P0230: How to Diagnose & Fix — Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction
66 vehicles · 20 makes · $50-$2,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0230: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Lexus IS · 2018–2020
The low-pressure fuel pump impeller can deform due to excessive fuel absorption, causing the fuel pump to become inoperative. This results in engine stalling while driving or inability to start, creating a serious safety hazard. Toyota/Lexus issued a massive recall (20V-863) affecting over 1.8 million vehicles across multiple models.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls while driving without warning
- Difficulty starting or no-start condition
- Engine runs rough or sputters at speed
- Fuel pressure warning codes
How to Fix
Replace the fuel pump assembly at any Lexus dealer free of charge under recall 20V-863. The dealer replaces the entire fuel pump with an updated unit that uses a redesigned impeller. If you have not received a recall notice, contact your dealer with your VIN to verify eligibility.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningThis is a safety recall — do not delay getting the fuel pump replaced. Engine stalling at highway speed has caused multiple accidents. Check NHTSA.gov with your VIN for recall status.
Sources for this issue (3)
Honda CR-V · 2018–2022
The 5th generation CR-V (2018-2022) is included in Honda's fuel pump recall 23V-858, which covers about 2.49 million U.S. vehicles. Denso-manufactured fuel pump impellers were made with improperly molded low-density material that swells and deforms under fuel exposure, interfering with the pump housing and causing the pump to slow or fail. Engine stalling at highway speeds has caused collisions. This is the same recall affecting the 2018-2022 Accord, Passport, Pilot, and other Honda models. Honda expanded the recall multiple times as the scope widened to cover additional production dates.
Common Symptoms
- Difficulty starting - engine cranks longer than normal before starting
- Rough idle on first start of day
- Engine hesitation or stumbling under acceleration
- Engine stalling while driving at any speed
- Check engine light with P0087 (fuel pressure too low)
- Engine cranks but does not start (complete pump failure)
How to Fix
Check recall status IMMEDIATELY at owners.honda.com with VIN or call Honda at 1-888-234-2138. Recall 21V-215 (2018-2019 CR-V) and its expansion 23V-858 (which also expands 20V-314) provide FREE fuel pump module replacement at any Honda dealer. Parts availability was severely limited 2021-2024 - call dealer to confirm parts in stock. Until repair: keep fuel tank above 1/4 full and avoid repeated hard starts. Honda provides rental car/loaner reimbursement during parts wait period.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningSAFETY RECALL - check VIN at owners.honda.com immediately. This recall is FREE regardless of mileage/warranty. Engine stall at highway speed is a crash risk that has already caused accidents
- TipCR-V Owners Club: Call dealer to confirm fuel pump parts are physically IN STOCK before scheduling - many owners waited 3-9 months for parts; Honda will reimburse rental car costs during extended waits
- TipIf your CR-V was NOT in the original recall, check again - Honda expanded this recall 3 times. All 2018-2022 CR-Vs built before certain production dates are now included
Sources for this issue (2)
Mazda CX-5 · 2018–2019
Low-pressure fuel pump impellers can deform, causing pump failure and engine stalling without warning. Part of a Denso low-pressure fuel pump defect that led to recalls by multiple manufacturers.
Common Symptoms
- Engine no-start condition
- Vehicle stalling at low speeds
- Sudden engine stall at highway speeds (rare but dangerous)
- Loss of power while driving
How to Fix
Dealer replaces fuel pump free of charge under recall. Contact Mazda dealer with VIN to check recall status.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipCheck recall status immediately at Mazda dealer
- TipSchedule repair ASAP - safety risk
- TipKeep fuel tank above 1/2 to reduce pump stress until fixed
- TipDocument any stalling incidents for dealer
Sources for this issue (2)
Chrysler 300 · 2011–2016
Honda Odyssey · 2018–2020
Find P0230 by make
Browse every documented model and issue for your make.
P0230 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0230 mean?
P0230 stands for "Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction." P0230 means the engine computer detected a fault in the fuel pump primary circuit — the control side that switches the fuel pump (or its relay) on and off. The PCM energizes this circuit to run the electric fuel pump that delivers fuel to the engine; if it sees voltage that is too high, too low, or out of expected range, it sets this code. Because the pump may not run correctly, the engine can crank without starting, stall, lose power, or hesitate. This is a circuit/control fault rather than a direct measurement of fuel pressure.
What are the most common causes of P0230?
The most common causes of P0230 are: Faulty fuel pump relay, Damaged wiring or connectors in the fuel pump control circuit, Corroded or loose ground/power connection, Failed fuel pump or fuel pump driver module, Blown fuse or fusible link, Open or short in the primary control wiring, Faulty PCM driver output (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0230?
Repair costs for P0230 range from $50 to $2,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0230?
Au7o has documented P0230 across 66 vehicle models from 20 manufacturers: Acura, Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Genesis, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, RAM, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo.
Join 600+ people using Au7o to better understand their vehicles.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.