P0230 on Subaru
Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction
P0230 on Subaru vehicles indicates fuel pump primary circuit malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Subaru models — most commonly on Ascent, Crosstrek. 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.
Common Causes of P0230
- •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)
P0230 on Subaru by Model
Subaru Ascent(1 issue)
- 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.
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.).
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View P0230 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0230 mean on Subaru?▼
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. On Subaru specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0230 on Subaru vehicles?▼
Common causes on Subaru: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0230 on a Subaru?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Subaru model.
Which Subaru models have P0230 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0230 on 2 Subaru models: Ascent, Crosstrek.