NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
337 reportsClear category filter208,000 miles · Nov 26, 2017
Power Train
VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT 200,000 MILES. WITHOUT NOTICE AND UNDER USUAL CHECKS AND TUNE-UPS THE RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. NOW, SUBSEQUENTLY THE TRANSMISSION HAS COOLANT MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. NISSAN HAS TAKEN NO OWNERSHIP OF THE DEFECT EXCEPT TO RECOMMEND REPLACING THE R…
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VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT 200,000 MILES. WITHOUT NOTICE AND UNDER USUAL CHECKS AND TUNE-UPS THE RADIATOR FAILED CAUSING THE ENGINE COOLANT TO MIX WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. NOW, SUBSEQUENTLY THE TRANSMISSION HAS COOLANT MIXED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. NISSAN HAS TAKEN NO OWNERSHIP OF THE DEFECT EXCEPT TO RECOMMEND REPLACING THE RADIATOR AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. MY VEHICLE IS NOW IN THE SHOP AWAITING A $3,500.00 TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL TO SEE WHAT IS SALVAGEABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11048457
96,000 miles · Oct 31, 2017
EnginePower Train
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE TEMPERATURE GAUGE PEGGED OUT AT THE HIGH SIDE AND THERE WAS A BURNING METAL SMELL. I WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS THAT THE RADIATOR FAILED AND LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT NISSAN GAVE AND THEY NEVER CONTACTED ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT THERE EVEN W…
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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE TEMPERATURE GAUGE PEGGED OUT AT THE HIGH SIDE AND THERE WAS A BURNING METAL SMELL. I WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS THAT THE RADIATOR FAILED AND LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT NISSAN GAVE AND THEY NEVER CONTACTED ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT THERE EVEN WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11041669
130,000 miles · Sep 25, 2017
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT GEARS, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #11025364
129,000 miles · Sep 1, 2017
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER RADIATOR FLUID MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. WE BECAME FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WHEN MY DAUGHTER COULD NOT START THE CAR. SHE WAS AT A PARK WITH HER TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND 50 MILES FROM HOME. IT WAS VERY DISTRESSING. THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WILL CHARGE OVER $4,000 PLUS TAXES FOR THE REPAIR…
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THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER RADIATOR FLUID MIXED WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. WE BECAME FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WHEN MY DAUGHTER COULD NOT START THE CAR. SHE WAS AT A PARK WITH HER TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND 50 MILES FROM HOME. IT WAS VERY DISTRESSING. THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER WILL CHARGE OVER $4,000 PLUS TAXES FOR THE REPAIRS. MOST OF THIS EXPENSE COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF WE HAD BEEN INFORMED ABOUT THE DEFECT AT AN EARLIER TIME. ## VIN PASSED ## NISSAN PATHFINDER 2007 ##
NHTSA ODI #11021014
89,000 miles · Aug 31, 2017
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE GEAR DID NOT SWITCH TO A HIGHER GEAR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE RADIATOR, AND ALSO FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE MONTHS LATER. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE GEAR DID NOT SWITCH TO A HIGHER GEAR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE RADIATOR, AND ALSO FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (NORTH PLAINFIELD NISSAN, 545 US 22, NORTH PLAINFIELD, NJ 07060) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE TRADED IN OR REPAIRED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ *TR
NHTSA ODI #11020763
110,003 miles · Aug 15, 2017
EnginePower Train
I HAD NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDER THE FRONT /RIGHT PORTION OF MY VEHICLE AFTER I PARKED. I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE RESERVE CAP TO THE RADIATOR HAD COME LOOSE. AFTER LETTING MY VEHICLE COOL, I INSPECTED BOTH THE RESERVE TANK AND RADIATOR AND NOTICED THE FLUID WAS NOW A MILKY/FROTHY SUBSTANCE. AFTER SOME DETECTIVE WORK, I LEA…
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I HAD NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDER THE FRONT /RIGHT PORTION OF MY VEHICLE AFTER I PARKED. I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE RESERVE CAP TO THE RADIATOR HAD COME LOOSE. AFTER LETTING MY VEHICLE COOL, I INSPECTED BOTH THE RESERVE TANK AND RADIATOR AND NOTICED THE FLUID WAS NOW A MILKY/FROTHY SUBSTANCE. AFTER SOME DETECTIVE WORK, I LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH PATHFINDERS FROM 2005- THROUGH 2010 THAT NISSAN HAS IGNORED TO FIX. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER IN THE RADIATOR ASSEMBLY "FAILS" CAUSING CONTAMINATION TO THE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS ,AND DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL TRANSMISSION COMPUTER. THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS UP TO OR JUST PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. AFTER CONTACTING NISSAN AND RECEIVING A DENIAL TO FIX OUR TRUCK UNDER A WARRANTY, I AM STUCK WITH A VEHICLE WITH SEVERAL "THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS" IN REPAIRS ALL DUE TO NISSAN IGNORING A KNOWN DEFECT AND NOT ISSUING A RECALL ON ALL VEHICLES IN THE "KNOWN" YEAR BRACKET WITH THESE ISSUES. I'M SURE NOTHING WILL BE DONE REGARDING THIS ISSUE DUE TO THERE NOT BEING A MAJOR LOSS OF LIVES INVOLVED, I.E. TAKATA AIRBAGS,BUT I FIND IT IS MY DUTY TO ADD MY NAME TO AN ALREADY HEFTY LIST OF OTHER NISSAN PATHFINDER OWNERS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11015604
91,900 miles · Jul 17, 2017
Power Train
AT AROUND 91000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SPORADICALLY STAYING IN 2ND GEAR AND WOULD JERK AT TIMES WHEN SHIFTING .FINALLY THE TRANSMISSION QUIT SHIFTING AT ALL OUT OF 2ND GEAR. AFTER INVESTIGATION WE FOUND COOLANT HAD LEAKED INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WHICH CAUSED A CATASTROPHIC BREAKDOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11005977
100,000 miles · Jul 17, 2017
Air BagsEnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, IT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUID HAD MIXED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, IT EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR FLUID HAD MIXED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. UPDATED 10/18/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED MALFUNCTIONING AIRBAGS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11005949
119,000 miles · Jul 6, 2017
Power Train
TRANSMISSION ISSUES LIKE EVERY OTHER NISSAN PATHFINDER OWNER HAS REPORTED.. SAME ISSUE, RADIATOR LEAKS INTO TRANSMISSION WITH NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. HOW IN THE WORLD WAS THIS NOT A RECALL FROM NISSAN & THE NHTSA.. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND FORTUNATELY IN OUR SITUATION WE BARELY MADE IT TO OUR DESTINATION BEFORE THE TRANSMISSIO…
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TRANSMISSION ISSUES LIKE EVERY OTHER NISSAN PATHFINDER OWNER HAS REPORTED.. SAME ISSUE, RADIATOR LEAKS INTO TRANSMISSION WITH NO WARNING WHAT SO EVER. HOW IN THE WORLD WAS THIS NOT A RECALL FROM NISSAN & THE NHTSA.. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD AND FORTUNATELY IN OUR SITUATION WE BARELY MADE IT TO OUR DESTINATION BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED... $ 6K LATER OUT OF POCKET WITH NISSAN REFUSING TO RECOGNIZE ANY TRANSMISSION OR RADIATOR ISSUES OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11003468
125,000 miles · May 30, 2017
Power Train
WE PURCHASED A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER FROM CARMAX IN POMPANO BEACH FL IN 2012, DURING THAT TIME THE CAR HAD 55,000 MILES ON IT. WE ASK FOR THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS GOOD WITH NO ISSUES, HOWEVER A FEW YEARS LATER I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR BECAME INOPERABLE WITH MY 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WHEN I TOOK…
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WE PURCHASED A 2007 NISSAN PATHFINDER FROM CARMAX IN POMPANO BEACH FL IN 2012, DURING THAT TIME THE CAR HAD 55,000 MILES ON IT. WE ASK FOR THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS GOOD WITH NO ISSUES, HOWEVER A FEW YEARS LATER I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR BECAME INOPERABLE WITH MY 3 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC HE EXPRESSED TO ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND THAT THERE WAS EVEN A LAWSUIT, BUT THE COMPANY IS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING. WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS INFORMATION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THESE PARTICULAR VEHICLES HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANT ON THEM UP TO 100,000 MILE FOR A FAULTY RADIATOR THAT LEAKS INTO THE TRANSMISSION ULTIMATELY DESTROYING THE TRANSMISSION WHICH WAS THE CASE WITH US. WE WERE OUT OF A CAR FOR 2 MONTHS IN A RENTAL, MAXED OUT THE CREDIT CARD UP TO 1,600 WITH A 4,000 DOLLAR BILL TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS A TREMENDOUS FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ON THE FAMILY. WHEN I WENT TO CARMAX AND ASKED THEM WHY THEY DID NOT DISCLOSE TO US THAT THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, THEY HAD NO REAL ANSWER FOR ME AND STATED THAT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OVER 100,000 MILES THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. I FEEL THAT CARMAX WITHHELD INFORMATION ON THIS CAR AND ACCORDING TO THE STATE LAW IT IS REQUIRED THAT THEY INFORM CONSUMERS OF MANUFACTURE WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLES. SINCE THAT TIME THE CAR HAS HAD ADDITIONAL BREAKDOWN AND WE CAN NO LONGER PAY FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.E TRAPPED IN A VEHICLE THAT WAS A LEMON FORM THE BEGINNING.
NHTSA ODI #10992152
Official recalls
1Dec 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.