Fuel level too low (RepairPal). Weak or failed fuel pump (both sources). Clogged fuel filter or in-tank fuel screen, or a restricted or bent fuel supply line (OBD-Codes.com). Fuel pressure regulator failure (RepairPal). Faulty fuel pump driver module (OBD-Codes.com). Faulty fuel pressure sensor (OBD-Codes.com). Wiring issue (RepairPal). Less often: PCM failure (RepairPal).

Replace the fuel pump (RepairPal lists this as the common repair). Replace a clogged fuel filter or in-tank screen, or repair a restricted fuel line. Replace a failed fuel pressure regulator. Repair or replace the fuel pump driver module or its wiring. Replace a faulty fuel pressure sensor or repair its wiring.

P0087⛽ Fuel / fuel pressureStop and fix promptly

P0087: Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0087 mean?

P0087 means the engine computer saw fuel pressure at the fuel rail lower than it wanted. A low fuel level, a weak fuel pump, a clogged filter or in-tank screen, a restricted fuel line, a failed pressure regulator or pump driver module, or a faulty fuel pressure sensor can all cause it. A fuel pressure test tells you which. The fuel pump pushes fuel from the tank up to the fuel rail, which feeds the injectors. A sensor on the rail reports fuel pressure to the engine computer (PCM/ECM), which adjusts the pump to hit the pressure the engine needs. P0087 sets when actual pressure stays below that target. OBD-Codes.com explains that many vehicles use a returnless fuel system, where the pump speed is varied by a pulse-width-modulated signal (often through a fuel pump driver module) rather than running the pump constantly and returning extra fuel through a pressure regulator. P0087 is a generic code that applies to all OBD2 vehicles, gasoline and diesel.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0087?

Stop and fix promptly. RepairPal puts P0087 in its urgent category, meaning action is needed right away because it can cause severe damage or put the people in the car at risk. Low fuel pressure can make the engine stumble, lose power or stall (RepairPal lists stalling as a symptom), which is dangerous in traffic. OBD-Codes.com does not give a severity rating, but notes a lean condition can cause misfires and lack of power, especially at higher RPM. Avoid highway driving and heavy loads, and get it diagnosed promptly. If the engine stalls or hesitates badly, have it towed. First make sure the tank is not nearly empty, since RepairPal notes a low fuel level can set this code.

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0087 means

The fuel pump pushes fuel from the tank up to the fuel rail, which feeds the injectors. A sensor on the rail reports fuel pressure to the engine computer (PCM/ECM), which adjusts the pump to hit the pressure the engine needs. P0087 sets when actual pressure stays below that target. OBD-Codes.com explains that many vehicles use a returnless fuel system, where the pump speed is varied by a pulse-width-modulated signal (often through a fuel pump driver module) rather than running the pump constantly and returning extra fuel through a pressure regulator. P0087 is a generic code that applies to all OBD2 vehicles, gasoline and diesel.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

RepairPal puts P0087 in its urgent category, meaning action is needed right away because it can cause severe damage or put the people in the car at risk. Low fuel pressure can make the engine stumble, lose power or stall (RepairPal lists stalling as a symptom), which is dangerous in traffic. OBD-Codes.com does not give a severity rating, but notes a lean condition can cause misfires and lack of power, especially at higher RPM. Avoid highway driving and heavy loads, and get it diagnosed promptly. If the engine stalls or hesitates badly, have it towed. First make sure the tank is not nearly empty, since RepairPal notes a low fuel level can set this code.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on, sometimes with an oxygen sensor lean or rich code as well (OBD-Codes.com)
Decreased engine performance or lack of power on acceleration, especially at higher RPM (both sources)
Misfire or rough running from a lean condition (OBD-Codes.com)
Engine may stall (RepairPal)
Increased fuel consumption (RepairPal); OBD-Codes.com explains a bad sensor can make the computer add extra fuel

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Fuel level too low (RepairPal)
Weak or failed fuel pump (both sources)
Clogged fuel filter or in-tank fuel screen, or a restricted or bent fuel supply line (OBD-Codes.com)
Fuel pressure regulator failure (RepairPal)
Faulty fuel pump driver module (OBD-Codes.com)
Faulty fuel pressure sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
Wiring issue (RepairPal)
Less often: PCM failure (RepairPal)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Fill the tank. RepairPal lists a low fuel level as a cause, so rule that out first, then clear the code and see if it returns.
Fix any other stored codes, and note any lean or rich oxygen sensor codes that came with P0087.
Look up technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your year, make, model and engine.
If your fuel rail or line has a test port, check fuel pressure with a mechanical gauge and compare it to the factory spec, including under load (OBD-Codes.com). Fuel is under pressure and flammable, so skip this if you are not set up for it.
Inspect the fuel lines back to the tank for kinks, bends or damage, and check whether the fuel filter is overdue for replacement (OBD-Codes.com).

Typical fixes

Replace the fuel pump (RepairPal lists this as the common repair)
Replace a clogged fuel filter or in-tank screen, or repair a restricted fuel line
Replace a failed fuel pressure regulator
Repair or replace the fuel pump driver module or its wiring
Replace a faulty fuel pressure sensor or repair its wiring

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

Testing the fuel pump driver module's duty-cycle signal or the pressure sensor's wiring needs a meter and a wiring diagram (OBD-Codes.com)
Diesel and direct-injection engines run very high fuel pressure on the rail, so leave testing to a shop
Replacing an in-tank fuel pump usually means dropping the tank or opening an access panel, and involves handling fuel

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can low fuel cause P0087?

Yes. RepairPal says a low fuel level may set this code. If it set while the tank was nearly empty, fill up, clear the code and see if it comes back.

Does P0087 always mean a bad fuel pump?

No. The fuel pump is RepairPal's most common repair, but both sources list other causes: a clogged filter or screen, a restricted line, a pressure regulator, a driver module, a sensor or wiring. A fuel pressure test is the way to tell a weak pump from a bad sensor.

What codes often show up with P0087?

OBD-Codes.com says lean or rich oxygen sensor codes can appear alongside it. A problem with the pressure sensor's own power or ground wiring usually sets a different code, such as P0190 or P0191.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-21. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.