Fuel System Problems
16,036 owner complaints · 125 model lines · median failure at 64,778 miles
Among 16,036 owner complaints for fuel system problems across 125 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer (646 complaints, typically failing near 56,000 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 64,778 miles and the typical repair estimate is $1,200.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 16,036 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 125 from 28 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 64,778 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $1,200 |
| Severity mix | 82 severe · 252 moderate · 0 minor (of 336 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 202 alleged fires, 173 alleged injuries, 177 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for fuel system problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 646 | 56,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 598 | 69,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2005 Dodge Durango | 537 | 68,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2006 Dodge Durango | 401 | 57,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2006 Jeep Wrangler | 360 | 36,789 mi | $1,200 |
| 2005 Jeep Wrangler | 347 | 50,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2005 Nissan Xterra | 283 | 61,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2006 Nissan Xterra | 270 | 52,031 mi | $1,200 |
| 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 250 | 53,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2005 GMC Envoy | 245 | 70,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2006 GMC Envoy | 245 | 60,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2018 Honda CR-V | 230 | 79,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2007 Jeep Wrangler | 230 | 35,500 mi | $1,200 |
| 2006 Chrysler 300 | 218 | 67,000 mi | $1,200 |
| 2005 Nissan Pathfinder | 217 | 61,500 mi | $1,200 |
People also ask
What is the most common fuel system problem?
Based on 16,036 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do fuel system problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 64,778 miles, but the range is wide — the 25th to 75th percentile on individual model lines can span tens of thousands of miles. Individual vehicles fail earlier or later depending on use.
How much does it cost to fix?
The typical repair estimate in this category is $1,200, with significant spread between model lines — complex components on luxury vehicles can cost several times more than the same repair on a mainstream car.
Are these complaints verified defects?
No. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA are unverified first-person reports. A high complaint count signals a pattern worth checking (open recalls, TSBs, investigations) — not a confirmed defect.
Other component categories
electrical · engine · powertrain / transmission · steering · airbags & restraints · brakes · body & exterior · cruise control · visibility / wipers · lighting · suspension · tires · wheels · seat belts · equipment / accessories
Checking a specific car? Decode its VIN to see the exact build, open safety recalls and crash-test ratings — free, no registration.
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0), aggregated from public NHTSA complaint and recall data. Owner complaints are unverified; volume reflects reporting, not per-vehicle defect rates. See Data Sources & Methodology.