IllustrationGAS GAUGE JUMPS AROUND... ESPECIALLY WHEN FUEL IS LOW. SOMETIMES AT IT'S LOWEST, IT WILL SHOW HALF A TANK. NOW THAT MY WIFE DRIVES THIS SUV WITH MY 7-MONTH OLD SON, IT IS PARTICULARLY WORRISOME. *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
Unknown Or Other complaints
19 reportsFAILURE OF THE GAUGE CLUSTER ON A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER CURRENTLY WITH 59,300 MILES. ABOUT JUNE 2009 THE TACH CONTINUALLY READ INCORRECTLY. DEALER TRIED TO MISLEAD ME TO BRING IT IN FOR A DIAGNOSIS AT A COST OF APPROX. $100 I TOLD THEM ITS BROKE WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR A DIAGNOSIS. I HAD READ ABOUT THE PROBLEM ON -LINE AT EDMUN…
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FAILURE OF THE GAUGE CLUSTER ON A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER CURRENTLY WITH 59,300 MILES. ABOUT JUNE 2009 THE TACH CONTINUALLY READ INCORRECTLY. DEALER TRIED TO MISLEAD ME TO BRING IT IN FOR A DIAGNOSIS AT A COST OF APPROX. $100 I TOLD THEM ITS BROKE WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR A DIAGNOSIS. I HAD READ ABOUT THE PROBLEM ON -LINE AT EDMUNDS,COM.,MY SUV HAD 41,000 TO 42,000 MILES ON IT. IN JULY 2010 MY GAS GAUGE STARTED TO OCCASIONALLY MALFUNCTION, NOW JAN. 2011 IT IS INCORRECT. IN NOV. 2010 MY CHARGING GAUGE STARTED MALFUNCTIONING. I ALSO HAVE SINCE READ ONLINE OF THE SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER SIMILAR YEAR GM TRUCKS ANS SUV AND THEY HAVE RECALLS ON THEM. ITS JUST A MATTER OF TIME FOR THE SPEEDOMETER GAUGE TO READ INCORRECTLY. PLEASE HELP, THESE MALFUNCTIONS ARE NOT SAFE. *LN
THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT READING CORRECTLY. AT SOME TIMES IT WOULD READ 100 MPH WHEN DOING 30 MPH. IT THEN WORSENED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS AT NOW. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THE TACHOMETER HAS MALFUNCTIONED THE SAME WAY AS WELL. THIS HAS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE DRIVER HAS NO WAY OF TRULY KNOWING HOW FAST THEY…
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THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT READING CORRECTLY. AT SOME TIMES IT WOULD READ 100 MPH WHEN DOING 30 MPH. IT THEN WORSENED TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS AT NOW. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THE TACHOMETER HAS MALFUNCTIONED THE SAME WAY AS WELL. THIS HAS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE DRIVER HAS NO WAY OF TRULY KNOWING HOW FAST THEY ARE DRIVING. I HAVE CONTACTED CHEVROLET ABOUT THIS ISSUE, AND THEY REFUSE TO SEE THAT THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL NOW.
IN 2008, ONE DAY I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE OIL GAUGE INDICATOR DID NOT REGISTER. THAT DAY I CONTINUED DRIVING WITHOUT THE GAUGE OPERATING. LATER THAT WEEK I TOOK IT A MECHANIC, WHO INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. HE SUSPECTED THAT IT WAS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I DID NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE IT WAS N…
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IN 2008, ONE DAY I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE OIL GAUGE INDICATOR DID NOT REGISTER. THAT DAY I CONTINUED DRIVING WITHOUT THE GAUGE OPERATING. LATER THAT WEEK I TOOK IT A MECHANIC, WHO INSTRUCTED ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER. HE SUSPECTED THAT IT WAS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. I DID NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, BECAUSE IT WAS NOT MAJOR. HOWEVER, IN LATER MONTHS THE TACHOMETER FAILED. IN 2010 I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND FOUND MANY ACCOUNTS OF FAILURE BY OTHERS. I ALSO WANT TO MENTION THAT THE GAS GAUGE HAS FAILED ON OCCASION. CURRENTLY, MY TACHOMETER AND OIL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. I ALONG WITH OTHER DRIVERS WANT CHEVROLET TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE OF THEIR PRODUCT, WHICH THEY KNOW DOES NOT OPERATE AS IT SHOULD.
2004 TRAILBLAZER WHEN STOPPING DOORS AND WINDOWS WON,T OPEN AT TIMES,EVEN WHEN PUSHING UNLOCK BUTTON.TRAPPED INSIDE. STOPPING AND STARTING ENGINES SEEMS TO FINALLY UNLOCK DOORS,CARRYING HAMMER TO BUST OUT WINDOWS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY FIRE ECT.REPAIR OF ELECTRIAL EQUIMENT BY MAHER ST PETE FL. NOW OK
HORN HAS INTERMITTENT ISSUES OF WORKING - WE HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEN IT WORKS. THEY DO NOT WANT TO TAKE APART THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO RESEARCH THE PROBLEM REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF TIMES WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRING, I AM SURE THE PROBL…
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HORN HAS INTERMITTENT ISSUES OF WORKING - WE HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEN IT WORKS. THEY DO NOT WANT TO TAKE APART THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY TO RESEARCH THE PROBLEM REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF TIMES WE HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRING, I AM SURE THE PROBLEM WILL BE RESEARCHED SINCE IT WILL BE AT OUR COST. THE HORN ONLY SEEMS TO WORK WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED SHAPELY. SINCE IT IS UNDER THE AIR BAG, THE DEALERSHIP DOESN'T WANT TO DEAL WITH IT. *TR
MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER SPARE TIRE WINCH WOULD NOT CRANK MY TIRE ALL THE WAY DOWN I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE EXPRESSWAY AND COULD NOT REMOVE MY TIRE SO THAT I COULD CHANGE IT. *NM
MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED IT LESS THAN A YEAR.THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. EXITING THE FREEWAY THE I HAD A COMPLETE POWER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND LOCKED UP AND THERE WAS A SEMI TRUCK BEHIND ME! MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND IN "DRIVE" WHEN THIS HAP…
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MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED IT LESS THAN A YEAR.THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. EXITING THE FREEWAY THE I HAD A COMPLETE POWER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND LOCKED UP AND THERE WAS A SEMI TRUCK BEHIND ME! MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING AND IN "DRIVE" WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAD TWO OF MY TODDLERS IN THE CAR WITH ME! THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO A LOCAL DEALER AND UNFORTUNATELY THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. APPARENTLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED IT ERASES THE CODES IN THE ENGINE AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. WELL, IT HAPPENED TO ME AGAIN THIS EVENING. SAME PROBLEM. THIS WILL BE MY 5TH TIME OF BRINGING THIS VEHICLE IN FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN LESS THAN A YEAR. I ONLY HAVE 9400 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WITH MY 5 CHILDREN AS PASSENGERS. IS THERE A WAY GM CAN GET ME A BETTER RUNNING VEHICLE? I PAID A LOT FOR THIS VEHICLE AND AM VERY UNSATISFIED WITH IT'S PERFORMACE. THERE ALWAYS SEEMS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT. THE CONNELL CHEVROLET SERVICE HERE IN KILLEEN HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL. I FEEL SORRY FOR THEM BECAUSE THEY DID NOT SELL ME THIS VEHICLE BUT THEY ARE THE ONES NICE ENOUGH TO TRY AND FIX THE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER MOTORIST. THE CONSUMER OVER CORRECTED THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONSUMER LOSING CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK WENT THROUGH 2 DITCHES AND A SERVICE ROAD BEFORE STOPPING. THE TRUCK WENT AIRBORNE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CONSUMER PULLED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER MOTORIST. THE CONSUMER OVER CORRECTED THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONSUMER LOSING CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK WENT THROUGH 2 DITCHES AND A SERVICE ROAD BEFORE STOPPING. THE TRUCK WENT AIRBORNE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS/HER SIDE AND KNEES. THE CONSOLE BETWEEN THE SEATS CAME LOOSE AND HIT THE PASSENGER IN THE SIDE. *NM THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *SC *JB
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.