Fuel System — Vehicle Component Safety Report

Fuel System failure reports: 1195 total complaints across 100 vehicles from 5 makes. See which models are most affected.

1195Total Complaints
100Affected Vehicles
5Makes Affected

Fuel System Decision Cockpit

This component hub groups real NHTSA complaint signals by make, model year, and vehicle page. Use it as a spoke from individual vehicle reports into the broader fuel system safety pattern.

Top Makes for Fuel System Complaints

Toyota — 774 Volkswagen — 387 Ram — 21 Subaru — 7 Volvo — 6

Top Years for Fuel System Complaints

2019 — 390 2017 — 257 2020 — 145 2018 — 105 2016 — 87 2015 — 58 2022 — 39 2021 — 36

A high complaint count does not automatically prove a defect, but it is a strong inspection signal when the same component appears repeatedly across related vehicles, years, recalls, or crash narratives.

Common Fuel System Issues

The fuel system component is one of the most commonly reported areas of failure in NHTSA consumer complaints. Issues range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards including potential crashes and fires. Below are the vehicles most affected by fuel system problems.

Most Affected Vehicles

VehicleComplaintsRecalls
2019 Toyota Rav4 213 0
2020 Toyota Rav4 78 0
2017 Volkswagen Golf Gti 56 0
2019 Toyota Highlander 46 0
2017 Volkswagen Golf 44 0
2017 Volkswagen Golf R 44 0
2019 Toyota Tacoma 35 0
2019 Toyota Camry 35 0
2016 Volkswagen Golf Gti 29 0
2018 Toyota Tacoma 28 0
2022 Toyota Tundra 26 0
2016 Volkswagen Golf 20 0
2015 Volkswagen Golf Gti 20 0
2023 Toyota Tundra 18 0
2020 Toyota Camry 17 0
2020 Ram 3500 17 0
2017 Volkswagen Jetta 16 0
2017 Volkswagen Jetta Gli 16 0
2024 Toyota Tundra 15 0
2017 Toyota Tacoma 15 0
2017 Toyota Highlander 15 0
2016 Volkswagen Jetta 14 0
2020 Toyota Tacoma 14 0
2019 Toyota Avalon 14 0
2022 Volkswagen Taos 13 0
2018 Toyota Tundra 13 0
2018 Toyota Highlander 13 0
2024 Toyota Grand Highlander 13 0
2015 Volkswagen Golf 12 0
2015 Volkswagen Golf R 12 0

Frequently Asked Questions About Fuel System Safety

What are the most common fuel system problems in cars?

Based on 1195 NHTSA complaints across 100 vehicles, fuel system issues range from minor malfunctions to serious safety hazards. The most affected vehicles are listed in the table below — click any vehicle to see its specific fuel system complaint details.

Which vehicles have the most fuel system recalls?

The Toyota Rav4 is among the most affected. See the ranked table below for the full list of 100 vehicles with fuel system complaints filed with NHTSA.

How dangerous are fuel system failures?

Fuel System failures can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards. Some fuel system complaints involve crashes, fires, or injuries. Always have fuel system issues inspected promptly by a qualified mechanic, especially if your vehicle is subject to a related recall.

How do I check if my car has a fuel system recall?

Search for your vehicle using our search tool or enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a fuel system recall exists for your vehicle, the repair is free at authorized dealerships.