Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
NHTSA action number : pe07014 occurred on my vehicle around November 2014. The problem presented as p0442 CEL and odor of gas after parking in garage. GM has indicated because the special consideration allowance has expired, despite the low mileage they will do nothing. This vehicle was purchased new in August 2003. I do not understand why GM was not compelled to issue a safety recall due to the risk of gas leaking. I would appreciate assistance to get GM to minimally provide defective parts replacement, due to the know manufacturing defect in the gas tank.
2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT. Service engine light went on about a month ago. Service at dealership said we needed a new gas cap. This did not fix the problem. Light went back on, took it back this past Saturday. Was told gooseneck to gas tank is cracked, resulting in a fuel leak (I have an infant). Was also told that the trailblazers often come in for that problem, that there was a recall. The dealership wants over $700.00 to replace the tank. We have a new baby and are down to only one household income. I called Chevrolet this morning and was told that there is a recall for this exact problem but that my VIN is not on their list si I must have "run something over" that cracked the gooseneck. I don't know much about cars but I know something being run over would not make it to the gooseneck. …
My 2003 trail blazer check engine light was on so I took it in to see why it was on. The mechanic replaced the gas cap reset the engine light and sent me off. Two days later, it came back on so I took it back. This time they replaced a solenoid and reset the check engine light. One day later it can back on. Tires care plus stated to take it to the Chevy dealer because they did not know what to do with it. I took it to the dealer and they stated it was a fuel filter fitting leak and that the entire gas tank and fuel hose needed to be replaced at a cost of $1000.00. I opted not to have it fixed so they sent me home with no warning or further explanation. I went home and did some research on the internet about this problem. As it turns out, there have been numerous complaints about the fuel filter filling breaking from the fuel tank. …
I own a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. I smelled a strong odor of gas emanating from my vehicle recently. After some investigating, I discovered that there was fuel leaking out of the top of my fuel tank only while the engine was running. I dropped the fuel tank and discovered that the metal nipples from the top of the fuel pump that connect the fuel lines to the fuel pump were completely rusted and when the vehicle was running, fuel was jetting all over the under carriage of my vehicle. The metal ring that holds the fuel pump to the tank was also severely rusted. GM should know better than to put exposed metal fittings in a recessed tank where it is subject to rust, salt, corrosion etc. I had to replace the fuel pump at a significant cost. I also believe that this could be a potential fire hazard as the fuel was jetting all over the undercarriage and its proximity to the exhaust. …
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. The contact opened the rear hatch and heard a cracking noise coming from the top. Approximately three to four days later the contact noticed that the center high mounted stop lamp bracket failed. The vehicle was brought to the dealer simmons-rockwell Chevrolet. The dealer took the vehicle to another mechanic, and informed the contact that the failure was typical for that type of vehicle and was indeed a safety issue. The mechanic stated that the entire center high mounted stop lamp could become detached while driving and strike another vehicle. The contact found another complaint online with odi # 10061979. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer, and was given case # 71-500170558. Also, the contact stated the fuel system failed. In January of 2007, the contact detected an aroma of gas while driving the vehicle. …
I have a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. The "service engine soon" light came on. I took it in to a Chevrolet dealership. It was found that the gas tank was leaking gas and the tank would not hold pressure thus causing the light to come on. The tank was leaking where the filler neck attaches to the tank. The dealership service director stated that the the crack was clearly a defect and was not caused by damage or misuse. Because the vehicle was out of warranty he stated the repair would be at my expense and would be approximately $750-$800.00. I phoned Chevrolet customer assistance and filed a complaint. After they communicated with the Chevrolet district service rep. They concluded that GM warranty would not pay for the repairs, even despite the danger and liability involved. They did suggest that if the dealership would approve, to have them do it at the dealership cost. …
I have a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT the fuel pump module has started to corrode, I knew something was wrong because of the strong odor of gasoline inside the vehicle and further investigation showed a leak of gas also.this is in addition to our gas gauge not working for the last 3 years. Upon talking to multiple rep's, GM claims they sent out letters in 2007 alerting the consumer to a potential problem. I am the second owner of this vehicle. I purchased this vehicle in September 2005. GM stated that letters do get lost in the mail, when I stated we were not made aware of this situation. I was never informed of this potential hazard waiting to happen. GM claims the service bulletin had parameters of 10 years or a 120, 000 miles which ever comes first. I have been in contact with the rep several times, and have not been successful. I do have 149,000 plus miles on this vehicle. …
In the past 3 years vehicle had gas odor upon exiting vehicle upon use. Until recently, fuel started leaking profusely when vehicle was running. General motors issued extended warranty due to many complaints regarding this issue. We being the original owner of the vehicle were never sent any information regarding the extension of any factory warranty regarding this issue. After contacting general motors about this issue, they stated that the vehicle is beyond the year and mileage of the extended warranty. If we would of been notified by GM about this problem with leaking fuel tanks we would of resolved this issue when we started smelling the fumes a few years back when the extended warranty would of been in effect. After contacting GM and speaking with a representative, they refused to honor the warranty. …
Ses light came on. Gas cap replaced. Ses light came on again after fill up and 1/4 tank of gas used. Clamps tightened on filler tube. Ses light came on again after fill up and 1/4 tank of gas used. Went to dealer, replace vent valve in filler tube on Monday. Tuesday morning filled up with gas. Gas was leaking out on the ground and all over my feet. Brought back to dealer, they said the seal on the filler pipe entering the tank had deterioated because of the chemicals in the gasoline, and that was the reason for the break. I do not believe that because the week before the repair I filled the tank & it did not leak, the day after the repair I filled the tank and discovered the hazardous leak. The dealer disclaimed all liability for the broken filler tube at the gas tank. …
Plastic weld connecting fuel fill pipe to fuel tank has cracked.contacted GM about this issue & was informed that this vehicle had just missed the campaign to fix this problem by one month. Why is this campaign (07099) a limited TSB & not a safety recall? Vehicle would not pass state emissions inspection. Technician repaired leak with epoxy that sealed long enough to prevent vapor leakage to pass emission test.now that has failed and once again vehicle will not pass emissions. More importantly the fuel vapors emitting from vehicle make it unsafe and impossible to park in an enclosed area.this is not due to a worn part or corrosion,this is due to a faulty design that eventually will cause an explosion.worse yet GM offers no discount on this very expensive tank assembly to correct this problem.I can not think of a more dangerous condition that has been so ignored.perhaps when the fires …
NHTSA investigations
Fuel tank leak
In June 2007, GM will expand its special policy to address fuel tank inlet check valve (icv) fractures on certain model year (my) trailblazer ext and GMC envoy xl vehicles.the expanded policy covers my 2002-2004 trailblazer ext, GMC envoy xl, and GMC envoy xuv vehicles and will extend for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).GM will provide free repair of the fuel tank.
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
Odi has received reports that the fuel pump module leaks fuel and or vapor underneath the vehicle.GM states, the failure mechanism is corrosion of the fuel pump module flange which May lead to a fuel leak.corrosion of the fuel pump module flange is the result of the vehicle operating in a corrosive environment.odi has upgraded this pe to engineering analysis (ea07-009) to further assess this issue.
Fuel spillage during refueling
This investigation was opened on the model year (my) 2003 Chevrolet trailblazer.based on GM's information request (ir) response, odi added to its analysis the my 2003 GMC envoy and Oldsmobile bravada vehicles.these vehicles share the same vehicle platform (GM 360/370) and fuel fill components.incident summary numbers reported above include these vehicles.epa regulates the fuel dispensing rates at filling stations…
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
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…
Fuel System complaints in other Trailblazer EXT years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
NHTSA has 89 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 28% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.