Learn About Your Car

Are you interested in certification?

Fuel Tank Replacement

What is a fuel tank?

The fuel tank is responsible for storing engine fuel, and is mounted to the bottom rear of most vehicles. It is part of the evaporative emissions control system, and the fuel delivery system.

How does the fuel tank work?

The fuel tank is filled with fuel through the fill spout. The fill spout connects to the fuel tank filler neck, which will be equipped with a check valve or release valve, to allow the fuel going into the tank to replace air inside the tank. When the tank is full, and no air remains, the pressure signals the fuel station pump to stop sending fuel. Once fuel is inside the tank, it will adjust the mechanical float that reads fuel level, and be sucked from the tank on demand by the fuel pump.

Toyota Fuel Tank Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for a Fuel Tank Replacement is between $2,332 and $2,489 but can vary from car to car.

Toyota Prius Fuel Tank Replacement Cost by Year

The average cost for a Toyota Prius Fuel Tank Replacement is between $2,332 and $2,489 but can vary from car to car.

Disclaimer

Materials Included Under License from Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. License Agreement TMS1008. All information contained in any materials obtained about Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles is based on the latest product information available at the time of publication, is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, and is intended for service providers and other interested parties in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifications and procedures are subject to change without notice. This information is provided expressly for the purpose of use by professional automobile technicians who have special techniques and certifications. Repair or service by non-specialized or uncertified technicians using only this information, or without proper equipment or tools, may cause severe injury to the individual or other individuals and could possibly cause damage to the vehicle. Certain procedures or content elements may make reference to Toyota Warranty policy or practice – these policies or practices are only applicable to Toyota, Lexus, or Scion dealers.

More RepairPal Resources

Fuel Tank Replacement

Jump to:Cost estimates by vehicle Cost estimates by year

What is a fuel tank?

The fuel tank is responsible for storing engine fuel, and is mounted to the bottom rear of most vehicles. It is part of the evaporative emissions control system, and the fuel delivery system.

How does the fuel tank work?

2009 Toyota Prius Fuel Tank Replacement Cost

The average cost for a 2009 Toyota Prius Fuel Tank Replacement is between $2,332 and $2,489.

Labor costs are estimated between $220 and $322 while parts are priced between $2,112 and $2,167.
This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
For a more accurate estimate based on your location, use our Fair Price Estimator below.

What are the symptoms related to a bad fuel tank?

The check engine light will illuminate any time there is a failed EVAP system test. This will be indicated by the various on-board diagnostics trouble codes that are stored in the vehicle's memory. Also, in some models, there may be a popping sound accompanying the check engine light, as the leak detection pump continuously attempts to pressurize the fuel tank. A fuel tank leak may also cause difficulty starting the engine, a rough idle, and poor fuel mileage. When a fuel tank is simply corroded to the point of failure, the exterior tank condition rarely shows damage. The inside of the fuel tank will be rusted or corroded, and rust flakes or other debris may be floating in the fuel.

Can I drive with a fuel tank problem?

A vehicle with a bad fuel tank should not be driven. The corrosion, debris, and rust inside the fuel tank will be further flushed into the fuel delivery system. The vehicle should not be started until the fuel is filtered, and the fuel tank and filter are replaced. Get this fixed by a RepairPal Certified Shop

How often do fuel tanks need to be replaced?

Fuel tanks failure rates vary with the age of the vehicle and environmental differences. Environments with extreme temperature fluctuation, humidity, sand, salt, or deep water will all impact the probability of a metal gas tank corroding. Most modern vehicles have plastic tanks which are impervious to corrosion. However, many have integrated emissions components (vent and return lines) that can fail and necessitate replacement of the entire tank.

How are fuel tank issues diagnosed?

When the EVAP system is checked, the purge valve and vent valve are closed, and the pressure is monitored by the fuel tank pressure sensor. If that pressure drops with both valves closed, there is a leak in the EVAP system. If pressure holds properly, the system passes, and will continue to prevent vapor emissions. The sensor is also used in testing vent valve and purge valve operation. When the valves are open, the pressure sensor reads the fuel tank pressure, and must sense a drop in pressure. If not, the purge valve or vent valve may be faulty.

How is a fuel tank replaced?

When the identified component is faulty, the technician will remove all electrical and vacuum connectors, clean the mating surface for the faulty part, and install a new part. The evap system will then be allowed to run self-diagnostics to test the repair. If additional leaks are present, or other components have failed, the test will fail, and the process will restart. To help prevent issues with the EVAP system, especially the charcoal canister, avoid overfilling or topping off the fuel tank.

For some vehicles, the fuel pump can only be accessed when the fuel tank is out. In this case, it may be wise to replace the fuel pump if the tank requires replacement.

RepairPal Recommendations for fuel tank issues

To help prevent issues with the EVAP system, especially the charcoal canister, avoid overfilling or topping off the fuel tank. When the tank is topped off, the charcoal canister may fill with fuel, causing degradation of the charcoal canister and system failure.

What to look out for when dealing with fuel tank issues

When working with fuel, the battery should always be disconnected, and proper precautions taken against fire hazards. It is recommended to replace the fuel tank retaining straps if they are corroded or damaged.

Get a RepairPal Fair Price Estimate® for your 2009 Toyota Prius.

Our Fair Price Estimate will help you avoid overpaying based on your car, needed service, and labor rates in your area.