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2004 Chevrolet Colorado

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Colorado years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado are substantially higher than the model-year median of 84.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

283 reports with mileage · 78 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports13 fire reports14 injury reports

Power Train complaints

27 reports
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300 miles · Nov 22, 2004
Power Train

I HAVE A 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO 4WD EXTENDED CAB TRUCK THAT CONSTANTLY VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OF 30MPH AND 55-60MPH. THE TRUCK SHAKES AS IF IT IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT OR TIRES ARE UNBALANCED. I HAD THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES - TWICE FOR RE-BALANCING THE TIRES AND ONCE FOR A SET OF NEW TIRES. THE DEALERSHIP SAID TH…

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I HAVE A 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO 4WD EXTENDED CAB TRUCK THAT CONSTANTLY VIBRATES AT SPEEDS OF 30MPH AND 55-60MPH. THE TRUCK SHAKES AS IF IT IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT OR TIRES ARE UNBALANCED. I HAD THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER A TOTAL OF FOUR TIMES - TWICE FOR RE-BALANCING THE TIRES AND ONCE FOR A SET OF NEW TIRES. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE TIRES WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF CUPPING. BUT, THE PROBLEM OF VIBRATING OR OSCILLATING STILL EXISTS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ACTUALLY VERY HELPFUL, BUT FRUSTRATED. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS MAY BE A DEFECTIVE DRIVESHAFT, WHICH TELLS ME THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10100338

568 miles · Aug 26, 2004
Power Train

2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO, NEW PURCHASE, DROVE 568 MILES ENGINE IDLE ERATICALLY, ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND THEN ENGINE STALLED. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPROGRAMMED COMPUTER, SINCE THAT I LOST 1.6 MPG AND ENGINE WILL NOT IDLE UNTIL VEHICLE CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. ENGINE RPMS DO NOT DROP BETWEEN SHIFTS LIKE IT DID BEFORE REPROGRAMM…

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2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO, NEW PURCHASE, DROVE 568 MILES ENGINE IDLE ERATICALLY, ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AND THEN ENGINE STALLED. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY REPROGRAMMED COMPUTER, SINCE THAT I LOST 1.6 MPG AND ENGINE WILL NOT IDLE UNTIL VEHICLE CAME TO COMPLETE STOP. ENGINE RPMS DO NOT DROP BETWEEN SHIFTS LIKE IT DID BEFORE REPROGRAMMING AND VEHICLE LUNGES WHEN CLUTCH IS RELEASED IF NOT CAREFULL OR GIVE IT EXTRA TIME FOR THE RPMS TO DROP FOR A SMOOTH ENGAGEMENT. AND WHEN YOU NEED TO LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR KEEPS GOING LIKE YOU ARE STILL ACCELERATING, ESPECIALLY IN FOURTH GEAR, WHICH CAN THROW OFF TIMING AND CAUSE YOU TO HIT BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN OR PUSH CLUTCH IN TO KEEP FROM GOING AHEAD AT SAME SPEED UNTIL RPMS FALL, WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, IT DID NO OF THIS , THE DEALER HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT BUT SAYS THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE GM PROGRAM. AND THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR ME.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10088652

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2004
Power Train

VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION 45-50MPH AND ABOVE ON SMOOTH ROADS, WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMPY ROAD THE REAR END IS VERY UNSTABLE AND FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO HOP. DEALER STATED THAT SOME VIBRATION IS NORMAL. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A DRIVESHAFT RELATED PROBLEM BUT NOBODY WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10088468

8,093 miles · Aug 23, 2004
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. LOST OF POWER ALMOST CAUSING A WRECK ON THE HIGHWAY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10088378

109 miles · Aug 22, 2004
Power Train

IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING A 2004 CHEVY COLORADO REG CAB 5 CYL, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A NOTICEABLE VIBRATION AND ROUGH RIDE. DEALERSHIP BALANCED MY TIRES AND TRIED TEMPORARILY SWAPPING TIRES BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. I ALSO TEST DROVE ANOTHER TRUCK AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT HAD THE SAME VIBRATION PROBLEM. IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE O…

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IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASING A 2004 CHEVY COLORADO REG CAB 5 CYL, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A NOTICEABLE VIBRATION AND ROUGH RIDE. DEALERSHIP BALANCED MY TIRES AND TRIED TEMPORARILY SWAPPING TIRES BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST. I ALSO TEST DROVE ANOTHER TRUCK AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT HAD THE SAME VIBRATION PROBLEM. IT IS VERY NOTICEABLE ON ROUGH PAVEMENT REGARDLESS OF SPEED, AND AT SPEEDS AROUND 45-55 INTERMITTENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY. FEELS LIKE THE REAR END IS NOT BALANCED. BACK END SHIMMY'S FROM SIDE TO SIDE SENDING VIBRATIONS THRIUGH THE TRUCK MY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT IS JUST THE WAY THE TRUCK IS DESIGNED AND HAS BEEN DELAYING FIXING THE PROBLEM NOW FOR TWO MONTHS. OTHERS ARE ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRUCK, SEE THE FOLLOWING FORUM TO READ THEIR STORIES. IT SEEMS THERE MIGHT BE A DRIVE SHAFT DESIGN PROBLEM? HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEFORUMS.COM/VBULLETIN/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?P=2159504. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10088360

7,200 miles · Aug 21, 2004
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10088328

6,902 miles · Aug 16, 2004
Power Train

-TRANSMISSION WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE -BAD SMELL COMING FROM THE A/C UNIT -WATER LEAKS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10086933

Official recalls

3

10V575000 · Child Seat

Nov 18, 2010

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: BOTH NHTSA AND GM DISCOURAGE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A FRONT SEAT. NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY REQUIRE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A RESTRAINT IN THE FRONT CENTER SEATING POSITION OF THIS VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT OFFER A REAR SEAT. LACK OF ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR AND A LACK OF INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO USE IT, MAY RESULT IN IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT. IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE RESTRAINT'S PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEATED IN THE RESTRAINT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR VISIT GM'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

09V310000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Jul 29, 2009

GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH THAT MAY NOT WORK AS DESIGNED DUE TO CONTAMINATION IN THE SWITCH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF ALL BRAKE LAMPS OR CAUSE ALL OF THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. BOTH OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD FAIL TO WARN OTHERS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. IN THE INTERIM, OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE CAN OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR, HOWEVER THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN WHEN THE NEW DESIGN PART BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

06V139000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 27, 2006

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE THE PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP (CHMSL) IS AFFECTED IN BOTH INSTANCES. ALSO, IF EQUIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. ANY TRAILER BRAKE LAMPS WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMP WIRING WILL MIMIC THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMPS WHEN EITHER CONDITION OCCURS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

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

2

RQ09001 · Brake Lamp Switch Malfunction

Opened Feb 25, 2009 · Closed Jul 30, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

ON JULY 28,2009, GM INITIATED A REGIONAL RECALL CAMPAIGN ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004-2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES AND MY2006-2008 ISUZU I-SERIES VEHICLES.THE STATES AND U.S. TERRITORIES INVOLVED ARE AL, AZ, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NV, NM, PR, SC, TX, VI AND UT.A TOTAL OF 185,903 VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED WITH 92,272 VEHICLES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION.IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL COVERAGE/EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM WILL BE INITIATED FORVEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES. GM DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FAILURES ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN VEHICLES IN WHICH CUSTOMERS USED INTERIOR CLEANERS CONTAINING SILICON AND THAT RESIDE IN HOT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS.BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONTAMINATION FAILURE CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE BRAKE LAMPS OR THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF REAR-END CRASHES.GM HAS REPORTED NO CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH.ODI INITIALLY REPORTED ONE CRASH INCIDENT, BUT LATER DOWNGRADED THE REPORT DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF ACTUAL PROPERTY DAMAGE OR COST INCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LIGHTLY TAPPED FROM BEHIND AT LOW SPEED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V0310).

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

ON JULY 28,2009, GM INITIATED A REGIONAL RECALL CAMPAIGN ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004-2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES AND MY2006-2008 ISUZU I-SERIES VEHICLES.THE STATES AND U.S. TERRITORIES INVOLVED ARE AL, AZ, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NV, NM, PR, SC, TX, VI AND UT.A TOTAL OF 185,903 VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED WITH 92,272 VEHICLES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION.IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL COVERAGE/EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM WILL BE INITIATED FORVEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES. GM DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FAILURES ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN VEHICLES IN WHICH CUSTOMERS USED INTERIOR CLEANERS CONTAINING SILICON AND THAT RESIDE IN HOT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS.BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONTAMINATION FAILURE CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE BRAKE LAMPS OR THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF REAR-END CRASHES.GM HAS REPORTED NO CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH.ODI INITIALLY REPORTED ONE CRASH INCIDENT, BUT LATER DOWNGRADED THE REPORT DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF ACTUAL PROPERTY DAMAGE OR COST INCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LIGHTLY TAPPED FROM BEHIND AT LOW SPEED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V0310).

Exterior Lighting

ON JULY 28,2009, GM INITIATED A REGIONAL RECALL CAMPAIGN ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004-2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES AND MY2006-2008 ISUZU I-SERIES VEHICLES.THE STATES AND U.S. TERRITORIES INVOLVED ARE AL, AZ, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NV, NM, PR, SC, TX, VI AND UT.A TOTAL OF 185,903 VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED WITH 92,272 VEHICLES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION.IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL COVERAGE/EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM WILL BE INITIATED FORVEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES. GM DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FAILURES ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN VEHICLES IN WHICH CUSTOMERS USED INTERIOR CLEANERS CONTAINING SILICON AND THAT RESIDE IN HOT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS.BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONTAMINATION FAILURE CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE BRAKE LAMPS OR THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF REAR-END CRASHES.GM HAS REPORTED NO CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH.ODI INITIALLY REPORTED ONE CRASH INCIDENT, BUT LATER DOWNGRADED THE REPORT DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF ACTUAL PROPERTY DAMAGE OR COST INCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LIGHTLY TAPPED FROM BEHIND AT LOW SPEED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V0310).

PE04076 · Inadvertent Front Airbag Deployment

Opened Nov 10, 2004 · Closed Mar 14, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal

ALL REPORTS INDICATE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT DURING IGNITION START-UP (KEY-ON) AND WITH THE VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION.REPORTED INJURIES WERE MINOR AND CONSIST OF SKIN ABRASION AND BRUISES.THE INCIDENT DATES RANGED FROM JULY THROUGH NOVEMBER 2004.ODI HAS RECEIVED NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal

ALL REPORTS INDICATE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT DURING IGNITION START-UP (KEY-ON) AND WITH THE VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION.REPORTED INJURIES WERE MINOR AND CONSIST OF SKIN ABRASION AND BRUISES.THE INCIDENT DATES RANGED FROM JULY THROUGH NOVEMBER 2004.ODI HAS RECEIVED NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Air Bags

ALL REPORTS INDICATE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT DURING IGNITION START-UP (KEY-ON) AND WITH THE VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION.REPORTED INJURIES WERE MINOR AND CONSIST OF SKIN ABRASION AND BRUISES.THE INCIDENT DATES RANGED FROM JULY THROUGH NOVEMBER 2004.ODI HAS RECEIVED NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.