NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,050 reports81,569 miles · Feb 14, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER AND AT 81,500 MILES BEGAN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION VIBRATION WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. DURING THIS VIBRATION, MY ACCELERATION ABILITIES WERE LIMITED. THE TRANSMISSION VIBRATION WAS THE RESULT OF DEFECTIVE RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX. I RECEIVED A L…
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I OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER AND AT 81,500 MILES BEGAN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION VIBRATION WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. DURING THIS VIBRATION, MY ACCELERATION ABILITIES WERE LIMITED. THE TRANSMISSION VIBRATION WAS THE RESULT OF DEFECTIVE RADIATOR WHICH CAUSED RADIATOR FLUID AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO MIX. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NISSAN INFORMING ME THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY OF MY 2005 PATHFINDER IS BEING EXTENDED BECAUSE 'A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY MIGHT OCCUR AT HIGHER MILEAGES LEADING TO INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF ENGINE COOLANT.' THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION HAVE SINCE BEEN REPAIRED AND NISSAN IS UNWILLING TO REIMBURSE THE COST OF THE REPAIRS. AS THE RADIATOR FAILURE AND AFFECTED TRANSMISSION IS A WELL KNOW ISSUE BY NISSAN AND THE NISSAN CONSUMER COMMUNITY, NISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL COSTS TO REPAIR THE RADIATOR AND AFFECTED COMPONENTS. NISSAN BEING RESPONSIBLE IS EVER MORE EVIDENT BY THE FACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS AFFECTED, WHICH CAUSES INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION ISSUES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10382585
89,000 miles · Feb 9, 2011
Power Train
PURCHASED 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. STILL OWE ON FINANCING. I HAD AN ISSUE ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO WHERE I HAD THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION REPLACED AS A RESULT OF FAULTY RADIATOR. I SPENT WELL OVER 4500 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR AND WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT MY CLAIM FOR THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PENDING. I WILL NEVER PURCHA…
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PURCHASED 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. STILL OWE ON FINANCING. I HAD AN ISSUE ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO WHERE I HAD THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION REPLACED AS A RESULT OF FAULTY RADIATOR. I SPENT WELL OVER 4500 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR AND WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT MY CLAIM FOR THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PENDING. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A NISSAN AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10381376
109,000 miles · Feb 9, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILUR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE WHEN TRAVELING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 109,000.
NHTSA ODI #10381305
66,000 miles · Feb 9, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NISSAN INFORMING ME THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY OF MY 2005 PATHFINDER IS BEING EXTENDED BECAUSE 'A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY MIGHT OCCUR AT HIGHER MILEAGES LEADING TO INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF ENGINE COOLANT'. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT WAS EVIDENT THAT BECAUSE THE FAILURE IS INTERNAL T…
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I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM NISSAN INFORMING ME THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY OF MY 2005 PATHFINDER IS BEING EXTENDED BECAUSE 'A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY MIGHT OCCUR AT HIGHER MILEAGES LEADING TO INTERNAL LEAKAGE OF ENGINE COOLANT'. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH IT WAS EVIDENT THAT BECAUSE THE FAILURE IS INTERNAL THE ONLY WAY TO DETECT IT IS BY A MALFUNCTIONING TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE INTERMINGLING OF FLUIDS. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND ASKED THEM IF THE RADIATOR FAILURE CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO MALFUNCTION WOULD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COVER REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION. THEY STATED THAT IF THE DEALER'S WORK ORDER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION (OR ANY OTHER PART) WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE RADIATOR FAILURE IT WOULD BE COVERED. I THEN ASKED WHY THEY DON'T RECALL THE RADIATOR SO THAT THEY ONLY HAVE TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR AND NOT THE TRANSMISSION IN ADDITION TO THE RADIATOR. NISSAN STATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT DEEM THIS A SAFETY ISSUE THEREFORE THEY WERE NOT REQUIRED TO ISSUE A RECALL. WOULDN'T IT MAKE GOOD BUSINESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SENSE FOR NISSAN TO STAND UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A VOLUNTARY RECALL? SO MY QUESTION TO THE GOVERNMENT IS; WHY ISN'T AN UNEXPECTED TRANSMISSION FAILURE OF A MOVING VEHICLE A SAFETY ISSUE? ANY PRODUCT DEFECT THAT CAUSES THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER TO A MOVING VEHICLE IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER PRODUCT RECALLS DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS ONE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10381235
69,000 miles · Feb 2, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF HER GARAGE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND TO STOP SHE WOULD HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING OUT OF HER GARAGE, THE BRAKES FAILED AND TO STOP SHE WOULD HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 69,000.
NHTSA ODI #10380002
130,000 miles · Feb 1, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ON THE VEHICLE FAILED DO TO A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FAILURE CAUSED CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH ALSO DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THE COOLING TUBE INSIDE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ON THE VEHICLE FAILED DO TO A LEAK IN THE RADIATOR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FAILURE CAUSED CONTAMINATION IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WHICH ALSO DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. THE COOLING TUBE INSIDE THE RADIATOR FAILED WHICH ALLOWED ANTI-FREEZE TO ENTER INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD TIMES WERE IT SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD THE RADIATOR SERVICED AND FLUSHED 1 YEAR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM NISSAN ON 1/25/2011 STATING THAT THE WARRANTY ON THE RADIATOR WOULD BE EXTENDED FROM 3 YEARS/36,000 MILES TO 96 MONTHS/80,000 MILES. THE WARRANTY COVERED CRACKS IN THE RADIATOR, BUT IT DID NOT COVER DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 130,000. UPDATED 3/14/11 *CN UPDATED 03/17/11*JB
NHTSA ODI #10379824
125,000 miles · Jan 29, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY FULL. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON WHEN IT IS RESET AND SERVICE HAS BEEN DONE. THE INDICATOR REGISTERING EMPTY PUTS THE DRIVER AT RISK FOR ACCIDENT AND DEATH. *LN
NHTSA ODI #10379549
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. CONSUMER STATES SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. SHE STATES THAT IT IS HARD TO START, PAINT IS PEELING, OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN BRAKING TO MAKE A TURN AND A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE MOTOR. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10379048
76,000 miles · Jan 25, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
I OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 78000 MILES. I PURCHASED THIS BRAND NEW. THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR STOPPED WORKING AROUND 76000 MILES. I GET A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND MY ELECTRONIC FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER THAT I HAVE ANY FUEL. NISSAN RECENTLY SENT OUT A WARRANTY EXTENSION TO FIX THIS PROBLEM UP TO 75000 MILES, BUT WHAT AB…
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I OWN A 2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER WITH 78000 MILES. I PURCHASED THIS BRAND NEW. THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR STOPPED WORKING AROUND 76000 MILES. I GET A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT AND MY ELECTRONIC FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER THAT I HAVE ANY FUEL. NISSAN RECENTLY SENT OUT A WARRANTY EXTENSION TO FIX THIS PROBLEM UP TO 75000 MILES, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF US WHO DID NOT START HAVING THIS PROBLEM UNTIL LATER? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378694
77,000 miles · Jan 25, 2011
Fuel System, Other
2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. SHOWS EMPTY AND LOW FUEL LIGHT ON WHEN IT IS REALLY A FULL TANK. THIS STARTED OFF SLOWLY AND GRADUALLY. IT WOULD WORK WHEN I FIRST FILLED IT UP AND THEN ABOUT HALF A TANK IT WOULD STOP WORKING RIGHT. THEN IT JUST COMPLETELY QUIT WORKING AT ALL AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE…
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2005 NISSAN PATHFINDER. FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. SHOWS EMPTY AND LOW FUEL LIGHT ON WHEN IT IS REALLY A FULL TANK. THIS STARTED OFF SLOWLY AND GRADUALLY. IT WOULD WORK WHEN I FIRST FILLED IT UP AND THEN ABOUT HALF A TANK IT WOULD STOP WORKING RIGHT. THEN IT JUST COMPLETELY QUIT WORKING AT ALL AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME NOW. I HAVE TO WRITE DOWN MY MILEAGE AND TRY TO GET GAS EVERY 300 OR SO MILES, VERY MUCH ANNOYING! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10378660
Official recalls
2Oct 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.
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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