Honda Civic fuel smell problems

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 Nov 24, 2025 · Fuel system · NJ

My transmission light has been on for over a year. After visiting to private mechanics- diagnostic testing from both confirm an EVAP leak. They did smoke tests and nothing came back. After visiting credit karma. Under property, as I own my vehicle it states that there is a “Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump recall” documented on March 29, 2024. After contacting Honda directly they have stated that my VIN is not under the recall. After fueling up at the gas station. My vehicle inside and outside smells of gasoline for over 2-3 days. Which is not the norm. I’m pregnant and this is extremely dangerous. I am not going to bring my vehicle into a dealership to be told what I already know and be charged.

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Fuel system · 171,026 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle, and became aware that there was fuel leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,026.

Filed Jun 18, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

I brought my car to the dealership Honda North at 382 Newbury Street in Danvers MA on 6/5/25 to repair the federal safety agency Recall number 23V‑858. The vehicle was returned to me on 6/7/25 at which time I was told the interior would have a strong fuel smell for 1-2 days, but that would disappear. After 4 days, the fuel smell worsened and the "Check Engine" light had come on. On 6/11/25 I returned the vehicle to Honda North. When I picked up the vehicle several days later, the fuel odor was minimal, and the check engine light was off. Today [XXX], the check engine light is back on. I plan to call Honda North to schedule what will be my 3rd visit to Honda North for this safety recall repair, which clearly is not being repaired properly, and putting me in further danger of crash or injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Fuel system · 82,379 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor around the exterior of the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor on the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump assembly and filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was unclear if the failure was due to a fuel leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,379.

Filed Jan 2, 2025 · Fuel system · 88,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that a gasoline smell was detected in and around the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the closest independent repair shop and diagnosed with a fuel pump crack/failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) but the VIN was not included. The local dealership was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 88,000.

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 Aug 13, 2024 · Fuel system · 93,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the diagnostic test would not be paid for unless it was proven that the failure was related to the fuel pump. The contact was informed that based on the failure mentioned in the recall, the symptoms experienced had not been qualified to be prioritized. The contact believed that vehicle should be prioritized for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 93,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

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.