IllustrationRPM GAUGE FAILED, THEN THE OIL GAUGE AND NOW THE BATTERY GAUGE. WHY WON'T THEY HAVE A FORMAL RECALL AND CHEVROLET PAY FOR IT? THEY DID HAVE A BULLETIN BUT THE TRAILBLAZER WAS NOT INCLUDED. I WOULD LIKE THEM TO PAY FOR IT? *TR
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Trailblazer years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Trailblazer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
880–25K
16325–50K
27450–75K
17675–100K
137100–150K
61150K+
899 reports with mileage · 182 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 627 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
56 crash reports31 fire reports47 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
627 reports2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER DASHBOARD GAUGES AND SPEEDOMETER WORK INTERMITTENTLY. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM REQUIRES A NEW INSTRUMENTATION CLUSTER, WHICH RUNS $600. WHILE SEARCHING ONLINE, I'VE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO EXPERIENCING THE VERY SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TRAILBLAZERS. FAULTY GAUGES ARE A NUISANCE, BUT A SPEEDOMET…
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2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER DASHBOARD GAUGES AND SPEEDOMETER WORK INTERMITTENTLY. ELECTRICAL PROBLEM REQUIRES A NEW INSTRUMENTATION CLUSTER, WHICH RUNS $600. WHILE SEARCHING ONLINE, I'VE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY OTHERS WHO EXPERIENCING THE VERY SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TRAILBLAZERS. FAULTY GAUGES ARE A NUISANCE, BUT A SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTION IS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MATTER. I'M AM CHECKING WITH CHEVY TOMORROW CONCERNING AN EXISTING RECALL, BUT WAS NOT OFFERED A RECALL REPAIR WHEN THE DEALER ORIGINALLY TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM. IF NO RECALL EXISTS, IT SHOULD. A TREND EXISTS THAT NEEDS TO BE EXAMINED AND CORRECTED BY GM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT MADE A STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER READ 100 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL GAUGE DIAL FAILED. SHE DOES NOT KNOW IF THE GAS TANK IS FULL OR EMPTY. SHE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 A…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT MADE A STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER READ 100 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL GAUGE DIAL FAILED. SHE DOES NOT KNOW IF THE GAS TANK IS FULL OR EMPTY. SHE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,100.
FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER WOULD INTERMITTENTLY READ 120 MPH AND GET STUCK. THE PROBLEM WOULD CORRECT AFTER REPEATED STARTING OF THE ENGINE. IN DECEMBER THE SPEEDOMETER BECAME STUCK AGAIN AND HAS NOT RESET. I CURRENTLY HAVE 80,000 MILES ON MY CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER CARE AND WAS T…
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FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER WOULD INTERMITTENTLY READ 120 MPH AND GET STUCK. THE PROBLEM WOULD CORRECT AFTER REPEATED STARTING OF THE ENGINE. IN DECEMBER THE SPEEDOMETER BECAME STUCK AGAIN AND HAS NOT RESET. I CURRENTLY HAVE 80,000 MILES ON MY CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER CARE AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE IN MANY OF THEIR VEHICLES BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ORDERED. CUSTOMER CARE WANTS ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP AT MY COST ( $89.00) TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED. AT THAT POINT THEY WILL INFORM IF ANYTHING CAN BE DONE FOR ME. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY GM IS BEING ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH THIS. *TR
ABOUT 10,000 BEFORE THE FACTORY WARRANTY RAN OUT, THE SPEEDOMETER GOT STUCK AT ABOUT 60MP SO IT READ THAT MUCH HIGHER THAN ACTUAL SPEED. AFTER A FEW TIMES OF STARTING THE VEHICLE THE SPEEDOMETER RESET ITSELF, SO WHEN WE TOOK IT IN TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THEY WOULDN'T COVER THE PROBLEM…
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ABOUT 10,000 BEFORE THE FACTORY WARRANTY RAN OUT, THE SPEEDOMETER GOT STUCK AT ABOUT 60MP SO IT READ THAT MUCH HIGHER THAN ACTUAL SPEED. AFTER A FEW TIMES OF STARTING THE VEHICLE THE SPEEDOMETER RESET ITSELF, SO WHEN WE TOOK IT IN TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THEY WOULDN'T COVER THE PROBLEM. IT EVENTUALLY KEPT GETTING HIGHER AND HIGHER UNTIL IT WAS STUCK AND DIDN'T READ THE SPEED AT ALL. NOW THE DEALER SAYS IT IS A FAULTY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND WANT TO CHARGE ME $500+ TO FIX. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND CHEVY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON THE 2004 TRAILBLAZERS. *TR
THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT REGISTER THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM GOING. *TR
I HAD BEEN DRIVING WITH A FAULTY SPEEDOMETER IN MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FOR SOME TIME WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. INABILITY TO GAUGE SPEED IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN MY OPINION AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT LIMITED TO MY VEHICLE. IT IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT AFFECTING GM CLUSTERS, SO MUCH SO THAT IS HAS BEEN THE …
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I HAD BEEN DRIVING WITH A FAULTY SPEEDOMETER IN MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FOR SOME TIME WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. INABILITY TO GAUGE SPEED IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN IN MY OPINION AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT LIMITED TO MY VEHICLE. IT IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT AFFECTING GM CLUSTERS, SO MUCH SO THAT IS HAS BEEN THE SOURCE OF A RECALL IN THE SILVERADO. THAT, HOWEVER DOES NOTHING TO HELP THE OTHER THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH THESE DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS CLUSTERS MADE BY THE SAME COMPANY DRIVING IN OTHER GM VEHICLES LIKE THE TRAILBLAZER WITH NO INDICATION OF THEIR SPEED. A PRODUCT THAT AFFECTS SAFETY LIKE THIS DOES SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY RECALLED FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. WHEN I SEARCHED FOR GM CLUSTER THERE ARE WELL OVER 500 COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE AND NO LESS THAN 3 COMPANIES OUT THERE INDEPENDENTLY FIXING THEM WHILE GM DOES NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS SERIOUS MATTER. *TR
2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS WITH 50,000 MILES SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. SOMETIMES IT SHOWS 40, SOMETIMES IT SHOWS 120MPH WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. FOUND TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL, BUT NO RECALL. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ALL DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. JANUARY 13TH, 2009 - HAVE APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE ENTIRE IN…
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2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS WITH 50,000 MILES SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. SOMETIMES IT SHOWS 40, SOMETIMES IT SHOWS 120MPH WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. FOUND TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL, BUT NO RECALL. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE FOR ALL DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. JANUARY 13TH, 2009 - HAVE APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AT A COST OF $500 THAT I HAVE TO PAY. GM SHOULD REPLACE FAULTY PARTS AT NO COST, OR AT LEAST COVER PART OF THE REPLACEMENT. THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION. WITH OTHER MODELS IN THIS SAME YEAR HAVING A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, I DON'T SEE WHY GM CANNOT EXPAND IT TO INCLUDE AN OBVIOUS CONTINUING PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND HAVE GM RECALL THIS PROBLEM FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL MOTORISTS. *TR
1. SPEEDOMETER ON 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER STARTED TO GIVE FALSE READINGS. YOU COULD BE IN A 25 MPH SPEED ZONE AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD SHOW A100 MPH. 2. INTERMITTENT. 3. REPLACED SPEEDOMETER ON JANUARY 9, 2009 (54,000 MILES ON CAR). *TR
THE DASHBOARD GAUGES BEGAN DISPLAYING INCORRECT INFORMATION FOLLOWED A DAY LATER BY COMPLETE FAILURE. I KNOW OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS ERROR. THERE IS NO WAY TO DETERMINE THE SPEED OF THE CAR. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSE AND COMMON ERROR FOR THE TRAILBLAZER. *TR
Official recalls
205V198000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
May 5, 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
04V527000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
Nov 1, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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
4RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights
Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the 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 reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
EA07009 · Fuel Pump Module Leaks Gasoline
Opened Jul 10, 2007 · Closed Aug 28, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
DURING THE COURSE OF THIS EA INVESTIGATION, ODI OBSERVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS (88%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (94%) WERE REPORTED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR USE IN THE SALT BELT REGION OF THE US.THIS AREA INCLUDES 20 STATES IN THE NORTHEAST, MID ATLANTIC AND THE MIDWEST REGIONS AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.CONSUMERS IN THE SALT BELT REGION REPORTED TO ODI THAT THEY COULD SMELL FUEL VAPORS IN THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEIR VEHICLES, THEY DISCOVERED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE RETURN AND SENDER LINES OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.WATER AND ROAD SALT COLLECT ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP LEADING TO SMALL PINHOLES APPEARING ON THE FUEL LINES.FUEL MAY LEAK AND COLLECT ON TOP OF THE MODULE AND/OR SPILL ONTO THE GROUND.THE DATA EVALUATED UNDER THIS INVESTIGATION REFLECT A RELATIVELY LOW FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE THAT LARGELY ARISES IN SALT BELT STATES.GM HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE SUBJECT COMPONENT TO TEN YEARS OR 120,000 MILES.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME; ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH.
EA04021 · Brake Lamp Failure
Opened Aug 3, 2004 · Closed Nov 4, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
GM STATES THAT SOME BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULBS CAN PREMATURELY BECOME INOPERATIVE DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE/TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.ON MARCH 2, 2004, GM INITIATED A 6-YEAR/72,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR 989,487 SUBJECT VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES.ON APRIL 4, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-032) BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.ON AUGUST 3, 2004 ODI UPGRADED PE04-032 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-021).BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 27, 2004 GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 04V527) COVERING SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT ALREADY REPAIRED UNDER GM'S SPECIAL POLICY.MY 2004 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT AFTER AUGUST 8, 2003 CONTAIN IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLIES AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT ON AUGUST 8, 2003 AND EARLIER.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE04032 · Brake Lamp Failure
Opened Apr 6, 2004 · Closed Aug 3, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002-04 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES.GM REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES SHARING THIS PLATFORM AND BRAKE LAMP DESIGN ARE THE MY 2002-2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT; GMC ENVOY, XL, XUV; OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA AND 2004 BUICK RAINIER.COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE REAR BRAKE LAMP DOES NOT OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.THERE IS NO INDICATION TO THE DRIVER FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT ONE OR MORE BRAKE LAMPS BULBS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING.GM FOUND THAT HEAT FROM THE BULB COULD DEFORM THE LAMP SOCKET, PRODUCE ELECTRICAL ARCING AND AN INOPERATIVE BULB.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION, GM CHANGED THE BULB TO A BULB THAT TRANSMITS LESS HEAT TO THE SOCKET AND CHANGED THE SOCKET TO A THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER TO IMPROVE THERMAL STABILITY.THESE CHANGES WERE IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES ON OCTOBER 1, 2003.GM IMPLEMENTED A SPECIAL POLICY BY NOTIFYING CONSUMERS THAT IF THEY SHOULD EXPERIENCE A BRAKE LAMP FAILURE TO GO TO THEIR GM DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CIRCUIT BOARD CONTAINING THE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED ALONG WITH NEW BULBS.THIS POLICY IS GOOD FOR THE FIRST 6 YEARS OR 72,000 MILES OF THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.ODI WILL UPGRADE THIS INVESTIGATION TO EA 04-021 AND INCLUDE THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLES.