How much does it cost to repair a fuel leak?

Leaking fuel is a major problem; it poses an immediate danger of fire, and also produces fumes that are harmful if breathed. It’s important to get any issues with your fuel system repaired as soon as possible.

This guide explains how much it’s likely to cost, and what the potential causes of your fuel leak are.

Fuel leak repair cost

It can cost anywhere from £30 to £1,600 to repair a fuel leak. The exact cost will depend on the component that is causing the leak and how long it takes to find and fix that issue.

The best-case scenario is that your fuel cap is not sealing properly. This is worth checking yourself, and could cost as little as £30 to replace, if the seal or mechanism is broken. Check for telltale signs of marks underneath your filler cap, especially after filling up.

Damaged fuel filters can also be the cause of a leak; it will often be from the rear of the car. Expect to pay around £60-90 for a new filter, or £200-500 for a filter housing replacement, if it’s broken.

A damaged fuel line is another common cause of a fuel leak. If it's a small, easy-to-access one fuel line, it could be fixed for around £120 and £300 (or more, if it's a larger, more expensive part).

A split in the fuel tank or the tank filler pipe can cost between £300 and £900 to fix. They are generally not repairable and will need to be replaced. If bought from a dealer, these parts can be expensive and require a few hours to replace.

Expecting a large repair bill? Check out Bumper's car repair finance to split the cost of your bill into interest-free payments.

What are the signs of a car fuel leak?

It’s important to address a potential fuel leak as quickly as possible. If you notice any of the following, be sure to get the car checked out as soon as possible:

• Smell of fuel anywhere around the car

• Losing fuel even when the car isn’t driven

• Liquid pooling under the car

• Issues starting the engine after a prolonged period

What can cause a fuel leak?

Modern cars tend to use plastic or rubber fuel tanks, filler pipes and fuel lines. These are susceptible to both physical damage from debris flicked up from the road surface and ageing over time.

Other components, such as seals and gaskets, can harden over time, causing them to no longer seal against the fuel pressure inside the system.

Can E10 fuel cause leaks?

In some cases, yes, using E10 fuel can cause fuel leaks, mainly in older cars. In late 2021, E10 fuel became the standard type of fuel sold at UK petrol stations. It differs from the older E5 fuel by having 5% more ethanol in it – hence the name.

The main issue with this new, higher ethanol fuel is that the fuel lines used in older cars are not resistant to ethanol. It can therefore degrade and break down the rubber faster, causing leaks.

This is predominantly only an issue with cars made prior to 2010, but it’s important to check your car’s compatibility to be sure. Use the government checker here.

What to do if you have a fuel leak

As soon as you notice a fuel leak, you should have the car inspected urgently. Not only does a fuel leak pose a fire hazard, but the fumes from it are also extremely dangerous if breathed in.

In many cases, garages will offer to check over the car for a small fixed charge, only charging more once the problem has been identified. Be wary of garages that offer free checkups as an incentive to get you in the door.

Can I drive with a fuel leak?

No, you should not drive a car that has a known fuel leak. As mentioned above it can be extremely dangerous, even if the car is a diesel. It could also cause further issues with the car, including damaging fuel pumps and allowing air into the system.

Have your fuel system repaired with Bumper

If your car needs expensive repairs, help spread the cost with Bumper’s zero-per cent interest car repair financing. Offered at hundreds of approved garages nationwide, find your nearest one here.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.