P0087 on Subaru
Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
P0087 on Subaru vehicles indicates fuel rail/system pressure - too low. Au7o has documented this code across 3 Subaru models — most commonly on Ascent, Crosstrek, Outback. This code means the fuel rail or fuel system pressure has dropped below the level the engine's computer expects. The computer monitors a fuel pressure sensor and has seen pressure fall too low, meaning the engine isn't getting enough fuel — especially noticeable under acceleration or load. This is most common on direct-injection and diesel systems that run very high pressures. Symptoms include hard starting, stalling, hesitation, lack of power, and possible limp mode.
Common Causes of P0087
- •Clogged or dirty fuel filter
- •Weak or failing fuel pump (lift pump or high-pressure pump)
- •Faulty fuel pressure regulator or control valve
- •Restricted or leaking fuel lines
- •Faulty fuel pressure sensor
- •Air in the fuel system or running low on fuel
- •Worn high-pressure pump (direct injection/diesel)
P0087 on Subaru by Model
Subaru Ascent(2 issues)
- Fuel Pump Impeller Failure - Recall WRK-22 / NHTSA 20V-7012019-2021
Certain 2019-2021 Ascents are affected by a fuel pump recall (WRK-22, NHTSA 20V-701) where the low-pressure fuel pump impeller can deform due to excessive absorption of fuel components, particularly in regions with higher-concentration ethanol fuels. A deformed impeller reduces fuel delivery, causing engine stalling, rough running, or inability to start. This is a safety concern as stalling can occur without warning during driving. The recall was coordinated across multiple manufacturers using the same Denso fuel pump.
- Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure (Recall 21V-587 / WRG-21)2019-2020
The Denso-supplied low-pressure in-tank fuel pump can develop a swollen/deformed impeller that jams the pump, causing rough running, no-start, or sudden engine stall while driving. ~22,800 Ascents were included in the 165k-vehicle 2021 recall covering MY 2019-2020 Ascents alongside several other Subaru lines.
Subaru Crosstrek(1 issue)
- Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Causing Stall2019
2019 Crosstreks (along with various 2013-2020 Subarus) were built with Denso low-pressure in-tank fuel pumps whose plastic impeller absorbs fuel and swells. The swollen impeller binds against the pump body, causing rough running, no-start, and unexpected engine stalls at highway speed. Affected vehicles were subject to NHTSA recalls (including WRD-20); related class-action litigation remains pending (Seeger Weiss case 1:20-cv-0982, D.N.J.).
Subaru Outback(1 issue)
- Denso Fuel Pump Impeller Failure Leading to Stalling or No-Start2020
Certain 2020 Outback vehicles were included in the large Denso low-pressure fuel pump recall affecting many manufacturers. The impeller can deform, causing the pump to seize or lose output, which may result in hard starting, rough running, engine stall, or a no-start condition. This is a documented safety-related defect because loss of propulsion can occur while driving.
Looking for P0087 on a different make?
View P0087 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0087 mean on Subaru?▼
P0087 stands for "Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low." This code means the fuel rail or fuel system pressure has dropped below the level the engine's computer expects. The computer monitors a fuel pressure sensor and has seen pressure fall too low, meaning the engine isn't getting enough fuel — especially noticeable under acceleration or load. This is most common on direct-injection and diesel systems that run very high pressures. Symptoms include hard starting, stalling, hesitation, lack of power, and possible limp mode. On Subaru specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0087 on Subaru vehicles?▼
Common causes on Subaru: Clogged or dirty fuel filter, Weak or failing fuel pump (lift pump or high-pressure pump), Faulty fuel pressure regulator or control valve, Restricted or leaking fuel lines, Faulty fuel pressure sensor. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0087 on a Subaru?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Subaru model.
Which Subaru models have P0087 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0087 on 3 Subaru models: Ascent, Crosstrek, Outback.