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2008 Nissan Frontier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Frontier years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Nissan Frontier are substantially higher than the model-year median of 64.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

108 reports with mileage · 28 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 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports2 fire reports3 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

13 reports
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136,911 miles · Oct 13, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, BUT IT SEEMED LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING POWER. SO, I SHUT IT OFF AND WHEN I TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN THE FANS AND LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NOTHING ELSE. I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE STARTER. THEY REPLACED THE STARTER AND THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED THE ATECU FUS…

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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT, BUT IT SEEMED LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING POWER. SO, I SHUT IT OFF AND WHEN I TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN THE FANS AND LIGHTS CAME ON BUT NOTHING ELSE. I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE STARTER. THEY REPLACED THE STARTER AND THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED THE ATECU FUSE. IT STARTED AND RAN FOR THREE MINUTES AND THEN DIED AGAIN. THEN I TOOK IT TO AN ELECTRICAL SHOP. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEN I TOOK IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAIN ECM. THEY FIXED THAT AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START THE CAR. THEN THEY SAID IT WAS THE ECU AND TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO GOOD DUE TO CROSS CONTAMINATION (RADIATOR FLUID INTO THE TRANSMISSION). THIS IS A NISSAN DEFECTIVE RADIATOR AND THEY CHARGED $5500 FOR A MISTAKE THAT WASN'T MY FAULT.

NHTSA ODI #11268170

136,911 miles · Oct 13, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE BUT IT SEEM LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING POWER. I SHUT IT OFF AND THEN IT WOULD NOT START. ADD THE STARTER REPLACED STILL AND START THE ATE UP FUSE WAS BLOWN.TICKET TO ELECTRICAL SHOP THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAIN ECU AND THEN THEY SAID THAT IT WAS…

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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE BUT IT SEEM LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING POWER. I SHUT IT OFF AND THEN IT WOULD NOT START. ADD THE STARTER REPLACED STILL AND START THE ATE UP FUSE WAS BLOWN.TICKET TO ELECTRICAL SHOP THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAIN ECU AND THEN THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE BRAIN AND THE TRANSMISSION AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS NO GOOD COST $5500 TO FIX

NHTSA ODI #11268165

98,000 miles · Jun 28, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other

REF RECALL 08V690000. WHY WOULD OUR TRUCK NOT BE PART OF THIS RECALL?. WE LIVE IN AN AREA WHICH IS SURROUNDED BY OCEAN SO SALT CORROSION IS COMMON. I KNOW SEVERAL OTHERS THAT HAVE SIMILAR ISSUE NOT ONLY FRONTIERS. I UNDERSTAND THE FRONT CRASH SENSOR CORROSION IS COMMON. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT…

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REF RECALL 08V690000. WHY WOULD OUR TRUCK NOT BE PART OF THIS RECALL?. WE LIVE IN AN AREA WHICH IS SURROUNDED BY OCEAN SO SALT CORROSION IS COMMON. I KNOW SEVERAL OTHERS THAT HAVE SIMILAR ISSUE NOT ONLY FRONTIERS. I UNDERSTAND THE FRONT CRASH SENSOR CORROSION IS COMMON. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT DUE TO AIRBAGS OR DEPLOYING DUE TO THIS COMMON SENSOR ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11104614

139,000 miles · May 3, 2018
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK WILL SHUT OFF JUST LIKE THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF. THIS HAPPENED ONE OR TWO TIMES A DAY OVER A TEN DAY PERIOD, I SWAPPED MY OLD KEY WITH MY WIFE'S KEY AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED TO DO $7000 OF REPAIRS AND NOTHING ABOUT THE KEY AND IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. …

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WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK WILL SHUT OFF JUST LIKE THE KEY WAS TURNED OFF. THIS HAPPENED ONE OR TWO TIMES A DAY OVER A TEN DAY PERIOD, I SWAPPED MY OLD KEY WITH MY WIFE'S KEY AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I TOOK IT TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED TO DO $7000 OF REPAIRS AND NOTHING ABOUT THE KEY AND IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. SO I HAVE BEEN USING MY WIFE'S KEY FOR THE PAST FIVE DAYS AND NO ISSUES. NISSAN CLAIMS THEY NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ALTHOUGH THE INTERNET SHOWS A RECALL IN 2010 FOR 2003-2006 FRONTIERS FOR A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11091492

90,000 miles · Dec 12, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine

TRUCK STOPS RUNNING WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS AROUND 45MPH. ENGINE OFF.

NHTSA ODI #11054139

108,000 miles · Apr 25, 2017
Electrical SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND FLAMES AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE BAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN FRONTIER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND FLAMES AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST BECAUSE THERE WAS NO KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE AND THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/29/17*LJ *AS

NHTSA ODI #10980436

85,000 miles · Aug 1, 2016
Electrical System

WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FILLED, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR WILL DROP TO THE BOTTOM (EMPTY SETTING) AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON. AFTER DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE, THE GAUGE WILL GRADUALLY MOVE UP. THE PROCESS WILL REPEAT ITSELF WITH THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOMETIMES REMAINING ON AND OTHER TIMES IT WILL TURN OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10892205

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2015
Air BagsElectrical System

THIS IS INFORMATION ON THE FRONT SEAT BAG THAT IS CAUSING PROBLEMS. THE SEAT BAG LIGHT IS COMING ON. 19239355 ( CASE NUMBER).

NHTSA ODI #10725385

99,000 miles · Feb 20, 2015
Electrical System

MY HORN STOPPED WORKING BACK IN DEC. 2014. THEN COME TO FIND OUT IF I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT IT WILL WORK. IF YOU PUSH ON THE RIGHT OF THE WHEEL. SO I FINALLY PUT IT IN THE SHOP ON 02-17-2015. THEN TODAY I WAS TOLD ON 02-20-2015 IT IS ELECTRICAL. IT HAS TWO PARTS TO THE HORN. PLUS GETTING NO ELECTRICAL TO THE AIRB…

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MY HORN STOPPED WORKING BACK IN DEC. 2014. THEN COME TO FIND OUT IF I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT IT WILL WORK. IF YOU PUSH ON THE RIGHT OF THE WHEEL. SO I FINALLY PUT IT IN THE SHOP ON 02-17-2015. THEN TODAY I WAS TOLD ON 02-20-2015 IT IS ELECTRICAL. IT HAS TWO PARTS TO THE HORN. PLUS GETTING NO ELECTRICAL TO THE AIRBAGS. I WAS TOLD IF I HAD GOTTEN IN A WRECK THEY WOULD NOT DEPLOY. SO THAT REALLY MADE ME MAD. I HAD TO FINALLY BREAK DOWN AND GET A RENTAL CAR BECAUSE IT IS STILL IN THE SHOP. PLUS I HAVE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE ON THIS ABOUT THERE HORNS AND AIRBAGS. DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NO RECALLS ON THESE ITEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10689726

98,000 miles · Feb 6, 2015
Electrical System

HORN ONLY WORKS WHEN YOU TURN STEERING TO THE RIGHT. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10681658

Official recalls

5

23V067000 · Air Bags:frontal

Feb 10, 2023

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

10V401000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)

Sep 10, 2010

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR 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.

08V045000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jan 25, 2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 5,523 MY 2008 TITAN, FRONTIER AND XTERRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.' THE TIRE PLACARD LISTS AN INCORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS STANDARD SPECIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR TIRE SELECTION TO PREVENT OVERLOADING.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL MAIL A CORRECT TIRE PLACARD AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2008. 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.