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SmellsUrgency: As soon as possible

Smell of fuel: causes and the faults that trigger it

A smell of petrol or diesel can hide a fuel leak in the hoses, the tank, the injectors or the filter, although sometimes it is due to a badly closed cap, the charcoal canister or a cold start. RACE warns that fuel leaks are a fault that needs resolving promptly, because petrol vapours can ignite from a cigarette, a match or a hot exhaust pipe. If the smell is strong or you see stains under the car, stop the vehicle in a safe place.[1][2][3][4]

16 documented faults cause it in 16 engines. The most important:

What to do now

As soon as possible

Do not smoke or start the engine if the smell is strong. Check for dripping under the car and have it taken to a garage on a recovery truck if the leak is visible.

What it means

Smelling petrol or diesel in the cabin or around the car may indicate a leak in the fuel circuit, the injectors or their return lines. As well as the fire risk, it can leave you stranded.

General explanation from MotorFiable. How it shows up in each engine, with sources, is in the list of faults.

42 sourcesHow we work

Most common causes

From most to least likely according to the sources. Under each cause, the part and the related OBD codes.

  1. 1. Damaged fuel lines and hoses

    Common cause

    RACE cites first the hoses that carry fuel from the tank to the engine: they usually run underneath the car and are exposed to stones, dirt and metal fragments from the tarmac that can damage their covering. For tank leaks it also points to seals or hoses deteriorated by the passage of time.[1][5][6]

    Faults with with fuel leaks

  2. 2. Leaking tank, seals or fuel gauge sender

    Common cause

    RACE lists as causes of a tank leak a hard knock, corrosion from road salt, damaged seals or hoses and the seal of the fuel gauge sender, the level meter. If the leak is petrol, the smell is more noticeable inside the car, especially under the rear seats, where the tank is; if the tank is diesel and the sender seal fails, RACE speaks of a strong smell of diesel inside the cabin.[1][5][6]

    Faults with with fuel leaks

  3. 3. Leaking injectors or fuel rail

    Common cause

    According to RACE, injectors can lose fuel at the tip, and the leak leaves a small puddle on the fuel rail, at the top of the engine. The loss can also be located at the rail connections. Motor16 includes it among the warning signs of the rail along with hard starting, loss of power and higher consumption.[1][2][3]

    Faults with with the injectorsFaults with with fuel leaks

  4. 4. Damaged fuel filter seal

    Possible cause

    RACE says that the petrol filter seal can be damaged or cracked and let some fuel through, which makes the car smell of petrol.[1]

    Faults with with fuel leaks

  5. 5. Fuel cap not closed properly or tank overfilled

    Possible cause

    RACE notes that a petrol cap that is badly closed, or that has been forgotten, can make the car smell of petrol, and that if you overfill when refuelling the fuel overflows and drops run down the bodywork.[1]

  6. 6. Faulty charcoal canister or EVAP system

    Possible cause

    The canister stores fuel vapours to return them to combustion; if it does not retain them properly, RACE says it can smell of petrol inside the car, and if the canister valve floods a leak can occur. km77 adds that overfilling the tank can saturate the activated charcoal and that a purge valve stuck open lets vapours through uncontrolled. RACE says a canister fault turns on the engine warning light.[1][4][5][7]

  7. 7. Smell without a leak: cold start or oil diluted by petrol

    Possible cause

    km77 explains that it is possible to notice the smell without any loss of fluid. On a cold start the engine management orders a richer fuel injection to compensate for the lack of heat, and on short trips small amounts of petrol can pass the piston rings and mix with the oil. Even so, the smell needs checking.[4]

Depending on what you notice

Petrol smell inside the car

RACE explains that a petrol tank leak is perceived more inside the car, especially under the rear seats, where the tank is. It can also smell inside if the canister does not store the vapours properly or, in cars over 15 years old, if the access to the fuel gauge sender under the rear seats is in poor condition.[1][5]

My car smells of petrol

RACE warns that it can hide a serious and dangerous problem. Check for stains under the car or a puddle on the fuel rail, that the cap is properly closed and that you have not overfilled when refuelling. If the smell is strong or there is a leak, stop the vehicle in a safe place.[1][2]

Diesel smell inside the car

RACE cites the fuel tank sender seal as a typical cause: if it is damaged, as well as losing fuel a strong smell of diesel appears inside the cabin. Diesel tank leaks, according to RACE, are not normal and must be resolved soon.[6]

My car smells of petrol outside

It can be a tank overfilled when refuelling, with drops on the bodywork, a badly closed cap, or a leak in hoses, injectors or the filter, which would leave stains or a puddle. On a cold start, km77 reminds us that more fuel is injected and it can smell without there being a leak.[1][4]

My car smells of diesel outside

For diesel tanks RACE cites knocks, deteriorated hoses or seals and salt corrosion, and for the fuel rail, leaks at its connections. Motor16 advises stopping in a safe place if you smell fuel or see stains under the vehicle, and RACE warns that on common-rail systems there can be very high pressure even with the engine off and that handling them requires qualified personnel.[2][3][6]

The car smells of petrol but I can't see a leak

According to km77, it is perfectly possible to notice the smell without any loss of fluid: it is explained by a cold start, a canister saturated by overfilling the tank or a faulty purge valve. That it is not a serious fault does not mean it can be ignored: km77 considers it a warning sign that needs checking.[4]

What to check first

  1. First of all, park in a safe place, do not smoke and keep any source of ignition away: RACE reminds us that a cigarette, a match or a hot exhaust pipe can ignite petrol vapours.[1][8]
  2. Look under the car, especially under the rear seats and along the hoses, for stains or dripping. RACE says a tank or injector leak leaves a visible trace.[1][3][5]
  3. Check that the fuel cap is properly closed and that you have not overfilled when refuelling.[1]
  4. Look at the fuel rail, at the top of the engine, for a puddle of fuel. On common-rail systems the pressure can remain with the engine off, so do not touch the system: RACE reserves it for qualified personnel.[1][2][3]
  5. If the smell only appears on cold starts or short trips and you see nothing, still ask for a check: km77 considers it a warning sign, and a canister fault turns on the engine warning light and is confirmed with an OBD diagnosis.[4][7]

Can I keep driving?

Urgency: As soon as possible

If the smell is strong or you see a leak or stains under the car, do not carry on driving: RACE and Motor16 ask you to stop the vehicle in a safe place, and RACE warns that the vapours can ignite from a cigarette, a match or a hot exhaust pipe. A leak left unrepaired can leave you without fuel, damage the petrol pump and the injectors or cause a fire. If the smell is slight and occasional, for example on a cold start, km77 says it is not always a serious fault, but it does need checking.[1][2][3][4][5]

How much it costs to fix

Indicative prices published by the sources cited; they depend on the car and the garage.

RepairPrice
Replacing tank seals or hoses (around 50 euros, according to RACE)[5]€50
New fuel tank (according to RACE, depends on the model; it does not say whether labour is included)[5]€150 – €300
Replacing the fuel filter (with labour, according to Motor16)[3]€80 – €150
Charcoal canister (part only, according to RACE; labour is extra and depends on access to the tank)[7]€200 – €500

Documented faults that cause it

Specific engine and gearbox faults, from most to least important (severity × frequency). Below each title, how the symptom shows up in that fault.

  1. Source for the symptom in the 2.0 and 2.5 Hybrid[9]

  2. Source for the symptom in the 1.0 TCe / SCe[10]

  3. Source for the symptom in the 1.4 HDi[11][12]

  4. Source for the symptom in the 2.0 TDI[13]

  5. Source for the symptom in the Audi 3.0 TFSI V6[14][15]

  6. Source for the symptom in the Honda e:HEV / i-MMD[16][17]

  7. Source for the symptom in the 1.5 VC-Turbo e-Power[18]

  8. Source for the symptom in the 1.6 HDi[19]

  9. Source for the symptom in the OM651[20]

  10. Source for the symptom in the 1.2 PureTech[21][22]

  11. Source for the symptom in the 1.5 BlueHDi[23]

  12. Source for the symptom in the 2.4 JTD / JTDm Multijet[24]

  13. Source for the symptom in the M111[25]

  14. Source for the symptom in the MIVEC gasolina[26]

  15. Source for the symptom in the Mitsubishi PHEV[26]

  16. Source for the symptom in the 2.3 dCi (M9T)[27]

Faults elsewhere in the car that cause it

Suspension, brake, electronics and other faults on specific cars, from most to least important.

  1. Source for the symptom in the Dacia Logan III[28]

  2. Source for the symptom in the Ford Tourneo Custom[29][30]

  3. Source for the symptom in the Mazda 3 III[31]

  4. Source for the symptom in the BMW i8 I12[26]

  5. Source for the symptom in the Ford Tourneo Courier[32]

  6. Source for the symptom in the Ford Transit Courier[32]

  7. Source for the symptom in the Kia Picanto I[26]

  8. Source for the symptom in the Kia Picanto II[33]

  9. Source for the symptom in the Lexus CT[26][34]

  10. Source for the symptom in the Lexus CT[35]

  11. Source for the symptom in the Dacia Duster II[10]

  12. Source for the symptom in the Ford EcoSport[36]

  13. Source for the symptom in the Land Rover Discovery 3[26]

  14. Source for the symptom in the Mazda 2 II[37]

  15. Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase A W169[38]

  16. Source for the symptom in the Mercedes-Benz Clase B W245[39]

  17. Source for the symptom in the Mitsubishi Colt VI[40]

  18. Source for the symptom in the Peugeot 108[41]

  19. Source for the symptom in the Toyota Proace Max[42]

Which cars it appears in

These faults affect 16 engines. We have documented 151 models from 24 makes with some of the affected versions: open yours to see all its faults.

Engines

Cars with the affected versions

Fuel smell: causes in your car

167 cars have several documented faults that cause this symptom. Choose yours to see only those that affect it, by engine and by year.

Alfa Romeo 6
Audi 11
BMW 1
Citroën 19
Dacia 4
DS 4
Fiat 5
Ford 12
Honda 2
Infiniti 2
Jeep 1
Kia 2
Lancia 2
Land Rover 1
Lexus 1
Mazda 4
Mercedes-Benz 23
MINI 1
Mitsubishi 3
Nissan 3
Opel 6
Peugeot 23
Renault 2
Seat 4
Škoda 3
Toyota 6
Volkswagen 12
Volvo 4

Fuel smell by brand

Fault codes that may go with it

If you have an OBD reader, the code stored by the control unit helps you work out which system is failing.

Frequently asked questions

Is it dangerous to drive if it smells of petrol?

It can be. RACE warns that petrol vapours can ignite from a cigarette, a match or even a hot exhaust pipe, and includes it among the fire warning signs along with light smoke and temperature warning lights. If the smell is strong or there is a leak, RACE and Motor16 ask you to stop in a safe place.[1][2][3][8]

What are the risks of ignoring a fuel leak?

According to RACE, you can run out of fuel on the road, damage the petrol pump through lack of fuel, ruin the injectors with residues and, if a spark occurs, cause a fire. In the case of diesel, RACE adds that running out of fuel can cost a fine of up to 200 euros in Spain.[5][6]

How much does it cost to fix a fuel leak?

It depends on where it is. RACE speaks of about 50 euros if the problem is in the tank seals or hoses and between 150 and 300 euros for a new tank, depending on the model (prices in Spain). Motor16 puts the fuel filter, with labour, at between 80 and 150 euros, and says a fault with the injectors or the high-pressure pump can exceed 1,000 euros.[3][5]

Can it smell of petrol without a leak?

Yes. km77 explains that on a cold start more fuel is injected to compensate for the lack of heat, that overfilling the tank can saturate the canister and that a purge valve stuck open lets vapours through. Even so, it considers it a sign that needs checking.[4]

Does the engine warning light come on if the canister fails?

RACE says it does: the engine fault warning light will appear in the initial check on starting, and an OBD diagnostic machine is needed to confirm the problem. It does not mention a petrol smell as a canister symptom, although another RACE article does.[1][7]

Other symptoms: smells

Has this happened to you? Tell us which fault it was, at how many kilometres and how much you paid: it helps other owners know what to expect. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Mi coche huele a gasolina, ¿por qué?RACE · Motoring press · published 29 May 2023 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  2. ¿Qué es la rampa de inyectores y cómo influye en tu coche?RACE · Motoring press · published 17 September 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Rampa de inyectores: detecta estos síntomas y evita una avería de 1.000 euros en el tallerMotor16 · Motoring press · published 22 September 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Tu coche puede oler a gasolina sin tener fugas y este es el motivokm77 · Motoring press · published 29 April 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Si hueles a gasolina puede que tu coche tenga una fuga en el depósito de gasolinaRACE · Motoring press · published 22 March 2023 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. ¿Crees que tienes una fuga en el depósito de gasoil? Te explicamos cuáles pueden ser la causasRACE · Motoring press · published 22 March 2023 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Canister del coche: ¿qué es y cuál es su función?RACE · Motoring press · published 17 May 2024 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  8. ¿Por qué se incendia un coche? Causas y consejos de prevenciónRACE · Motoring press · published 4 March 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Toyota Corolla : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Dacia et Renault – nouveau rappel : fuite du réservoir GPL, risque d'incendie !Motorsactu · Motoring press · published 12 November 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 68 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  12. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.4 HDI 70 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  13. Used Skoda Yeti reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published 15 June 2016 · consulted 26 September 2026
  14. Audi: Ersatz des KraftstoffverteilersÖAMTC · Consumer association · published 19 February 2019 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  15. Fuel rail fault prompts Audi recallGoAuto · Motoring press · published 30 January 2015 · consulted 9 October 2026
  16. Honda recalls 1.3 million cars: fuel pump fire risk (KBA 14559R)Car-Recalls.eu · Motoring press · published 17 March 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026
  17. Honda ZR-V (2021-2024): risque d'incendie de carburant (alerte Safety Gate SR/00179/25)Car-Recalls.eu · Official body · published 17 January 2025 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in French
  18. Fiabilidad y averías del Nissan Qashqai 3 (2021)fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026 · in French
  19. Changer les joints d'injecteurs 1.6 HDI : procédure et étapesInjecteurland · Technical documentation · published 23 January 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  20. Sprinter Injector Problems (OM651, OM642 & CDI)Sprinterpedia · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026
  21. Confirmado: Stellantis llama a revisión a más de 200.000 coches con el motor gasolina sucesor del 1.2 PureTech: «Y también se hará en España»Motorpasión · Motoring press · published 15 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  22. Fiabilité du 1.2 PuretechFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  23. Stellantis la lía con riesgo de incendio, ahora con su motor DV5R 1.5 BlueHDiAutonoción · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  24. Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTD 210 ch 93 000 km (2008, Ti): avis d'un propriétaireFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · published 26 January 2013 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  25. Mercedes M111: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  26. DVSA – base de llamadas a revisiónDVSA (Reino Unido) · Official body · consulted 8 October 2026
  27. Fiabilité Renault Master 2.3 dCiCarverif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  28. Dacia Logan GLP (2023): campaña por soldadura del depósitocar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 10 November 2023 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  29. Ford Tourneo Custom (2023-2025): fuel line cracks, fire risk (código 26S31)car-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  30. Ford Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom: fuel leak may cause a fire (KBA 16542R)car-recalls.eu · Other source · published 1 July 2026 · consulted 5 October 2026
  31. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019): typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  32. Alerta: una marca de coches llama a revisión a 62.000 vehículos por un posible peligro de incendioAutopista.es · General press · published 31 March 2025 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  33. Tous les problèmes sur Kia Picanto 2011-2017 (41 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  34. Lexus CT 200h (2016-2017): alerta Safety Gate 5/2018, depósito de combustiblecar-recalls.eu (a partir de Safety Gate / RAPEX) · Other source · published 2 February 2018 · consulted 8 October 2026
  35. Lexus CT200h (2006-2015): alerta Safety Gate A12/0849/16, unidad de emisiones evaporativascar-recalls.eu (a partir de Safety Gate / RAPEX) · Other source · published 15 July 2016 · consulted 8 October 2026
  36. Used Ford EcoSport reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026
  37. Mazda 2 (2018): llamada a revisión por el tubo de combustible de alta presión (Safety Gate 3/2019)car-recalls.eu (alerta Safety Gate UE) · Official body · published 18 January 2019 · consulted 29 October 2026
  38. Mercedes A-Klasse W169: Diese Schwachstellen sollten Käufer kennenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  39. Mercedes B-Klasse T245: Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  40. Mitsubishi Colt VI Z30 2004-2012 Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
  41. Peugeot 108: typische Probleme und Schwachstellen (Rückrufe: Lenksäule, Kraftstofftank, Gurtschlösser)Gebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
  42. Toyota Recall Check UK: Vehicle Recalls & FixesBlackCircles (Reino Unido) · General press · published 2026 · consulted 29 October 2026