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CarComplaints.com Notes: Carrying the not-so-proud traditions of its 2002 predecessor, the 2003 has a handful of instrument panel malfunctions that can leave you guessing your speed, engine temperature or how much gas is left in the tank.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
75,016 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #56

Dec 152015

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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).

- Farmingville, NY, USA

problem #55

Sep 182014

Trailblazer 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles
Letter from senator toomey on behalf of constituent re Chevy Trailblazer repairs that should be reimbursed. The fuel pump was replaced.

- Aliquippa, PA, USA

problem #54

Apr 182012

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
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.

- Redmond, OR, USA

problem #53

Oct 082013

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 160,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Newark, OH, USA

problem #52

Jun 032013

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 125,000 miles
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.

- Liverpool, NY, USA

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problem #51

Dec 192011

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 140,990 miles
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. The consumer stated GM agreed to reimburse the full amount for the previous repair. Updated 02/06/13

- Canyon Lake, TX, USA

problem #50

Dec 012011

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Consumer writes in regards to fuel tank and rust holes 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.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #49

May 312011

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • miles
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.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #48

Jul 012011

Trailblazer

  • 72,943 miles
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.

- Oregon, OH, USA

problem #47

Nov 102011

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 96,338 miles
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.

- Jasper, IN, USA

problem #46

Oct 122011

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 120,542 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Mt Airy, MD, USA

problem #45

Jul 142011

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 102,000 miles
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.

- St. Petersburg, FL, USA

problem #44

Sep 012011

Trailblazer

  • 79,000 miles
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 or used tank $800. 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.

- Dubuque, IA, USA

problem #43

Sep 052011

Trailblazer

  • 129,000 miles
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.

- Kosciusko, MS, USA

problem #42

Jul 282011

Trailblazer

  • 129,400 miles
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.

- Seneca, NY, USA

problem #41

Jul 162011

Trailblazer

  • 115,000 miles
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.

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #40

May 012011

Trailblazer

  • 158,300 miles
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.

- Buxton, ME, USA

problem #39

Aug 012010

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 56,000 miles
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.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #38

Mar 122011

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 170,000 miles
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 updated 1/13/2012

- Finlayson, MN, USA

problem #37

Sep 042010

Trailblazer

  • 80,000 miles
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.

- Gahanna, OH, USA

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