2018 Honda Civic: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

After Honda Safety Recall 24‑027 (“Replace the fuel pump motor”) was performed on my 2018 Honda Civic Si at an authorized Honda dealership, the vehicle began exhibiting fuel‑system‑related issues that did not exist prior to the recall work. Within one day of the initial recall repair, the vehicle developed hard‑start/extended‑crank behavior. The dealership later reported they had pinched an O‑ring during the recall work and replaced it. Next, I detected a fuel odor. After multiple refueling cycles to isolate the source, I reported the issue, and the dealership replaced an unspecified seal. Approximately one week after that repair, the vehicle developed a rich‑running condition and illuminated the check engine light with DTC P0172. On 2026‑03‑27, the dealership diagnosed the issue as failed fuel injectors and recommended replacement of all injectors, the fuel joint pipe, and associated seals. Their testing showed: EVAP system functioning normally; no induction leaks; MAF swap produced no change; fuel rail pressure at idle ~500 psi; and cylinders 1, 2, and 4 running rich relative to cylinder 3. Because the fuel system was disassembled multiple times immediately before the onset of the rich condition, and because the dealership acknowledged that contamination during recall work could plausibly cause injector malfunction, I am concerned that the post‑recall defect may be related to the recall procedure or subsequent rework. The dealership's alternative rationale was that fuel injector failures are so common on this platform that the failure was coincidental. That would imply the need for a fuel injection system recall. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle developed fuel‑system performance and emissions issues only after the recall repair and subsequent rework, and the root cause remains uncertain. I request that the federal safety agency document this case and evaluate whether the recall procedure or related components may contribute to downstream fuel‑system failures.

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Fuel system · MD

I own a 2018 Honda Civic. On August 4, 2025, I brought the vehicle to Honda of Greenbelt in Maryland for a fuel pump replacement required by a service recall. Immediately after this repair, the vehicle began producing a strong fuel odor, and after refueling, the smell persists for several days each time I add gas. This issue did not exist prior to the repair. I contacted American Honda customer service to request assistance and to ask whether I could have the vehicle serviced at a different Honda dealership, since the issue appears to have been caused by the original repair. A case manager was assigned, but despite multiple calls and several voicemails, I have received no response or follow-up. All responses from American Honda customer service have been generic email acknowledgments, and no substantive assistance or resolution has been provided despite my repeated attempts to contact the assigned case manager. Because the fuel odor consistently appears after refueling, I am concerned the repair may have resulted in a leak or improper installation involving the fuel pump or related components. The entire fuel delivery system should be thoroughly re-checked to ensure there are no leaks or safety hazards. This presents a clear safety risk, including the potential for fire. I am requesting that this matter be formally reviewed due to the ongoing fuel-system safety concern and Honda’s lack of meaningful response.

Filed Oct 2, 2024 · Fuel system · WI

After the recent fuel pump recall repair, there has been a smell of gasoline for about a month, bad enough that it seems unsafe to keep the car in the garage. (There is no smell of gasoline inside the car.) Fuel mileage has consistently been about 2 mpg lower. The problem is especially bad after refueling, and gradually gets better as the tank empties. The problem returns with the next refueling. There seem to be many cars in the same situation. There is inadequate work dealing with this recall, and dealers are not fixing what they broke, despite the hazard.

Filed Jul 9, 2024 · Fuel system · 84,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 1, 2024 · Fuel system · 11,106 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,106. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jun 9, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Strong smell of fuel in the cabin due to known Honda oil dilution associated with the 1.5 turbo engine. Honda has a “fix” for issue but states only cold weather states are affected. Our 2018 Honda Civic has had this issue for over 2 years now. Strong smell of fuel in the oil, along with oil above normal mark on dipstick. On oil change, oil is filled to the normal mark (3.7 quarts) and upon oil change, 4.5 quarts will come out (likely fuel in the oil). The major safety issue is that the smell of fuel in the cabin is strong to the point of causing driver and passengers to have burning eyes, and in some occasions, dizziness. No warning lights have come on as a result of this issue. Vehicle was taken to dealership over a year ago and dealership stated this is a problem in cold weather states and not in California. Dealership could not replicate issue.

Filed Apr 12, 2022 · Fuel system · CA

Under acceleration from a stop, a strong smell of gasoline enters the cabin of the vehicle, causing the occupants watery eyes, headaches and dizziness at times. The smell comes an goes intermittently. Oil from the engine has a strong smell of gasoline, and oil level increases with driving. No engine codes are shown and no visible fuel leaks on engine bay. Honda dealership drove vehicle for 5 minutes and problem smell was not noticed then. Honda dealership stated oil dilution problems with this engine only occur in cold weather states.

Filed Mar 28, 2022 · Engine · 80,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle started to idle very rough. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was an engine cylinder misfire failure with DTC codes: P0302 and P0303. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Fuel injectors were replaced by owner April 10, 2022. Upon oil change the same day, oil was very dark, despite only having 600 miles use since last changed and there was fuel noted in oil. Pictures were sent to the federal safety agency. Since changing injectors fuel mileage has improved greatly. The car has gone from averaging 37MPG to around 41MPG. Oil changed on 6/27/22, coloration was normal for routing change and did not note fuel in oil. No warning lights or issues with operation since injectors changed. The P0302 & P0303 codes were to be covered as part of a service bulletin relating to oil dilution but both Honda corp & dealership stated that injectors were not covered as part of the service bulletin. Even though the injectors could be directly responsible for the oil dilution issue if not properly functioning and throwing codes associated with the bulletin. Owner incurred the expense of rental car for a week, two lost days of onsite work with employer, and cost to purchase injectors. Will provide receipts.

Filed Sep 3, 2021 · Fuel system · IL

We believe our issue was caused by wiring harnesses coated in soy-based bio-plastics. In late June 2021 our 2018 Honda Civic emitted a strong odor of gasoline. The gasoline odor was detected 15 feet away from the vehicle. Noxious gasoline fumes were inhaled while driving and posed a health risk to driver and passengers, as well as possible fire hazard due to fumes. On June 30, 2021, the Honda Civic was taken to a local Honda dealership for service. It was inspected and signs of mouse damage on top & battery blanket were detected. Honda replaced fuel lines, pipe set fuel & applied rodent tape. No vehicle warnings, lamps or messages alerted us to the problem. It was the strong odor of gasoline that warned us of a problem. Cost to vehicle owner to repair: $1568 on a vehicle that was under warranty.

Filed Sep 11, 2020 · Engine · 12,300 miles · MO

Changed the oil for the second time ~12,300 miles on my 2018 honda civic ex hatchback with the CVT and drained 5 quarts of oil/fuel out of the engine. (only holds ~3.7qts. Had a very strong gas smell to the oil. Concerned with diluted oil not lubricating effectively as well as excess oil/fuel in the engine can cause overheating, frothing along with other concerns. This oil was driving all highway miles and during the summer.

Filed Jan 7, 2020 · Fuel system · 7,500 miles · FL

The oil dipstick smells of gasoline. The turbo charger technology is allowing gas to push past the oil and into the engine. Oil and gas shouldn't be mixing.

Filed Jan 1, 2020 · Engine · CA

Oil dip stick smell like gas going inside the oil car lack power I noticed it in cold weather we are having in ca state a loud whirling engine noise coming from top of engine dip stick show more then what I first started with when I change oil 3k miles b4 it stall out on me 2 times in the last 3month I live in aguanga ca temp fell to 29 degrees for the last couple month winter weather with snow