P0087 Fuel pressure in the rail or supply system is lower than the engine computer requested

Fuel rail/system pressure too low

P0087 in short

P0087 means fuel pressure is lower than the engine computer asked for. Common causes are a nearly empty tank, a weak fuel pump, a clogged filter or line, or a leak; direct-injection and diesel engines add a high-pressure pump. If the engine stalls or loses power, stop and have it towed.

Modern engines control fuel pressure electronically. The computer asks for a pressure (on the 2008 Saab 9-3, for example, by varying the fuel pump's speed), and a sensor reports what the system actually delivers. Direct-injection and diesel engines also have an engine-driven high-pressure pump feeding the rail.

P0087 sets when actual pressure stays below the requested pressure for a few seconds. On the 2008 Saab 9-3 petrol engine, for example, it sets when pressure is well below the target for more than five seconds, and also when the tank runs dry. On the diesel version, Saab lists the engine shutting off as a symptom.

Because the engine can't get the fuel it needs, it may run lean, misfire, hesitate or stall, often worst under load. Start with the simple things, such as the fuel level and any software update, then confirm with a gauge before replacing a pump.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Fuel tank empty or very low

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    With too little fuel the pump can draw air and pressure falls. Saab notes the code also sets when the tank runs dry, so it is the first and cheapest thing to rule out.
    What would change this
    A near-empty gauge or a recent run-out confirms it; a full tank rules it out.

  2. Weak or failing fuel pump

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    When the pump can no longer deliver what is asked, pressure sags, usually worst under load. Saab names a pump fault among the causes, and Honda bulletins for some 2019 models describe pumps that could seize and set P0087.
    What would change this
    Low pressure on a gauge with a clean filter and clear lines points here; good pressure and volume rule it out.
    How to test the fuel pump

  3. Clogged fuel filter or restricted fuel line

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A blockage between the tank and the engine starves the system. Saab lists a clogged fuel pipe; KBB lists filter problems and kinked or restricted lines.
    What would change this
    Pressure that is good at the pump but low after the filter or line confirms it.

  4. Fuel leak in the supply system

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Fuel escaping from a line, fitting or regulator can't reach the rail. Saab names leakage as one of the ways pump and system capacity worsens.
    What would change this
    A fuel smell, wet fittings or pressure that bleeds away quickly raises this.

  5. Worn high-pressure pump or its camshaft drive (direct-injection and diesel engines)

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    On engines with a second, engine-driven high-pressure pump, wear in that pump or its drive lowers rail pressure even when the tank pump is fine.
    What would change this
    Normal low-side pressure with low rail pressure raises this.

  6. Faulty fuel pressure sensor, wiring or pump driver module

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    If the sensor reads low, the computer sees a problem that isn't there; a faulty pump driver module or wiring can also underpower the pump.
    What would change this
    A sensor reading that disagrees with a mechanical gauge raises this.

  7. Engine computer software

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Some makers have released software updates for P0087; Jeep did for some 2023-2024 models. It applies only where a bulletin says so.
    What would change this
    An update listed for your vehicle raises this.

  8. Fuel vapour in the rail after long idling in extreme heat

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Audi described brief pressure drops on some 2013 models when long idling or stop-and-go traffic overheated the fuel rail and formed vapour.
    What would change this
    Freeze-frame data showing a very hot engine after long idling raises this.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Check the fuel level, read all codes, and look at the freeze-frame data for the conditions when the code set

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. Compare desired and actual fuel pressure in live data, and check for any software update for your vehicle

    Low riskTool: scan tool with live data

  3. Have fuel pressure measured with a mechanical gauge on the low-pressure side and compared with the sensor reading

    Best left to a shopTool: fuel pressure gauge (shop)

    Warning:The fuel system is under pressure and gasoline is a fire risk. Fuel-pressure testing means opening the fuel system: relieve pressure first, no flames or sparks nearby, and leave it to a shop if you don't have the gauge and procedure for your engine.

  4. Check the fuel filter and lines for restriction and leaks, and test the pump's output

    Best left to a shopTool: fuel pressure and volume test (shop)

    Warning:The fuel system is under pressure and gasoline is a fire risk. Fuel-pressure testing means opening the fuel system: relieve pressure first, no flames or sparks nearby, and leave it to a shop if you don't have the gauge and procedure for your engine.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light with hesitation or loss of power under load Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine stalls, cuts out or won't restart Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Rough running or misfires
  • Check engine light flashing, or the engine shakes and stumbles under load Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power, Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

  1. Check the fuel gauge. If the tank is low or ran dry, fill it, clear the code if you can, and see whether it returns.

Parts and cost context

  • Fuel pump:Replace the pump only after a pressure and volume test points to it, and ask a dealer about bulletins first; some makers have published pump repairs for this code.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 2019 · Civic Type R

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2019 Civic Type R, a swollen fuel pump impeller can seize the pump, setting P0087 and possibly stalling the engine while driving.

  • 2019 · Fit

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2019 Fit, the same fuel pump impeller condition can set P0087, cause a no-start or stall the engine while driving.

  • A21-022Status unverified

    Fuel pump impeller swelling (P0087)

    2019civic-type-r · issued · NHTSA 10222426

    A swollen fuel pump impeller can seize the pump; the MIL may show P0087, the engine may not start or could stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. The fuel pump motor is replaced.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • A21-023Status unverified

    Fuel pump impeller swelling (P0087)

    2019fit · issued · NHTSA 10222427

    Same fuel pump impeller condition as A21-022 for the 2019 Fit: P0087, no-start or stalling while driving; the fuel pump motor is replaced.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Jeep

  • 2023–2024 · Commander

    Supported by vehicle data

    On 2023-2024 Compass, Renegade and Commander, a PCM software update is the bulletin repair for P0087.

  • 1810623Status unverified

    PCM software update for P0087/P0088

    2023–2024commander, compass, renegade · issued · NHTSA 10248918

    For a lit MIL with P0087 or P0088 (fuel rail pressure too low or too high), the PCM is reprogrammed with the latest software.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Audi

  • 2013 · A5

    Supported by vehicle data

    On some 2013 Audi models (A4, A5, A6, allroad, Q5), long idling or stop-and-go heat can vaporise fuel in the rail and set P0087 briefly.

  • 01137220332111Status unverified

    P0087 from fuel vapour in the rail under extreme heat

    2013a5, a4, a5-cabriolet, a6, allroad, q5 · issued · NHTSA 10222001

    Long idling or stop-and-go traffic can heat the fuel rail until vapour bubbles cause brief pressure drops and P0087; freeze-frame shows coolant above about 102 °C. Audi noted a software fix for the cooling strategy was in development.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0171Engine computer has reached its limit adding fuel on bank 1: the mixture is lean

    Shares causes Possible — needs testing

    Weak fuel delivery can leave the engine lean, so a failing pump, clogged filter or faulty regulator can set both P0087 and lean codes.

  • P0174Engine computer has reached its limit adding fuel on bank 2: the mixture is lean

    Shares causes Possible — needs testing

    Low fuel pressure leans out both banks of a V-type engine, so P0174 can appear with P0087 and P0171.

All Turbocharging, fuel pressure and EGR codes

P0087 questions

Can I drive with P0087?

Only gently and briefly, if the engine runs normally. Low fuel pressure can make the engine stall, which is dangerous in traffic. If it stalls, cuts out or loses power while driving, stop and have it towed.

Can running out of fuel cause P0087?

Yes. Saab's service information notes the code also sets when the tank runs dry. Refill, and if the code doesn't return, the pump may simply have drawn air.

Is there a known fix for P0087 on my car?

On some vehicles there is a maker bulletin. Honda, for example, has the fuel pump motor replaced on some 2019 models whose pumps could seize and set P0087, and Jeep released a software update for some 2023-2024 models. Ask a dealer to check bulletins for your vehicle before paying for a pump.

Will a new fuel pump fix P0087?

Only if the pump is the cause. A clogged filter, a restricted line, a leak, a faulty pressure sensor or software can set the same code, so confirm with a gauge first.

Sources and review

  1. Saab 9-3 (2008) WIS DTC P0087 00 (ME9): Fuel pressure too low — Saab Automobile (Saab WIS service information, hosted by Saab Club of North America)
  2. p0087 Code - Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low Bank 1 — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor)
  3. American Honda Motor Co. bulletin A21-022: Fuel pump impeller swelling (P0087) — American Honda Motor Co. (filed with NHTSA) ,
  4. Saab 9-3 (2008) WIS DTC P0087 03 (EDC16 diesel): Low fuel pressure, rail — Saab Automobile (Saab WIS service information, hosted by Saab Club of North America)
  5. Final Regulation Order: 13 CCR §1968.2, Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) for 2004 and later passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty vehicles — California Air Resources Board
  6. 2026 Honda Pilot Owner's Manual: Indicator Coming On/Blinking (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) — American Honda Motor Co.
  7. FCA US (Stellantis) bulletin 1810623: PCM software update for P0087/P0088 — FCA US (Stellantis) (filed with NHTSA) ,
  8. Audi of America bulletin 01137220332111: P0087 from fuel vapour in the rail under extreme heat — Audi of America (filed with NHTSA) ,
  9. P0171 Code: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Fix It — Identifix ,
  10. American Honda Motor Co. bulletin A21-023: Fuel pump impeller swelling (P0087) — American Honda Motor Co. (filed with NHTSA) ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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