P0231 on Toyota: How to Diagnose & Fix
Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit - Low
2 Toyota models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical
P0231 on Toyota by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Certain 2018-2020 Corollas have a low-pressure fuel pump with an impeller that can deform due to excessive fuel absorption. This can cause reduced fuel delivery, engine hesitation, and in worst cases, engine stalling while driving - creating a significant crash risk. This is a safety recall affecting multiple Toyota models.
Common Symptoms
- Engine hesitation or loss of power during acceleration
- Engine stalling while driving
- Difficulty starting the vehicle
- Check engine light illumination
How to Fix
Replace fuel pump assembly with improved part (covered under recall).
Find a Toyota dealer
Choose to share your location for this search, or enter an area below. Your search location is sent to Google to find dealers.
Open Toyota dealer map in Google Maps ↗Call to confirm they service Toyota vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
- TipSearch Toyota Corolla forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
- TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
Sources for this issue (4)
- NHTSA: Toyota Motor North America 20V-012 Denso Fuel Pump Recallnhtsa
- Toyota Pressroom: Toyota Recalls Certain Toyota and Lexus Vehiclesmanufacturer
- ClassAction.org: Jan. 2020 Toyota Lexus Denso Fuel Pump Recall Left Out 2018-2019 Vehiclesmedia
- Torque News: Toyota Adds Vehicles to Massive Fuel Pump Recallmedia
Toyota's Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall history includes certain 2018-2020 Camry vehicles under original NHTSA recall 20V012 / Toyota 20TA02 and a small omitted population of 2018 Camrys under 25V028 / 25TA01. An affected pump can stop operating, causing warning messages, rough running, engine stall and inability to restart; a stall at higher speed increases crash risk. Applicability depends on the VIN and specific pump population, not model year alone. The prior 2021 scope and recall numbers 20V750/21V251 were incorrect.
Common Symptoms
- Warning lights or messages
- Rough engine running
- Engine stall
- Engine may not restart after the pump stops
How to Fix
Check the VIN at Toyota's official recall lookup or with a Toyota dealer. If an applicable campaign is open, the dealer replaces the involved low-pressure fuel pump with an improved pump free of charge. If the engine runs rough, warning indicators appear or the vehicle begins losing power, move out of traffic and stop safely; if it stalls, do not rely on it restarting. Do not select a pump or treat P0087/P0230/P0231/P0232 as recall eligibility criteria from this card.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningRecall eligibility is VIN-specific. Do not buy a pump or infer inclusion from the model year, symptoms or a generic fuel-system DTC.
- TipAsk Toyota to confirm both 20TA02/20V012 and 25TA01/25V028 status for the VIN and document completion of the free improved-pump remedy.
Sources for this issue (4)
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 on a Toyota?
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. On Toyota it is documented across 2 models: Corolla, Camry.
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 on a Toyota?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Toyota model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for P0231 on a different make?
View P0231 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.