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2005 Nissan Frontier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Frontier years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Frontier are substantially higher than the model-year median of 64.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

479 reports with mileage · 53 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 262 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 119 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports8 fire reports9 injury reports

Power Train complaints

262 reports
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91,000 miles · May 3, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT UNUSUAL SHAKING AND HARD VIBRATIONS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE COOLANT SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CROSS CONTA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT UNUSUAL SHAKING AND HARD VIBRATIONS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION AND BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE COOLANT SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CROSS CONTAMINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER BEING UTILIZED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.

NHTSA ODI #10328601

61,000 miles · Jan 19, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TIMING CHAIN WHINE/RATTLE ON 05 NISSAN FRONTIER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10300263

24,000 miles · Jan 3, 2010
Power Train

2005 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH M226 (DANA 44, V6 ENGINE) REAR END. THE AXLE SEALS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ARE LEAKING AND OIL IS GETTING ON THE REAR BRAKES CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK PROPERLY. I HAVE HAD NISSAN FIX THIS 2 TIMES (5/09 AND 8/09) AND IT STARTED LEAKING AGAIN 12/09. THAT MAKES THIS 3 TIMES IN UNDER A YEAR. T…

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2005 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH M226 (DANA 44, V6 ENGINE) REAR END. THE AXLE SEALS ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES ARE LEAKING AND OIL IS GETTING ON THE REAR BRAKES CAUSING THEM TO NOT WORK PROPERLY. I HAVE HAD NISSAN FIX THIS 2 TIMES (5/09 AND 8/09) AND IT STARTED LEAKING AGAIN 12/09. THAT MAKES THIS 3 TIMES IN UNDER A YEAR. THIS AXLE IS THE SAME AS USED IN NISSAN TITANS WHICH ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE SEALS WERE REPLACED AND EACH TIME IT STARTED LEAKING WITHIN A MONTH OF THE REPAIR, TAKING A FEW MONTHS TO BECOME DANGEROUS AND GET ON THE BRAKE ROTORS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10297910

72,000 miles · Nov 23, 2008
Parking BrakePower Train

GEAR OIL LEAKING PAST BOTH REAR AXLE SEALS RESULTED IN INOPERATIVE PARKING BRAKE AND MINIMAL REGULAR REAR BRAKING. ACCIDENT WAS CAUSE WHEN CAR ROLLED INTO HOMEOWNERS GARAGE DOOR AFTER BEING LEFT RUNNING WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED. REPAIR IS TO CLEAN OIL FROM ALL CONTAMINATED SURFACES, REPLACE BOTH AXLE SEALS, REPLACE PARK…

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GEAR OIL LEAKING PAST BOTH REAR AXLE SEALS RESULTED IN INOPERATIVE PARKING BRAKE AND MINIMAL REGULAR REAR BRAKING. ACCIDENT WAS CAUSE WHEN CAR ROLLED INTO HOMEOWNERS GARAGE DOOR AFTER BEING LEFT RUNNING WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED. REPAIR IS TO CLEAN OIL FROM ALL CONTAMINATED SURFACES, REPLACE BOTH AXLE SEALS, REPLACE PARKING BRAKE SHOES ON BOTH SIDES, AND MAIN BRAKE PADS ON BOTH SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10249615

50,000 miles · Nov 4, 2008
Power Train

I HAD TO HAVE EMERGENCY SERVICE TO THE U-JOINTS. STRONG VIBRATION UNDER DRIVER SEAT, AFRAID TO DRIVE ANY FURTHER. PERUZZI NISSAN REFUSING TO REIMBURSE A WARRANTY PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10247658

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2007
Power Train

NISSAN FRONTIER 2005 - 27,000 MILES CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL WENT OUT NISSAN DEALERSHIP HERE ON KAUAI SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO "DRIVER ERROR" AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY - WANTED TO CHARGE ME $1700 TO FIX I HAVE BEEN DRIVING STANDARD SHIFT CARS FOR 30 YEARS AND NEVER HAD A CLUTCH GO OUT ON ME. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO ANOTHER MECHAN…

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NISSAN FRONTIER 2005 - 27,000 MILES CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL WENT OUT NISSAN DEALERSHIP HERE ON KAUAI SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO "DRIVER ERROR" AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY - WANTED TO CHARGE ME $1700 TO FIX I HAVE BEEN DRIVING STANDARD SHIFT CARS FOR 30 YEARS AND NEVER HAD A CLUTCH GO OUT ON ME. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO SAID A. HE GOT SEVERAL DIFFERENT STORIES FROM THE NISSAN MECHANICS, B. IN HIS OPINION NISSAN HAD NEVER TAKEN THE CLUTCH APART TO LOOK AT IT THEREFORE HOW COULD THEY TELL IT WAS DRIVER ERROR AND C. IN HIS OPINION THE MATERIALS USED TO MAKE THE TRUCK WERE TOO SOFT. HOW CAN I GET NISSAN TO ADMIT THAT THIS WAS A FACTORY DEFECT AND PAY FOR REPAIRS? *JB

NHTSA ODI #10206024

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2007
Power TrainStructure

2005 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH ENGINEERING DEFECTS CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT IS SUBJECT TO FAIL DUE TO RUST. **CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER MUST HAVE RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM, BECAUSE THEY HAVE SINCE ADDED GREASE FITTINGS. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE METAL PART THAT PROTRUDES FROM THE TAILGATE TO THE BODY OF…

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2005 NISSAN FRONTIER WITH ENGINEERING DEFECTS CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT IS SUBJECT TO FAIL DUE TO RUST. **CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER MUST HAVE RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM, BECAUSE THEY HAVE SINCE ADDED GREASE FITTINGS. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE METAL PART THAT PROTRUDES FROM THE TAILGATE TO THE BODY OF THE TRUCK WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE TAILGATE. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WELDING, THE ORIGINAL INNER HALF OF THE TAILGATE HINGE CAN POSSIBLY BREAK. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE TAILGATE FROM FALLING. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10195720

35,215 miles · Jun 19, 2007
Power TrainStructure

POORLY DESIGNED U-JOINT TO FRONT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. ,U-JOINT HAS NO GREASE FITTING WILL RUST AND DISINTERESTED. MANUFACTURER HAS ADDED FITTING TO REPLACE PART. HOWEVER, ORIGINAL COULD FAIL AND BRING VEHICLE TO COMPLETE STOP IN TRAFFIC OR FRONT DRIVE COULD FAIL IN ADVERSE WEATHER, LEADING TO LOSS OF TRACTION ,BOTH OF WHICH COULD …

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POORLY DESIGNED U-JOINT TO FRONT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. ,U-JOINT HAS NO GREASE FITTING WILL RUST AND DISINTERESTED. MANUFACTURER HAS ADDED FITTING TO REPLACE PART. HOWEVER, ORIGINAL COULD FAIL AND BRING VEHICLE TO COMPLETE STOP IN TRAFFIC OR FRONT DRIVE COULD FAIL IN ADVERSE WEATHER, LEADING TO LOSS OF TRACTION ,BOTH OF WHICH COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT. TAILGATE PRONE TO FAILURE DUE TO POOR WELD ON INNER HALF TAILGATE HINGE.TAILGATE WAS HEAVY AND COULD LEAD TO INJURY TO A CHILD OR SMALL PERSON IF FAILURE OCCURED WHILE OPENING.ONCE AGAIN MANUFACTURER HAS ADDED ADDITIONAL WELDS IN REPLACEMENT PART. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10193681

24,000 miles · Dec 30, 2005
Power Train

THE DRIVE-SHAFT PULLEY BROKE WHICH BROKE A BELT THAT DISABLED POWER-STEERING AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. *NM THERE'S ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE HOOD LATCH LOOSENING THAT MAY CAUSE THE HOOD TO FLY OPEN AT HIGH SPEEDS.

NHTSA ODI #10146547

500 miles · Nov 30, 2005
Power Train

DT: THE CONTACT PURCHASED A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER ON 5/18/2005. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE TRANSMISSION POPPED OUT OF SECOND GEAR ON FOUR OCCASIONS. ONCE ON A BUMPY ROAD, TWICE ON WASHBOARD ROADS, AND ONCE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON DRY PAVEMENT. ALL ROADS FREQUENTLY USED BY PASSENGER VEHICLES AND TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 20 MPH. N…

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DT: THE CONTACT PURCHASED A 2005 NISSAN FRONTIER ON 5/18/2005. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE TRANSMISSION POPPED OUT OF SECOND GEAR ON FOUR OCCASIONS. ONCE ON A BUMPY ROAD, TWICE ON WASHBOARD ROADS, AND ONCE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON DRY PAVEMENT. ALL ROADS FREQUENTLY USED BY PASSENGER VEHICLES AND TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS UNDER 20 MPH. NISSAN ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BY ADDING WHEEL WEIGHTS TO THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY TO DAMPEN THE SHIFTER VIBRATION, AND THEN REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. BOTH TIMES THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM ON WASHBOARD ROAD USED BY PASSENGER VEHICLES. THEN NISSAN GAVE THE CONTACT A 2005 SE FRONTIER OFF THE LOT ,AND ONCE AGAIN THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE CONTACT REALIZED THAT HE MUST BE CAREFUL WHEN USING THE SECOND GEAR. THE EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND POPPING OUT OF GEAR WILL CAUSE ABNORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THE CONTACT CONSIDERED THIS PROBLEM DANGEROUS. IT NEVER HAPPENED WHILE USING 4-WHEEL DRIVE. IT COULD CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION DEPENDING ON THE ROAD BEING TRAVERSED, SUCH AS EXPOSURE TO DROPS AND/OR THE INCLINE ON NARROW MOUNTAIN ROADS. THROUGH A LAWYER THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT NISSAN WOULD NOT FIX THE TRANSMISSION BUT WOULD GIVE HIM $3000 FOR TIME AND INCONVENIENCE. THE CONTACT REFUSED, THE OFFER, AND INSISTED THAT TRANSMISSION WILLGET WORSE, AND WOULD HAVE TO USE THE $3000 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION.*AK UPDATED 1/4/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10144083

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.

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.

06V092000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Mar 30, 2006

ON CERTAIN KING CAB TRUCKS, IN A SEVERE SIDE IMPACT CRASH, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT DEFORMATION OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY COULD CAUSE THE FUEL FILLER CAP TETHER TO BE STRETCHED TO THE POINT OF UNSCREWING THE FUEL FILLER CAP.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY RESULT IN A FUEL SPILL WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL CAP TETHER PIN ASSEMBLY WITH A MODIFIED ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2006. 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.