NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
845 reports80,000 miles · Jan 7, 2012
Power Train
MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA WITH 85000 MILES HAS A VIBRATION WHICH FEELS LIKE DRIVING ON RUMBLE STRIPS THAT COMES AND GOES. THERE IS ALSO THE SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE AND THE HEAT WORKS SPORADICALLY AT IDLE. LOOKING AT EVERYONE'S ELSE'S POST IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2005 XTERRA THAT NISSAN IS NOT FIXING. THERE SHOULD BE…
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MY 2005 NISSAN XTERRA WITH 85000 MILES HAS A VIBRATION WHICH FEELS LIKE DRIVING ON RUMBLE STRIPS THAT COMES AND GOES. THERE IS ALSO THE SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE AND THE HEAT WORKS SPORADICALLY AT IDLE. LOOKING AT EVERYONE'S ELSE'S POST IT LOOKS LIKE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2005 XTERRA THAT NISSAN IS NOT FIXING. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS SO THAT NISSAN CAN MAKE THE ADEQUATE REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10442803
108,000 miles · Jan 5, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other
RADIATOR CORROSION LEAKING FLUID INTO TRANSMISSION. REPLACING RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION. REPLACED VAPORIZER SOLENOID AND THE IPDM UNIT (VOLUNTARY RECALL) WHICH CAUSED STALLING WHILE DRIVING. FUEL SENSOR REPLACED. MANDATORY RECALL ON THE ECM UNIT. NO NOTIFICATION ON VOLUNTARY OR MANDATORY RECALLS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10442553
116,000 miles · Jan 3, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
RADIATOR FAILED AND ALLOWED COOLANT TO MIX WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID. BOTH RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION NEED REPLACED AT A COST OF $6411.00 (INCLUDES LABOR). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10442259
80,000 miles · Dec 30, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD KNOCKING COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD DISPLAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A F…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD KNOCKING COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WOULD DISPLAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10441802
70,000 miles · Dec 30, 2011
Air BagsPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RAD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NISSAN XTERRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS BEFORE SHIFTING INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS HAD MIXED ERRONEOUSLY AND BOTH THE TRANSMISSION AND THE RADIATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE BELT TENSION SENSOR WOULD ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED TO WAIVE THE FEE OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
NHTSA ODI #10441761
90,000 miles · Dec 27, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND FUEL GAUGE COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE. FUEL GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY WITH FULL FUEL AND THEN CHANGE TO VARIOUS READINGS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10441377
96,000 miles · Dec 27, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
VEHICLE FAILED DURING OPERATION WITHOUT WARNING SECONDARY TO FAULTY ORIGINAL RADIATOR WHICH LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR DESTROYED AND REQUIRE REPLACING. DESPITE EXTENSIVE DOCUMENTATION OF THIS PROBLEM ON CONSUMER WEBSITES AND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, NISSAN AMERICA AND DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY K…
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VEHICLE FAILED DURING OPERATION WITHOUT WARNING SECONDARY TO FAULTY ORIGINAL RADIATOR WHICH LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION AND RADIATOR DESTROYED AND REQUIRE REPLACING. DESPITE EXTENSIVE DOCUMENTATION OF THIS PROBLEM ON CONSUMER WEBSITES AND A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, NISSAN AMERICA AND DEALERSHIP DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM AND DID NOT ACCEPT ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. TOTAL REPAIRS ESTIMATED AT $5,000. NOTIFYING CONSUMER OF AND/OR REPLACING FAULTY RADIATOR COULD PREVENT A COSTLY DESTROYED TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10441374
81,000 miles · Dec 19, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT FAILS WITH A P0463 STORED IN SELF-DIAGNOSIS. THIS IS THE SAME AS THE OPEN RECALL FOR 06-08 IN TSB NTB07-069B. HOWEVER MINE IS AN 05 AND IF YOU LOOK ON THE WEB,,,,,,,THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH XTERRA S FROM 05-09 NOT JUST 06-08. NISSAN IS NOT BEING HELPFUL, AND RUNNING OUT OF FUEL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE R…
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FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT FAILS WITH A P0463 STORED IN SELF-DIAGNOSIS. THIS IS THE SAME AS THE OPEN RECALL FOR 06-08 IN TSB NTB07-069B. HOWEVER MINE IS AN 05 AND IF YOU LOOK ON THE WEB,,,,,,,THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH XTERRA S FROM 05-09 NOT JUST 06-08. NISSAN IS NOT BEING HELPFUL, AND RUNNING OUT OF FUEL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IS NOT GOOD, NOR IS THE $500+ DOLLARS THEY WANT TO FIX THIS!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10440464
80,000 miles · Dec 16, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED OUR 2005 NISSAN XTERRA, 17 MILES YOUNG. EXACTLY ONE MONTH AFTER WE PURCHASED, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT AND WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NO PROBLEMS FOR A FEW YEARS, UNTIL WE NOTICED THAT THE GAS GAUGE WAS NOT GIVING ACCURATE READINGS, WE HAD TO WATCH OUR ODOMETER COUNT TO MAKE SURE WE DIDN'T RUN…
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MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED OUR 2005 NISSAN XTERRA, 17 MILES YOUNG. EXACTLY ONE MONTH AFTER WE PURCHASED, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT AND WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NO PROBLEMS FOR A FEW YEARS, UNTIL WE NOTICED THAT THE GAS GAUGE WAS NOT GIVING ACCURATE READINGS, WE HAD TO WATCH OUR ODOMETER COUNT TO MAKE SURE WE DIDN'T RUN OUT OF GAS, WHICH IS A VERY SCARY THOUGHT WHEN YOU HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN. THIS HAPPENED WHEN WE HAD APPROXIMATELY 80000 MILES ON THE TRUCK AND $600 TO REPAIR. SHORTLY AFTER, THE TRANSMISSION WAS ACTING UP AND THE HEATER WASN'T WORKING. NO WHY WASN'T THAT WORKING? APPARENTLY, NISSAN THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A COOL TRICK TO HAVE THE RADIATOR LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION.... BRILLIANT BUSINESS PLAN THEY HAVE. TOOK THE TRUCK IN AND HAD TO PAY $5800 TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION, RADIATOR AND COMPUTER ALL REPLACED. THIS FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WAS IN FACT A HARDSHIP. ONE THAT SHOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO HAPPEN HAD NISSAN PROVIDED QUALITY PARTS AND PROVIDED STELLAR SERVICE. I WILL SUE NISSAN FOR THIS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, BLOG/FACEBOOK MY LITTLE HEART AWAY ABOUT HOW INSINCERE OF A COMPANY NISSAN IS AND NEVER EVER-EVER-EVER GIVE THEM A POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10440200
76,000 miles · Dec 6, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
MY NISSAN XTERRA STARTED MAKING A VIBRATION SOUND AROUND AUGUST OF 2011. IT SOUNDED LIKE YOUR VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OVER A "RUMBLE STRIP". IT WAS INFREQUENT AT FIRST SO I IGNORED IT. I DID NOTICE SOME OTHER WARNING SIGNS OF POTENTIAL TROUBLE (AT HINDSIGHT). THE VEHICLES HEATER WOULD NEVER HEAT THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AT ID…
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MY NISSAN XTERRA STARTED MAKING A VIBRATION SOUND AROUND AUGUST OF 2011. IT SOUNDED LIKE YOUR VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OVER A "RUMBLE STRIP". IT WAS INFREQUENT AT FIRST SO I IGNORED IT. I DID NOTICE SOME OTHER WARNING SIGNS OF POTENTIAL TROUBLE (AT HINDSIGHT). THE VEHICLES HEATER WOULD NEVER HEAT THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AT IDLE, BUT WOULD DO IT AT SPEED. NISSAN KNOWS THE ISSUE IS A DEFECT BUT REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT WOULD SHUDDER AND ALMOST RESULT IN A ACCIDENT. I HAVE ONLY NARROWLY AVOIDED A COLLISION ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. NISSAN EXTENDED THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY TO 80,000 MILES BECAUSE THEY KNOW OF THE ISSUE, BUT REFUSE TO ADMIT ITS A DEFECT. HAD I BEEN INFORMED ABOUT THE WARRANTY EXTENSION I MAY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE IT SERVICES WHILE WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT 83,000 MILES, BUT WITHIN THE 96 MONTH PORTION OF THE WARRANTY. I'M CURRENTLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE I'M WORRIED THE TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL AT HIGH SPEED AND RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10438798
Official recalls
3Oct 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.
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
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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