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2005 Nissan Xterra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Xterra years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Xterra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.

About this comparison →
845Owner complaints

Model-year median: 78

3Recall campaigns

View recall details →

1Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
157
200272
200384
2004845
2005780
2006557
2007119
2008
Compare all Xterra years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Power Train
412Fuel System, Gasoline
242Engine And Engine Cooling
167Engine
114Fuel System, Other
49
All reported categories
Electrical System
39Fuel/propulsion System
32Unknown Or Other
25Air Bags
19Vehicle Speed Control
12Steering
10Electronic Stability Control (esc)
8Suspension
8Equipment
6Structure
4Visibility
4Exterior Lighting
3Service Brakes
3Trailer Hitches
3Child Seat
1Latches/locks/linkages
1Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1Visibility/wiper
1Wheels
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

770 reports with mileage · 75 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 412 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 242 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 167 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports

Engine complaints

114 reports
Clear category filter
135,000 miles · Aug 8, 2017
Engine

NISSAN XTERRA 2006 THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC THE RADIATOR LEAKED AND RUINED THE TRANSMISSION. HE ALSO SAID THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS AND CONTINUES TO ALLOW THE CAR TO BE ON THE ROAD. THE CAR IS DONE AND SO IS MY WALLET. THANK GOODNESS WHEN THE CAR WENT OUT, I WAS ON A BACK ROAD AROUND NO …

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NISSAN XTERRA 2006 THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC THE RADIATOR LEAKED AND RUINED THE TRANSMISSION. HE ALSO SAID THAT NISSAN IS AWARE OF THIS AND CONTINUES TO ALLOW THE CAR TO BE ON THE ROAD. THE CAR IS DONE AND SO IS MY WALLET. THANK GOODNESS WHEN THE CAR WENT OUT, I WAS ON A BACK ROAD AROUND NO OTHER PEOPLE!

NHTSA ODI #11013668

90,000 miles · Aug 4, 2017
Engine

CRACKED RADIATOR, CAR DIED WITH NO WARNING GOING DOWN FREEWAY

NHTSA ODI #11012767

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2017
Engine

THE RADIATOR FAILED AND THE FLUID ALL WENT INTO THE TRANSMISSION REQUIRING BOTH A NEW RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH 2005 XTERRAS AND NISSAN REFUSES TO COVER THIS FAULTY DESIGN. WE HAD NO ADVANCE NOTICE OF THIS HAPPENING. WE WENT OUT ONE DAY AND THE CAR DID NOT START.

NHTSA ODI #11000218

209,000 miles · May 19, 2017
Engine

I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I STOPPED AT MY DRIVEWAY AND MY CAR HAD SPRUNG A LEAK FROM UNDER MY PASSENGER SIDE. MY CAR WAS NOT OVERHEATING, I RECEIVED NO WARNING THAT ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC- MY TRANSMISSION COOLER HAD FAILED AND MIXED IN WITH MY RADIATOR. HOPEFULLY MY TRANSMISSION ISN'T SHOT, WITH A NEW RADIATOR AND FLUSHING ALL …

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I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I STOPPED AT MY DRIVEWAY AND MY CAR HAD SPRUNG A LEAK FROM UNDER MY PASSENGER SIDE. MY CAR WAS NOT OVERHEATING, I RECEIVED NO WARNING THAT ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC- MY TRANSMISSION COOLER HAD FAILED AND MIXED IN WITH MY RADIATOR. HOPEFULLY MY TRANSMISSION ISN'T SHOT, WITH A NEW RADIATOR AND FLUSHING ALL THE LINES IS ALMOST $1000. THIS ALL COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF I HAD SOME WARNING. MY CAR HAD BEEN DRIVING JUST FINE PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10990640

223,000 miles · Mar 28, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT "ECM" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BATTERY AND CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT "ECM" WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BATTERY AND CRANK SHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000.

NHTSA ODI #10969073

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2017
EnginePower Train

2005 NISSAN XTERRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RADIATOR HOSE RUPTURED AND SENT COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE BEGAN RACING BUT, THERE WAS NO POWER. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND THEN STOPPED. A HOSE IN THE RADIATOR RUPTURED. THIS CAUSED COOLANT TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION F…

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2005 NISSAN XTERRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RADIATOR HOSE RUPTURED AND SENT COOLANT INTO TRANSMISSION. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE BEGAN RACING BUT, THERE WAS NO POWER. THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND THEN STOPPED. A HOSE IN THE RADIATOR RUPTURED. THIS CAUSED COOLANT TO ENTER THE TRANSMISSION AND TRANSMISSION FLUID TO ENTER THE RADIATOR. THE FAILURE OCCURED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10966748

114,804 miles · Nov 4, 2016
EnginePower Train

2005 NISSAN XTERRA - COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT APPROX. 102,000 MILES, CAUSED BY FAULTY RADIATOR THAT LEAKED WATER INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH NISSAN KNEW ABOUT BUT REFUSED TO RECALL. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE ABOUT THE RADIATOR ISSUE FROM THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER!! IT WOULD COST APPROX. $300 FOR NISSAN (OR THE CONSU…

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2005 NISSAN XTERRA - COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT APPROX. 102,000 MILES, CAUSED BY FAULTY RADIATOR THAT LEAKED WATER INTO THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH NISSAN KNEW ABOUT BUT REFUSED TO RECALL. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE ABOUT THE RADIATOR ISSUE FROM THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER!! IT WOULD COST APPROX. $300 FOR NISSAN (OR THE CONSUMER) TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR, AS OPPOSED TO $3800 TO COMPLETELY REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACE THE RADIATOR UPON FAILURE; THEREFORE, NISSAN LET THEIR CUSTOMERS DRIVE DANGEROUS VEHICLES IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION COULD - AND DID - FAIL AT ANY MOMENT. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, STOPPED AT A LIGHT DOWNTOWN HEADED TO THE FREEWAY ENTRANCE RAMP. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I ACCELERATED AND THE ENGINE ROARED BENEATH MY FOOT. I COULD NOT EVEN TRAVEL THROUGH THE STOP LIGHT. THE XTERRA WOULD NOT GO FORWARD OR BACKWARD. HAD I MADE IT TO THE FREEWAY AND BEEN TRAVELING AT 50 - 60 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND ACCELERATED TO FIND I HAD NO POWER - NO ACCELERATION, I (AND OTHERS) COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. WHEN MY XTERRA WAS TOWED TO THE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP, THEY WERE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THIS ISSUE AND INFORMED ME THAT A CLASS ACTION HAD BEEN FILED AND WON, (AND WAS ALREADY CONCLUDED) OVER THIS EXACT ISSUE; HOWEVER, THE CONSUMERS IN THE CLASS RECEIVED A VERY SMALL PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS (APPROX. $800 AT THE HIGH END). I AM CONTEMPLATING FILING AN ACTION IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT AGAINST NISSAN AND THE LOCAL DEALER IN JACKSON, MS, FROM WHOM I HAVE BOUGHT 3 SUVS IN THE PAST 20 YEARS. I TELL EVERYBODY I SEE DRIVING A NISSAN ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HAVE SPREAD THE WORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE, FRAUDULENT, RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT BY NISSAN, AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT TO MAKE THE CONSUMERS WHOLE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10924272

127,000 miles · Oct 17, 2016
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SOME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MEC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER SOME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS CONTAMINATION OF COOLANT IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10916619

129,000 miles · Sep 7, 2016
Engine

ENGINE TIMING CHAIN FAILURE LEADING TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON INTERSTATE.

NHTSA ODI #10904580

89,000 miles · Aug 31, 2016
Engine

LOWER RADIATOR ASSEMBLY FAILED AND ALLOWED COOLANT TO LEAK INTO TRANSMISSION . TRANSMISSION REPLACED BY OWNER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR LOOSING CONTROL ON A CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY AND HAVING TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN ACCIDENT. NISSAN SHOULD PAY FOR ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10899855

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.

05V458000 · Trailer Hitches

Oct 5, 2005

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN ACCESSORY TOW HITCH, INADEQUATE QUALITY OF SOME WELDED JOINTS IN THE HITCH ASSEMBLY MAY RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE HITCH FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN BEING USED TO TOW.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRAILER SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TOW HITCHES. ON OCTOBER 17, 2005, OWNERS WERE SENT AN INTERIM LETTER ADVISING THEM NOT TO USE THE TOW HITCH UNTIL IT CAN BE REPAIRED. ANOTHER LETTER WAS SENT OUT ON NOVEMBER 21, 2005, NOTIFYING THEM TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR REPAIR. 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.