Re: Vehicle Safety Defect Complaint – 2023 Chevrolet Blazer To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety defect complaint regarding my 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. This vehicle has exhibited multiple system failures that present a serious risk to driver safety and public roadway safety. The vehicle was purchased new on July 20, 2023. Beginning on April 21, 2025, at approximately 27,610 miles, the vehicle developed a progressive defect initially presenting as oil-related issues. Despite multiple repair attempts, the condition worsened and required a full engine replacement in January 2026. Following the engine replacement, the vehicle continued to experience critical safety failures, including engine stalling, reduced engine power warnings, and electronic stability control (ESC) alerts. On April 26, 2026, the vehicle experienced a driver assistance system malfunction in which it attempted to steer off the roadway. I was forced to manually disable the system to maintain control of the vehicle. On April 27, 2026, the vehicle exhibited a fuel system failure, including fuel leakage and fuel odor, along with multiple simultaneous warning indicators: • Reduced Engine Power • Service ESC • Steering Assist Reduced / Drive with Care • Power assist driver system disabled This combination of failures presents both a fire hazard and a loss-of-control risk. Additionally, I was informed by the dealership that a high-pressure fuel line, a one-time-use component, was not replaced during the engine installation. This raises concerns regarding improper repair and continued unsafe operation of the vehicle. The vehicle has undergone multiple repair attempts and a major powertrain replacement, yet continues to present serious safety concerns. Due to these ongoing issues, I do not feel safe operating this vehicle. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this matter for potential safety defects that may impact other vehicles of the same make and model.
Chevrolet Blazer fuel smell problems
43 of the 8,038 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Blazer describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 1995 model year.
- owner complaints
- 43
- worst model year
- 1995
- typical mileage
- 103,000
By model year
Often reported together
Fuel leak 9Stalling 6Wipers 4Won't start 3Misfire 3Hesitation 2Slipping 1
What owners say
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank. There was an abnormal fuel odor detected. Additionally, the vehicle was slow to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact was concerned about the fuel odor and a possible fire. The failure mileage was unknown.
Received a recall last october 2015 about strong gas small. Got appointment at chevy dealer to fix problem in november. Dealer says I need a gas tank,but they can't get any from company. They have other recalls also with the same problem that are waiting. Now vehicle has become hard to start. Still waiting for dealer to fix. Why does chevrolet send recalls if they have no intention of fixing the problem?? This is a dangerous situation with gas dripping, and the strong gas smell. It is a lawsuit waiting to happen if someone accidently drops a cigarette around the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that she noticed a gasoline fuel smell while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where the technician stated that the fuel tank would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 12/30/13
After refueling our 2002 chevrolet blazer, there was a strong smell of gasoline. After taking it into the shop for repairs, the diagnosis was that the fuel tank and lines were rusting away and need to be replaced. Shop called us back and advised that parking break drums are falling apart. Every time we have an issue with this vehicle it has always been a major repair. Never a simple fix. With all the complaints on this vehicle I don't understand why the government doesn't force gm into a recall. This vehicle even qualified under the cash for clunkers program.
I recently was on the way home from denver, co on the highway. I stopped for fuel noticing my vehicle was consuming more gas than usual. I fueled up and left. When I arrived home I noticed gasoline dripping on the ground. I immediately called a mechanic. My wife's father is a certified mechanic and owns his own shop in denver. He fixed the leak, but told me the leak started because the fuel lines were rubbing the transmission and showed me. To my surprise the fuel lines were not secured in their proper location. I have never had any work done to the fuel lines or even any work done in the area of the problem. So I took the blazer back home to colorado springs. About a month later I noticed the fuel smell was back. I popped the hood because I did not see any fuel leaking. The fuel was pouring out of the lines at the top of the engine where they connect to the couplings for removal of the engine. I then decided to take the blazer to a closer location for repair. This location was daniels chevrolet located in colorado springs. They told me that the o-rings were pinched and that the gasket where the fuel lines go into the intake manifold was bad. I paid them 480.60 to repair the o-rings and gasket. Four days later, the smell of fuel is back and the leak is there again at the couplings on the back of the engine were the dealership repaired them the first time. Now the blazer is back at the dealership again for the second time for the same issue. The vehicle is my wife's, but due to the problem with the fuel, I have been driving it. The fuel leaks right on top of the exhaust pipe. This is could be a very dangerous situation if the fuel were to ignite. My wife had taken the blazer to work three nights after the dealership repaired the o-rings and gasket, she had almost passed out while driving due to the fuel vapors entering the passenger compartment. Now the dealership wants to charge me again for the same repair they did. I am at wits end.
Strong gas smell on and off since august 2005. Looked over by mechanic - was told I have a internal gas leak - and that I was driving a "fire hazard". Gas leaking in engine - small cup in area of engine - filled with gasoline.
While driving,a gas smell was coming in from the vents. The driver noticed that a liquid was on the ground coming from underneath the vehicle. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the fuel rail needed replacement. *nm the injectors leaked gas.
The ABS light illuminated and there was a smell of gas. The manufacturer has been contacted and there was a recall on these items and they have been repaired per the manufacturer. *jb the windshield wiper motor was intermittent, the hatchback light was intermittent and the internal light was intermittent. Recall# 03v159000 and 96v234000.
Vehicle stalled when driving and would not re-start. The engine would turn over but there didn't seem to be any spark. Car had fuel and I didn't notice any excessive fuel smell so ruled out flooded engine. Waited 20 minutes but still would not start. Battery was nearly drained after just a few minutes of trying to start the vehicle. Suspect electrical problem (alternator? Short?) but haven't been able to diagnose. Latest in a string of electrical problems including: wipers not working consistently or getting stuck, horn relay failing during routine driving, rear speakers weak/intermittent. Overall dissatisfaction with vehicle for price.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: 4-door, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive multi-purpose passenger vehicles. During development testing, the prop shaft contacted the inboard side of the fuel tank allowing fuel leakage. This leakage was in excess of the amount permitted by fmvss 301, "fuel system integrity."
- Risk
- If an ignition source is present, and there is a fuel leak, a fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install additional shielding of the fuel tank. This will be added without removing or disassembling the fuel system.
Recall number 96V234000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
- What is wrong
- Vehicles have been shipped with the fuel tank sender seal out of position.
- Risk
- In the event of rollover accident, an out of postionseal could allow fuel spillage in excess of the amount prescribed by fmvss 301.spilled fuel could ignite near an ignition source.
- Remedy
- Replace sender seals.
Recall number 91V108000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Blazer fuel smell
Which Chevrolet Blazer years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1995 (13 complaints), 1996 (8 complaints) and 1998 (5 complaints).
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