Problems with 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

On 12/15/15 i dropped off my 2003 chevy trailblazer based on a bulletin that i received from chevy - gm special coverage program #14423. there was a smell of fuel while refueling. on 12/16/15 the dealership notified me that the fuel tank was indeed defective and that it needed to be replaced. they said that they would order the part and hold the vehicle until the part came in since the vehicle was not safe to drive. later that day the dealership stated the part would not be available until the middle of feb.2016 and that i would have to leave the vehicle in their lot. that was extremely upsetting news since now i was not going to have my vehicle for several months without a replacement. i have been in touch with the dealership ([xxx] (service advisor), [xxx] (parts manager), [xxx] (service director), and [xxx] , (parts dept. supervisor) as well as chevy customer service (case # [xxx]). today is march 4, 2016 and the part is still not available. i have been with out my trailblazer for almost 3 months. the dealership and chevy customer service still have "no idea" when the part will be available. they now tell me maybe may 2016. can you help expedite this case for me? sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Letter from senator toomey on behalf of constituent re chevy trailblazer repairs that should be reimbursed. *smd the fuel pump was replaced. *jb

I smelled gas strongly from my vehicle, i searched under my vehicle and found that where the filler hose was welded to the fuel tank was broken off of the tank. read some forums and its a common problem someone told me to report it here. *tr

I was dropping the family off at a birthday party before going into work. the family kept complaining about the strong gas fumes. the smell was extremely overpowering. when i arrived at work, i noticed that it looked like gas was leaking around the middle of the gas tank, on top. then, the gauge started not registering when gas was being put in. it is also very hard to start up. the vehicle takes 2 cranks before it will actually start up. when i asked a mechanic what it could possibly be, he stated that the trailblazers are known for having an exposed area on top of tank that gets corroded and that the fuel pump and fuel sending unit would have to be replaced. the estimate was for $700-800 dollars. i cannot continue driving until it is repaired, otherwise, someone will flick a cigarette out window and the trailblazer will blow up. *tr

Leaking from the fuel pump flanges, caused fuel lines to corrode and leak onto gas tank. gas smell coming from rear of vehicle. this was a great fire hazard as a driver of this vehicle and safety of others! pe 07013 cost to repair $763.76. *tr

Leaking gas tank. *jb

Our 2003 chevy trailblazer has smelled like fuel for a few months and we have been going through gas like crazy. we just discovered a cracked valve connecting the hose to the fuel tank. of course, chevy doesn't just sell the valve, they want you to buy a whole new tank. after researching online, this seems to be a common problem, maybe a defect with this model and make for 2002-2004 models. i have 3 small children and am concerned that this is a huge safety issue. we had another defect problem with our trailblazer last year, where the hinges on the rear door wore out and we had to replace the entire door. this is also a common problem with trailblazers, but chevy will not issue a recall. we paid the $2500 for the rear door, but i don't want to pay another $1000+ for the fuel tank. this vehicle is becoming a money pit. *js

My 2003 chevy trailblazer check engine light comes on accompanied by the low engine power light. the vehicle goes into limp mode. this is a safety feature that allows the computer to protect the engine from any damage should something go wrong. the only problem is that there is nothing wrong. this happens multiple times a day (6-8). changing sensors doesn't fix it. i believe it to be a problem with the 2003 chevy trailblazer computer. i have read many forums with hundreds of people that have this same problem. please look into it before it causes an accident or makes an emergency situation a fatal one. *tr

I am the original owner of a 2003 trailblazer. during the last couple of months, my husband and i have been smelling gas off and on. we were parked in a parking lot and as i got into the car, i told my husband i smelled a strong odor of gas. our engine light went on. we took our vehicle to the repair shop and they found a crack between the gas tank and the filler pipe and cap. we took our vehicle to a chevrolet dealer and they said there was not a recall notice on our vin # and they were not responsible for the replacement of the tank. we had a new fuel tank replaced at our local repair shop. the cost of the fuel tank replacement was $1,215.50. one spark in the road and we would have lost our lives. we understand that there was a recall notice on 2002 trailblazer, but not 2003. what is the difference? safety is safety no matter what year. does gm want to save a few dollars compared to lost lives? we were shocked on our internet research through tsbs which showed a great number of individuals owning a trailblazer with this very same problem. gm should stand by their "safety and quality first" which we found online and reimburse all chevrolet owners with this dangerous problem. there should definitely be a safety recall notice on this problem. *tr the consumer stated gm agreed to reimburse the full amount for the previous repair. updated 02/06/13

2003 chevrolet trailblazer. consumer writes in regards to fuel tank and rust holes *tgw the consumer was informed the fuel tank was leaking, due to rust holes and pitting. there was also a defect with the filler tube. the consumer was informed the fuel pump would need to be replaced due to the other problems with the fuel system. also, the transmission cooling lines were replaced, due to a leak . *jb

My 2003 trailblazer developed a fuel leak at the inlet check valve. specifically i was informed by the dealership that the inlet valve has developed a crack in the weld and is leaking gas when the tank is full or while i am filling up the tank. i believe this is a dangerous situation and in doing some research appears to be a common problem with both the ext and regular models of trailblazer. however only the ext models are under special coverage for replacement at this time. *tr

Speedometer stopped working. after vehicle was turned off it started working again. researched internet and i found the this is a known problem with this vehicle. after talking to someone about it and they have a 2003 tahoe they have the same problem. if chevorlet is aware of this problem something should be done about it. we spend alot of money on vehicles and this should not happen. i don't feel this is a wear and tear issue. *kb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact smelled a strong odor of fuel. upon examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fuel tank was leaking. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the leak was due to corrosion. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 129,000.

Ses light came on - took to dealer and was advised of gas tank filler neck crack. did smoke test to determine leak. tried repair by sealing. that lasted 2 weeks and ses light came on again. gave me estimate repairing with new tank approx $1500.00 or used tank $800.00. did some research on the internet and found they was recall on extended trailblazers (mine is not). delved further and found service bulletin indicating gmc and chevrolet has a special coverage adjustment #07099a. they ordered a new tank and installed at no expense to me.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that there was an overpowering gasoline odor in the vehicle. the manufacturer was contacted and advised that the failure was caused by the fuel tank. the vehicle was inspected by the dealer who advised that the failure was with the filler cap and fuel was leaking from the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact believed that the manufacturer should be liable for the repairs because of the safety hazard involved. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 129,400. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that there was a leak within the fuel tank. the vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 115,000.

While driving on the highway vehicle shut off with no warning, fuel gauge showed 1/4 tank. after pulling to the shoulder then showed empty and gas light came on. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated while the local mechanic inspected the vehicle they found that the fuel pump was leaking. the mechanic advised that the fuel pump liner was made with defective metal that caused the fuel pump to corrode. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 72,943.

I am the original owner of a 2003 chevy trailblazer. when i first purchased the vehicle in the month of october/2002, i didn't experience any problems until maybe the fourth year, going on its 5th; right before the warranty was about to expire. the first problem i encountered with the vehicle was the transmission. it didn't want to change gears properly. because of the 5 year warranty, the dealership was able to fix that problem, at that time. today, i continue to experience transmission problems: with a loud noise, a struggle in horse power and a vibration when i am at a complete stop. i have spent so much money on other electrical parts as well. i have purchased over ten light bulbs for rear brake lights that continue to malfunction. i recently replaced a relay because the head lights would constantly go out after the vehicle was turned on. i replaced the fan clutch and water pump because they both went out. i also replaced a battery and two starters. for the past few months, my vehicle smells like fuel everytime i turn it on. i am asking that your department look into all of these claims. it appears that almost everyone that owes a 2003 trailblazer has been experiencing the same issues, but yet; no one is doing enough to protect all those consumers who have been grateful to this country in purchasing american made vehicles. a sincere thanks. *tr

I noticed a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. i researched the manufacturers tsb's and discovered there were two voluntary recall campaigns that had fuel odor symptoms. i inspected the components and found i had both issues, rusted feed and return lines on the fuel pump and a fractured filler neck on the tank. gm extended the warranty to 10 years and 150000 miles on one issue and 10 years and 120000 miles on the other. i currently have 158000 miles on my vehicle. my issue is with the voluntary recall notice i received. they clearly state that if there is no fuel odor present then do nothing at this time. if i had gone in for inspection at the time the notices were sent out, i would have been under the mileage cap and it would have been fixed under warranty. this is a major safety hazard and should have been a full blown safety recall. a voluntary recall is just a way to skirt the issue and save a buck. how many people are there like me who will not find a problem until it is too late. and it is too late by the time you can smell a fuel odor, that means there is raw fuel escaping from your tank. now i have had to fix this problem at my substantial expense.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact smelled a fuel odor and noticed fuel spilling underneath the vehicle. the contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the steel air bolts from the fuel pump were covered with rust. the contact called the manufacturer who stated that he had to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. the vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. the current and failure mileages were approximately 170,000. updated 04/15/11*lj updated 1/13/2012 *ln *tr

After noticing strong gasoline odors in car and in the garage, the check engine light came on. according to diagnostic test run by dealership, this is the result of a leak in evac system. while researching, noticed other owners having same problem. called gm, advised no recalls issued for this problem. gm offered no relief. expressed my disappointment with rep since this problem could lead to very serious consequences thing the problem was caught since could have led to fire had there been an accident or an incinerator nearby. my cost to repair the manufacturers defect is $1600.00. *tr

Ses light checked by dealer, recommend replace gas tank due to emissions leak. research indicated this is a special policy adjustment tsb# 05012. vehicle is a 2003 with 110,848 miles. special policy extension of repairs for 10 years or 150,000 miles not honored by dealer. gm customer assistance center called service request# [xxx]. assistance also denied from gm. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Fuel leak from top of tank, leaking down side, cannot hold much gas without leaking onto the ground. *tr

Service engine light illuminated due to leak in evac system according to diagnostic test. smoke test showed leak to be at weld where fill spout tube is attached to fuel tank. gasoline fumes were present were present from the vehicle. was infonmed that tank would have to be replaced ala cost of $1200.00. did some intemet research and found that gm had a tsb addressing this problem (campaign #05012), but it only applied to 2002 ext models. since this is, in reality, a fire safety issue, i feel gm should also include other models with the same problem regardless of age or milage. updated 01/20/11 *bf

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph he smelled fuel inside the vehicle and noticed fuel on the outside of the gas tank. the contact called the dealer who advised him to bring the vehicle in. the dealer noticed corrosion on top of the fuel tank and a fuel leak. the dealer was replacing the fuel tank when the complaint was filed. the contact stated that the vehicle could have caught fire while driving. the failure mileage was 211,023.

Fuel neck leaks on gas tank on my 2003 chevy trailblazer purchased it from a local dealership on 08/14/10 with 107782 miles on it. we keep it in our garage and (that is also where people go to smoke) shortly after we got it home we noticed a gas smell in the garage so we started looking at it and noticed it. long story short we took it back to the dealership and they told us the fuel neck was cracked and the purger tank was bad. they tried a silicon on the leak which did not work so they say the tank needs to be replaced. noticed that others where having the same problem. called gm to see if they would in any way cover the repair of an known issue, and was told that since i bought it used and it has over a 100,000 miles they would not do anything! now the dealership does not want to do anything, and are mad because i called gm. then i did a carfax today and notice there is a mileage issue. *tr

I am filing a complaint .and will continue to file complaints until all of the consumers issues have been addressed. i understand that gm is not willing to hold theirselfs liable for these issues ,but people spend pretty pennies out of pocket to purchase vehicles from these manufacturers to spend more money to pay for repairs after just a short while of owning these . i have researched issues i am having with my vehicle , and i am having all the above listed issues , and do not wish to spend large amounts of money to pay for these cost considering i am still paying for this vehicle . i just spoke with a representive about these complaints ,and have set up an appoinment to pay a dealership for diagnostics , but am hoping that i can get closure on these issues without paying big expenses. i hope everyone else will follow suit and keep inputting your complaints until they are resolved. my vehicle issues are the fan clutch needs replaced, my gas tank has been replaced already,just replaced my serpintine belt this morning, my exterior lights (brake/turn signal) have been replaced 3 times over two months, and engine light keeps coming on , something doesnt seem right underneath this vehicle either. i just feel like i am paying for a peice of junk on top of paying to keep the vehicle running. oh yea this vehicle has had to have thousands of dollars of body work done as well thanks to mother nature. i just hope they will be responsible enough to take on this responsibilty of theirs ,not ours. *tr

Erratic fuel gauge 2003 chevy trailblazer. fuel gauge acts erratic at or below quarter tank to empty. don't know how mech fuel remains in tank. *tr

Fuel tank leaking at filler neck. leaking gasoline and very strong smell of gasoline. notified gm after getting fixed . admitted there is a problem but no recall available for texas. we were never notified of the problem. very thankful it did not catch on fire. *tr

Filled tank, strong gasoline smell, check engine light came on, took to local gm dealer. fueltank leaking at filler neck. would not let me leave ,too dangerous!! replaced fuel pump and tank, $2000. repair!!! gm will not cover because it states it does not cover texas. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that the service engine light was illuminated when he started the vehicle. two weeks after noticing the check engine light, he smelled strong gas fumes. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the dealer dropped the fuel tank and found all types of fuel spraying from it. the dealer informed the contact that the failure was caused by the fuel pump. the contact called the manufacturer who told him that someone would contact him within two business days to discuss the expenses of the repair. the vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. the vin was unavailable. the current and failure mileages were approximately 60,000.

Safety problem with seal where the filler neck meets gas tank. this seal cracks. gas spills out this seal when fueling and emits a strong gas odor when engine is on or off, more so when car is running. from my research this is a wide spread problem but only ext models are eligible for free replacement but the problem is not limited to ext models. same defective parts are used on non ext models. cost to repair is $1400! this is a health concern and fire hazard due to fumes escaping vehicle *cn

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the dealer stated that the fuel tank was leaking and that there was a fracture in the fuel inlet valve which was connected to the spout. there was no routine maintenance performed on the vehicle prior to the failure. the dealer will not assume the repair cost and there are no related recalls or warranties. the chevrolet manufacturer was called and stated that they would review the case and inform him of the outcome. the failure mileage was 119,000.

I own a 2003 chevy trailblazer ls model. the gas tanks leaks where the filler neck connects to the tank. this is a known issue on 2002,2003 and 2004 models. i asked gm for assistance with the tank replacement ($1400.00) because this is a well known issue with this vehicle. request was denied because i don't have a history with gm dealerships as in previous purchases. my vin number did not fall into the special authorization that was issued in 2007 for this issue. *tr

I have owned a 2003 chevrolet tb ltz and for the past several months i have been smelling a gas leak somewhere but i could not identify where. recently i found that it was leaking around the neck of the pump where it was corroded and the seal failed. now everything work well including the gas pump and i have been reading that this problem has been existing on 2002 trailblazers and later. my tb has 106,000 miles on it and unfortunately out of the warrantly period but this is definitely a safety issue. i am just glad the truck did not start a fire, especially when my family was in it or it was parked in my attached garage. has there been any recall on the gas tank. i have never been advised by chevrolet except for the filler neck which i really don't think was a problem at the time with my tb. please help! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the owner smelled fuel when he approached the vehicle and eventually the "service engine soon" light came on. an authorized mechanic stated that the seams in the plastic fuel tank were leaking and that the vehicle should not be driven until the problem was corrected. the manufacturer advised the contact that they would not be responsible for the repair costs. the dealer replaced the fuel tank. the current and failure mileages were 40,5000. updated 10/13/09. *lj the repair was made at another dealership. the dealership stated that the seam failure was on the top of the gas tank. updated 10/13/09

2003 chevy trailblazer check engine light came on. dealer said the gas tank has a crack in it and is not found to be a recall item. we believe this is a safety issue and should be something the manufacturer should warranty under recall. *tr

I own a 2003 chevy trailblazer v6 ls. i always noted the presence of an odor of gas especially when filling up my vehicle, it grew progressively worse over a two year time frame. then in july of 2009 the check engine light would come on and go off. i noticed gas dripping from the underside near the gas tank! finally evidence of a leak! a very strong smell of gas and took it to my service garage. the examined the problem and told me i needed a new fuel pump assembly. they repaired it to the tune of $680 dollars. 4 weeks later i was back, still smelling gas. they had to drop the tank again and replace the assembly unit gasket. i think this may be a wide spread problem not just limited to me. *tr

Engine service light came on, took vehicle to dealer. i was informed that there was a leak in the gas tank. a crack where the filler tube meets the tank. *tr

Fuel sensor in my 2003 trailblazer is broken. dealer wants $800 to fix it. this is a known problem with the trailblazer. a recall by gm needs to happen. *tr

2003 trailblazer filler neck on fuel tank cracked, fuel tank is same part number as trailblazer ext which is under special coverage for same problem, however regular model is not. cost to replace fuel tank is $900 for oem new product. *tr

Check engine light came on took it to have it checked and was told there is a crack in the gas tank but chevy also knew this was a problem because they get alot of them but because the tb has so many miles on it i must foot the bill of 1500 to replace it even though it the gas tank and they knew there were problems with it i was never notified thee was a problem. *tr

Smell of gas. took to mechanic and found the fuel tank is leaking where the filler tube goes into the tank causing the service engine light to come on. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. while driving 20 mph, smoke appeared under the hood of the vehicle and entered through the defrost vents. the flames spread through the hood and then underneath the vehicle. the fire department extinguished the fire and stated that the fuel injector was the cause of the failure. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and they stated that the vehicle was destroyed. a police report was filed. the contact wanted to know what caused the fire. there is a recall for the faulty fuel injector for the 2002 models, but the 2003 models were not included. the current and failure mileages were 79,500.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline. she took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that they needed to diagnose the vehicle in order to locate the failure. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 68,000.

2003 trailblazer ls started leaking fuel from the top of the gas tank. gas smell is present all the time. fuel tank had to be replaced. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. while driving 55 mph, the contact was notified of a fuel leak by a fellow driver. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the gas tank was corroded. the gas tank was replaced at the cost of $1,000. the contact filed a report with the manufacturer. the current and failure mileages were 65,000. updated 08/15/08 *bf the fuel pump module was replaced because it had rusted out. updated 08/15/08. *jb

Trailblazer ls 2003 has problems with code p0442 and checked other complaints from same vehicles (2002) issued in the past. gas tank is leaking therefore a recall must include this models year too. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. she smelled fuel fumes coming through the air vents of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer , and the fuel tank was replaced. the repair did not remedy the failure. secondly the head-lights fail while driving. lastly, the lighting of the instrument control panel was inoperative. she contacted the gm manufacturer, and was referred back to the dealer. the vehicle has been taken to several dealers, but the failures have not been remedied. the failure mileage was 7,300. the vehicle identification number was unavailable.