P0231: How to Diagnose & Fix — Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit - Low
45 vehicles · 14 makes · $50-$2,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0231: 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.
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
The TIPM main fuse and relay box circuit board traces blow from current spikes, shorts, or corrosion. Water intrusion common. Causes random electrical issues affecting fuel pump, lights, wipers, horn, windows, and safety systems.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle won't start but has power
- Random activation of lights, wipers, or horn
- ABS/airbag warning lights
- Fuel pump running continuously
- Intermittent starting issues
How to Fix
TIPM replacement or professional rebuild. Specialty companies offer rebuild services for $200-400 with warranty. OEM replacement from dealer $700-1,200 plus programming. Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to attempt temporary reset.
Sources for this issue (1)
Honda Odyssey · 2018–2020
Chrysler 300 · 2011–2016
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P0231 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 P0231 mean?
P0231 stands for "Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit - Low." This code indicates the engine computer detected a low-voltage condition in the fuel pump's secondary (driver/output) control circuit. Many vehicles control the fuel pump through a relay or a dedicated driver module, and the computer monitors the voltage on that circuit to confirm the pump is being powered correctly. When the feedback voltage stays lower than expected, P0231 sets. Because the fuel pump supplies pressurized fuel to the injectors, this fault can cause hard starting, stalling, or no-start conditions.
What are the most common causes of P0231?
The most common causes of P0231 are: Faulty fuel pump relay, Corroded or loose connector at the pump or relay, Damaged or shorted wiring in the pump power circuit, Poor ground for the fuel pump circuit, Failing fuel pump drawing abnormal current, Faulty fuel pump driver module, PCM/ECM internal driver fault (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0231?
Repair costs for P0231 range from $50 to $2,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0231?
Au7o has documented P0231 across 45 vehicle models from 14 manufacturers: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Genesis, Honda, Jeep, Mazda, Nissan, RAM, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.