80+ MILES, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO ONLY FIND OUT THAT THE RADIATOR BLEW THE TRANSMISSION. THAT IS A SHAME, I JUST FINISHED PAYING FOR THE CAR AND NOW I HAVE TO SPEND MORE MONEY TO FIX IT. IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH NISSAN XTERRA, PATHFINDER & FRONTIER. THE RADIATOR IS JUNK AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10319835
27,000 miles · Jan 15, 2010
Power Train
CLUTCH FAILURE AT 27K MILES, COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER TO VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10299888
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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