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Honda Accord fuel smell problems

55 of the 24,251 owner complaints about the Honda Accord describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
55
worst model year
2018
typical mileage
35,829
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    4
  • 2023
    1
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    4
  • 2018
    12
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    5
  • 2013
    4
  • 2012
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2003
    1
  • 2002
    1
  • 2001
    3
  • 1998
    5
  • 1997
    1
  • 1995
    2
  • 1992
    1
  • 1990
    1

Often reported together

Fuel pump 9Fuel leak 9Stalling 5Check engine light 5Misfire 4Warning lights 3Overheating 3Fire or smoke 3

Trouble codes mentioned

P0303 1P0302 1P0301 1P0300 1P0172 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel system · NV

On July 2021 my fuel pump motor was replaced due to a recall . My car has a raw smell of gas coming from my back seat . I took it to the dealer on 10-24-26 they wanted to charge me 200 to check it which I thought it was crazy due to they had replaced the motor on the fuel pump and I asked to talk to manager he said it was replaced on 2021 and it’s not covered no more . I think if it was replaced maybe the motor or parts that they used where defective. They should check with out charging me

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

When I go to start the vehicle, it takes multiple seconds to actually start. It continues to turn over and over before finally starting up. This happens 3-4 times a day depending on how often I drive. This also creates a bad gas fume, fuel smell. This doesn't seem like something that a 2024 Honda should experience. I am a new owner to the car and have not taken it to a certified Honda dealership. It was purchased used from a non-Honda dealership. I did reach out to the local Honda dealership though, asking if this is normal for the car to act like this. I am awaiting a response.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

American Honda Motors Co is recalling Honda accord turbos for fuel pump failure. Mine 2019 Honda accord 1.5 turbo failed High-Pressure Fuel Pump on 8/12/2026 and Miami lakes Honda service center charged me to replace the High-Pressure Fuel Pump. I requested Honda corporation the reimbursement and the refused because they say it's caused by cranking the vehicle, they let me know I can't crank/start the vehicle because it damages the pump (I have the email they sent me for confirmation.) and repair invoice as well. Also, the car has been smelling gasoline, The pump developed cracks in the solenoid core, which lead to fuel leaks, fuel smell while idling or driving, and an increased risk of fire, crash, or injury. I'm just requesting the reimbursement.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · NC

While driving home from work in my 2024 Honda Accord EX 1.5T, multiple warning lights suddenly came on on the dashboard. Shortly afterward, I began smelling a strong gasoline/fuel odor inside the passenger compartment. I stopped the vehicle and got out. I could also smell gasoline outside the vehicle. I opened the hood and the gasoline odor was still noticeable from the engine compartment. Because I was concerned about the safety of the vehicle, I went to the nearest O’Reilly Auto Parts and had the vehicle scanned. The diagnostic scan showed P0172 (Fuel System Too Rich, Bank 1), P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire), P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), and P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire). The vehicle had approximately 82,063 miles at the time. The gasoline odor inside and outside the vehicle is especially concerning because of the potential risk of a fuel leak and fire. I checked my VIN for recalls and no open recall is currently listed for my vehicle. I am reporting this incident because I believe the fuel odor, rich fuel condition, multiple misfires, and dashboard warning lights may represent a safety-related fuel-system problem that should be investigated.

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Fuel system · AL

Unknown, all lights are showing on dash with "Emissions systems problems power may be reduced see dealer." After spark plug replacement about a month later raw gas smell, rough idling, and slight jerking continues.

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Fuel system · 68,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle, and a fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle immediately stopped. The contact activated the hazard lights until a tow truck was able to arrive on scene to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head gasket was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Engine · OH

Multiple misfires, dealer says blown head gasket after replacing coil and spark plugs. Quoted 6,500. Car still runs is not running hot no exhaust smoking. Told this is common issue after fuel pump was on recall and replaced. After fuel pump replaced car smelled of gas for 3 weeks.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

The engine vibrates/shutters when switching from electric to gas. It almost feels like the engine is going to fall out. I’ve taken it to two different Honda dealerships multiple times and since they can’t duplicate the issue while it’s there then they say there’s nothing they can do. The oil also looks and smells like gas.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MA

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2018 Honda Accord equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine. The vehicle has experienced repeated engine-related failures despite multiple repair attempts by an authorized Honda dealership. Problems have included dashboard warning lights, engine misfires, loss of power, fuel odor, and suspected head gasket failure. Most concerning, on September 20, 2025, while exiting a highway with my child in the vehicle, the car suddenly lost power and all dashboard warning lights illuminated simultaneously. The vehicle became inoperable in traffic and required towing. This created a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in an accident. The vehicle has been returned to the dealership multiple times for the same or related issue on the following dates: • July 8, 2025 – mileage 80,099 • July 10, 2025 – mileage 80,101 • September 20, 2025 – mileage approximately 82,000 • October 27, 2025 – mileage 84,453 • October 28, 2025 – mileage 84,473 • April 16, 2026 – mileage 93,812 Repairs have included replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump and repeated diagnostic inspections, but the issue remains unresolved. I understand many owners of Honda vehicles equipped with the 1.5L turbocharged engine have reported similar problems involving head gasket failure, coolant intrusion, misfires, overheating, fuel system issues, and sudden loss of power. I am concerned this defect presents a significant safety risk.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

My vehicle’s fuel delivery system failed after a recall repair. The in-tank fuel pump was replaced under recall by the dealer, even though I had no drivability complaints, no warning lights, and a full inspection that day confirmed no issues with my vehicle. Immediately after the recall pump replacement, the vehicle developed drivability problems including sputtering, hesitation, and failure to start.On one occasion, the underside of the car overheated and exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide, entered the cabin. The interior filled with heat and fumes, I became lightheaded, dizzy, and shaky, and nearly lost consciousness while driving. My dog, who was with me, vomited and panted heavily from the exposure. I had to pull over and exit the vehicle immediately. This incident occurred only after the recall pump was replaced and points to faulty installation or malfunction of the recall component, which disrupted the fuel system and caused improper combustion and exhaust handling. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled in the middle of an intersection, leaving me at serious risk of being hit by cross traffic. The car now shows a high-pressure fuel pump fault. Although the in-tank pump and the high-pressure pump are in different locations, they are part of the same system: the in-tank pump supplies steady fuel volume and pressure directly to the high-pressure pump. If the in-tank pump is defective, mis-installed, or inconsistent, it causes the high-pressure pump to fail. This made my vehicle unsafe to operate, placing me, my passengers, and other drivers at risk. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership, which documented a high-pressure fuel pump fault, and reviewed by Honda Corporate. Components and service records are available for inspection. There were no warning lamps, messages, or drivability issues prior to the recall service, all symptoms appeared immediately afterward.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported October 14, 2024 · 720,810 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is PJW.

Recall number 24V763000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported December 18, 2023 · 2,490,460 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of the federal safety agency recall numbers 21V‑215 and 20V‑314.

Recall number 23V858000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported March 25, 2021 · 624,552 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V‑314.

Recall number 21V215000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported May 28, 2020 · 135,995 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura NSX, 2019 Acura RDX, RLX and RLX Sport Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R and HR-V, 2019-2020 Insight and 2019 Fit vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 22, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138.

Recall number 20V314000 · Recall details

Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pumpReported January 29, 2019 · 437,032 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Acura MDX, 2015-2019 Acura TLX and 2015-2017 Honda Accord vehicles, equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine. Particulates in fuel may adhere to the internal components of the fuel pump, reducing its performance.
Risk
Reduced fuel pump performance can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the fuel injection engine control unit (FI-ECU) software and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's recall number for this recall is P3W. Honda's recall number for this recall is N3X.

Recall number 19V060000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasolineReported July 8, 2013 · 1,659 vehicles affected
What is wrong
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Accord vehicles that are Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) II rated that were manufactured January 15, 2013, through April 5, 2013. The fuel tank neck may be out of specification causing the fuel pump to not properly seal to the fuel tank.
Risk
An insufficent seal may led to a fuel leak which increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, nut and O-ring gasket free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Honda's recall number is JA9. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑310‑783‑2000.

Recall number 13V297000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported March 14, 2007 · 166,561 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain vehicles, a coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.
Risk
If the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge. The recall began on april 2, 2007. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 07V097000 · Recall details

Questions about the Honda Accord fuel smell

Which Honda Accord years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (12 complaints), 1998 (5 complaints) and 2014 (5 complaints).

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