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
What owners actually said
1,081 reports
80,000 miles · Feb 4, 2013
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE CLUSTER GAUGE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE CURRENT VEHICLE SPEED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CLUSTER GAUGE NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE CLUSTER GAUGE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE CURRENT VEHICLE SPEED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CLUSTER GAUGE NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10496334
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2013
Electrical System
IN DECEMBER 2011 MY RPM GAUGE STOP WORKING. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THEN, ON DECEMBER 7,2012 MY SPEEDOMETER STOP WORKING AND NOW ALL THE OTHER GAUGES ARE STARTING TO MALFUNCTION. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS SAME PROBLEMS FOR 2005 AND 20…
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IN DECEMBER 2011 MY RPM GAUGE STOP WORKING. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THEN, ON DECEMBER 7,2012 MY SPEEDOMETER STOP WORKING AND NOW ALL THE OTHER GAUGES ARE STARTING TO MALFUNCTION. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS SAME PROBLEMS FOR 2005 AND 2006 TRAILBLAZERS. GM DIDN'T ISSUE A RECALL ON THE 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS. I FILED A COMPLIANT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AGAINST GENERAL MOTORS. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM GENERAL MOTORS CALLED AND SAID THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING THAT THEY COULD DO, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAS MET ITS LIFE EXPECTANCIES. THEY WILL NOT DOING ANYTHING BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS OVER 100,000 MILES. HE BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHES 100,000 MILES THAT GENERAL MOTORS DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10495179
164,000 miles · Jan 28, 2013
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE VIN WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10494914
126,000 miles · Jan 27, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IT WAS HIDDEN TO ME THAT THE GAS GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WHEN I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION THEY TOLD ME IT WAS TOO LATE. I SINCE JOINED A FORUM FOR MY TRUCK AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS ISSUES WITH THIS TYPE IN THE PAST YEARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10494851
105,427 miles · Jan 19, 2013
Electrical System
SPEEDOMETER STUCK AT 0 MPH EVEN WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493513
95,000 miles · Jan 18, 2013
Electrical System
THE INSTRUMENT PANEL RANDOMLY GOES OFF THEN ON, SOMETIMES FREEZES. HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. NO SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT CAUSES IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493381
97,000 miles · Jan 16, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE HE HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE HE HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE CONTROL MODULE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,500.
NHTSA ODI #10493202
138,100 miles · Dec 22, 2012
Visibility/wiper
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 10:30AM GOING ABOUT 45 MPH THE BACK WINDOW OF MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT JUST EXPLODED - GLASS EVERYWHERE IN THE BACK CARGO COMPARTMENT. WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND SUNNY AND WE DID NOT HAVE THE REAR DEFROSTER WORKING. FORTUNATELY WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN ME AND MY…
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DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 10:30AM GOING ABOUT 45 MPH THE BACK WINDOW OF MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT JUST EXPLODED - GLASS EVERYWHERE IN THE BACK CARGO COMPARTMENT. WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND SUNNY AND WE DID NOT HAVE THE REAR DEFROSTER WORKING. FORTUNATELY WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN ME AND MY HUSBAND, AND WE WERE CLOSE TO HOME, SO WE WENT HOME AND CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO HAVE SOMEONE COME AND FIX IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10489520
112,500 miles · Dec 18, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
I HAVE A FUEL TANK LEAK ON MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LT, AT 112500 MILES. AFTER READING READING SIMILAR STORIES ONLINE, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A "SERVICE BULLETIN" WAS PUT OUT, BUT NO FORMAL RECALL. THERE WERE ONLY CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS THAT WERE ELIGIBLE, BUT THE SAME PARTS WERE USED REGARDLESS O…
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I HAVE A FUEL TANK LEAK ON MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LT, AT 112500 MILES. AFTER READING READING SIMILAR STORIES ONLINE, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A "SERVICE BULLETIN" WAS PUT OUT, BUT NO FORMAL RECALL. THERE WERE ONLY CERTAIN VIN NUMBERS THAT WERE ELIGIBLE, BUT THE SAME PARTS WERE USED REGARDLESS OF THE VIN. MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER ADVISED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, THE COST FOR REPAIR WOULD BE $1000-1200. I CALLED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE, WHO ADVISED ABOUT THE BULLETIN AND THE FACT THAT I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE, AND IT IS OBVIOUS THAT DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS WERE USED IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THESE VEHICLES. CHEVROLET IS WILLING TO STEP UP AND HELP SOME OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES, BUT NOT ALL. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AS IT RELATES TO THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10489183
45,978 miles · Dec 18, 2012
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND NONE OF THE GAUGES WERE OPERABLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL OF THE STEPPER MOTORS ON THE BACK OF THE GAUGES NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,9…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND NONE OF THE GAUGES WERE OPERABLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL OF THE STEPPER MOTORS ON THE BACK OF THE GAUGES NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,978. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 2/12/2013 *JS
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.
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
4
RQ17002 · 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.
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.
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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