P0087 on Subaru: How to Diagnose & Fix
Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
4 Subaru models · 5 documented issues · 5 critical
P0087 on Subaru by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Certain 2019-2020 Ascents are covered by low-pressure fuel pump recalls (Subaru WRD-20 / NHTSA 20V-218 for 2019 models, expanded by WRG-21 / NHTSA 21V-587 to 2019-2020 models). The pump impeller was made with a lower-density material that can absorb excessive fuel and deform until it interferes with the pump body. 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.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalling without warning while driving
- Rough idle or engine misfires
- Extended cranking before engine starts
- Loss of power during acceleration
- Check engine light with fuel system codes
- Vehicle fails to start
How to Fix
Check recall status by VIN at subaru.com/owners/recalls or NHTSA.gov. Recalls WRD-20 (NHTSA 20V-218) and WRG-21 (NHTSA 21V-587) provide free low-pressure fuel pump replacement at any Subaru dealer. The updated pump uses a revised impeller material resistant to fuel component absorption. If you experience stalling before recall repair, avoid situations where a stall could be dangerous.
Sources for this issue (6)
- NHTSA Recall 20V-218 Part 573 Safety Recall Reportrecall
- NHTSA Recall 21V-587 Part 573 Safety Recall Reportrecall
- Fuel pump recall - Subaru Ascent Forumforum
- Subaru Denso Fuel Pump Lawsuit - Seeger Weissmedia
- Subaru Outback Ascent Impreza Legacy Recalled Defective Fuel Pump - Torque Newsmedia
- Subaru Recalls Nearly All Carlines Fuel Pump Failure - Torque Newsmedia
The Denso-supplied low-pressure in-tank fuel pump can develop a swollen/deformed impeller that jams the pump, causing rough running, no-start, or sudden engine stall while driving. ~22,800 Ascents were included in the 2021 recall (initially 165,026 vehicles, now listed by NHTSA at 175,968) covering MY 2019-2020 Ascents alongside several other Subaru lines.
Common Symptoms
- engine cranks but won't start
- rough idle / misfire
- stall at speed
- CEL with fuel-pressure code
- long crank when hot
How to Fix
Run VIN through NHTSA / Subaru recall lookup; affected vehicles get a free Denso low-pressure fuel pump assembly replacement under recall WRG-21 / 21V-587. Per Subaru's owner notification letter, Ascent repair takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes at the dealer.
Sources for this issue (3)
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. The Crosstrek was not included in Subaru's fuel pump recalls (WRD-20 covered 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy and Ascent), but 2017-2020 Crosstreks are in the Cohen v. Subaru of America class settlement (D.N.J.), which provides an extended fuel pump warranty and reimbursement for past fuel pump repairs.
Common Symptoms
- engine stall without warning
- long crank or no-start when hot
- rough running
- check engine light with fuel pressure codes
How to Fix
The Crosstrek has no fuel pump recall, so a VIN recall check will not show one. If the engine stalls, long-cranks or runs rough, have the dealer check fuel pressure and inspect the low-pressure pump, and ask whether the repair is covered by the extended fuel pump warranty (15 years from pump replacement or 150,000 miles) from the Cohen v. Subaru of America class settlement, which includes 2017-2020 Crosstreks. Keep repair invoices for any reimbursement claim.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (3)
Certain 2020 Outback vehicles were included in the large Denso low-pressure fuel pump recall affecting many manufacturers. The impeller can deform, causing the pump to seize or lose output, which may result in hard starting, rough running, engine stall, or a no-start condition. This is a documented safety-related defect because loss of propulsion can occur while driving.
Common Symptoms
- engine stalls while driving
- extended cranking
- no-start
- hesitation from low fuel pressure
- rough idle
How to Fix
Diagnosis includes checking fuel pressure, confirming pump command, and reviewing VIN-specific recall eligibility. The proper repair is replacement of the in-tank low-pressure fuel pump with the updated part under recall or service campaign. After repair, technicians typically verify fuel pressure and road-test for stall/no-start recurrence.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipOwners recommend checking VIN recall status directly before paying for diagnosis if the vehicle has intermittent stalling or no-start symptoms.
- TipIf a stall occurs, document fuel level, ambient temperature, and whether the engine restarts after cooling down; this helps the dealer reproduce intermittent pump issues.
Sources for this issue (2)
This affects 2018-2019 BRZs equipped with Denso-made low-pressure in-tank fuel pumps (which feed the FA20's high-pressure direct injection system). Pumps built March 2018-March 2019 may have a lower-density impeller; combined with the BRZ's fuel pump controller, the impeller can interfere with the pump body until the pump binds or fails. Causes loss of fuel pressure, rough running, stalling, hard starting, and potential no-start. Covered by Subaru recall WRG-21 (NHTSA 21V-587, filed July 2021), which includes 2,409 BRZs built April 6 - November 6, 2018; the earlier WRD-20 recall (20V-218, June 2020) did not include the BRZ. Part of the broader 165,000+ vehicle Subaru/Denso recall and class action settlement.
Common Symptoms
- engine stalling
- hard start
- no-start
- rough running
- fuel pump noise
- loss of power
How to Fix
Free dealer replacement of the low-pressure fuel pump assembly under recall WRG-21 (NHTSA 21V-587). Verify VIN status at subaru.com/recalls. Do not delay - failure can leave the vehicle stranded.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0087 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 P0087 mean on a Subaru?
P0087 stands for "Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low." This code means the fuel rail or fuel system pressure has dropped below the level the engine's computer expects. The computer monitors a fuel pressure sensor and has seen pressure fall too low, meaning the engine isn't getting enough fuel — especially noticeable under acceleration or load. This is most common on direct-injection and diesel systems that run very high pressures. Symptoms include hard starting, stalling, hesitation, lack of power, and possible limp mode. On Subaru it is documented across 4 models: Ascent, Crosstrek, Outback, BRZ.
What are the most common causes of P0087?
The most common causes of P0087 are: Clogged or dirty fuel filter, Weak or failing fuel pump (lift pump or high-pressure pump), Faulty fuel pressure regulator or control valve, Restricted or leaking fuel lines, Faulty fuel pressure sensor, Air in the fuel system or running low on fuel, Worn high-pressure pump (direct injection/diesel). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0087 on a Subaru?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Subaru model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
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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.