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2006 Nissan Xterra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Xterra years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Nissan Xterra are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

720 reports with mileage · 60 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 268 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 237 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports3 fire reports11 injury reports

What owners actually said

780 reports
47,000 miles · Mar 25, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY GAS GAUGE WAS READING EMPTY, SO I WENT AND FILLED UP THE TANK AND STARTED THE CAR AND THE GAUGE WAS STILL READING EMPTY AND THEN AFTER A DAY OR SO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CANE ON. I ASKED A MECHANIC WHY THE LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND HE REPLIED THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT. THE CAR IS A 2006 AND I HAVE ONLY HAD IT 2 YEARS THIS TYP…

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MY GAS GAUGE WAS READING EMPTY, SO I WENT AND FILLED UP THE TANK AND STARTED THE CAR AND THE GAUGE WAS STILL READING EMPTY AND THEN AFTER A DAY OR SO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CANE ON. I ASKED A MECHANIC WHY THE LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND HE REPLIED THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT. THE CAR IS A 2006 AND I HAVE ONLY HAD IT 2 YEARS THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING, NOT TO MENTION THE $500.00 FEE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263062

12,000 miles · Mar 25, 2009
Air Bags

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND IS NOT ACTIVATED FOR PERSONS WEIGHING 100 POUNDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND THERE WAS NOTHING TO REPAIR. THE DEALER WILL INFORM THE CONTACT ON THE WEI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED AND IS NOT ACTIVATED FOR PERSONS WEIGHING 100 POUNDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED AND THERE WAS NOTHING TO REPAIR. THE DEALER WILL INFORM THE CONTACT ON THE WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS THAT NEED TO BE ENABLED FOR THE INDICATOR TO DIM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12,000.

NHTSA ODI #10263054

45,000 miles · Mar 20, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AT ABOUT 45K MILES. I ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STARTING. THE WARRANTY IS UP SO I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND SEE IF THERE ARE OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER READING OVER A HUNDRED OTHER COMPLAINS ON THE INTERNET FOR THE SA…

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I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA AND THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED TO MALFUNCTION AT ABOUT 45K MILES. I ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STARTING. THE WARRANTY IS UP SO I DECIDED TO DO SOME RESEARCH AND SEE IF THERE ARE OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER READING OVER A HUNDRED OTHER COMPLAINS ON THE INTERNET FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AROUND 40-60K MILES, I DECIDED TO SEND THIS COMPLAINT. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE FOR THE LOYAL NISSAN CUSTOMERS THAT SPEND THE MONEY AND THEN HAVE A PROBLEM THAT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT. WITH PARTS AND LABOR THIS WILL RUN ANY WHERE FROM $500-800. THIS IS WRONG AND NISSAN SHOULD HAVE A RECALL (IF THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE LIKE AIRBAGS OR SET BELTS THEY WOULD HAVE HAD A RECALL). A FAULTY PART DESERVES A RECALL ALSO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262529

59,000 miles · Mar 17, 2009
Fuel System, Other

I HAVE 2006 NISSAN XTERRA, FUEL SENDING UNIT MALFUNCTIONING. SHOWS EMPTY FUEL TANK EVEN AFTER FILLING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON HAD THE CODE READ IT SAYS ITS THE SENDING UNIT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262129

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2009
Fuel System, Other

I HAVE FILLED UP MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA A FEW TIMES NOW AND IT HAS SHOWED ON 3/4 FULL EACH TIME. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT OR THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR UNIT. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP YET TO CONFIRM ALTHOUG…

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I HAVE FILLED UP MY 2006 NISSAN XTERRA A FEW TIMES NOW AND IT HAS SHOWED ON 3/4 FULL EACH TIME. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT OR THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR UNIT. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP YET TO CONFIRM ALTHOUGH I AM HOPING THIS WILL BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY SINCE MY CAR HAS ONLY 28K MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261525

55,000 miles · Mar 9, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. AT ABOUT 55K MILES THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY AT ANYTHING UNDER A 1/2 TANK OF FUEL. MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY, AND MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON AS WELL, EVEN AFTER I'VE JUST FILLED THE TIRES TO THEIR REQUIRED PSI. ONCE I FILL MY TANK, MY FUEL GAUGE WON'T AUTOMATICALLY…

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I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. AT ABOUT 55K MILES THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY AT ANYTHING UNDER A 1/2 TANK OF FUEL. MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY, AND MY TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT STAYS ON AS WELL, EVEN AFTER I'VE JUST FILLED THE TIRES TO THEIR REQUIRED PSI. ONCE I FILL MY TANK, MY FUEL GAUGE WON'T AUTOMATICALLY RETURN TO FULL, BUT WILL RISE AFTER I'VE BEEN DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261322

44,238 miles · Feb 28, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

IN DECEMBER 2008 AFTER FILLING THE FUEL TANK THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ONLY 1/4 FULL. APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS LATER THE SAME DAY AFTER SEVERAL ON AND OFF CYCLES THE MIL WAS ILLUMINATED. GAUGE INDICATION EVENTUALLY RETURNED TO NEAR FULL AS THE FUEL WAS USED. AFTER DROPPING BELOW 1/4 TANK THE GAUGE NOW DROPS TO ZERO AND THE LOW FU…

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IN DECEMBER 2008 AFTER FILLING THE FUEL TANK THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ONLY 1/4 FULL. APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS LATER THE SAME DAY AFTER SEVERAL ON AND OFF CYCLES THE MIL WAS ILLUMINATED. GAUGE INDICATION EVENTUALLY RETURNED TO NEAR FULL AS THE FUEL WAS USED. AFTER DROPPING BELOW 1/4 TANK THE GAUGE NOW DROPS TO ZERO AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. CONDITION STILL EXISTS IN LATE FEBRUARY 2009. HAVE NOT HAVE CODE READ BUT RESEARCH CONFIRMS THAT SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL OTHER REPORTS WITH FAILURE CONFIRMED AS DEFECTIVE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260320

50,000 miles · Feb 20, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT OF 08 SINCE DEC OF 08 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY GAS GAUGE ALWAYS MARKS EMPTY I CAN NEVER TELL HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I HAVE DOES NOT COVER THIS AND FOR THEM TO CHECK IT WILL COST ME 120.00 PLUS ANOTH…

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I HAVE A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT OF 08 SINCE DEC OF 08 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY GAS GAUGE ALWAYS MARKS EMPTY I CAN NEVER TELL HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I HAVE DOES NOT COVER THIS AND FOR THEM TO CHECK IT WILL COST ME 120.00 PLUS ANOTHER 600.00 TO REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259487

42,000 miles · Feb 20, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED, BUT BOTH VEHICLES SUSTAINED DAMAGES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 NISSAN XTERRA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED, BUT BOTH VEHICLES SUSTAINED DAMAGES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE AND TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE SPEED AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10259468

50,000 miles · Feb 16, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER PROPERLY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS WITHOUT NOTICE. NOW AFTER FILLING TANK, LOW FUEL LEVEL LIGHT COMES ON AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON.

NHTSA ODI #10258775

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.

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.

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.