Have a pretty strong fuel smell almost all the time outside the car. Can smell it after driving when we get out of the car & while driving if the sunroof or windows are down & we come to a stop. Just bought the car & would love to fix this before we blow up one day I guess?

Any ideas? Leaky fuel pump, fuel line, delivery??? Seems to be originating on the exterior of the car.

Thank you!

PS-- Also having a difficult time starting the engine on the 1st try. Can get it to turn over on the 2nd try. The owner's manual says to be patient, but it should be a given that it starts without any headaches.

It could be a loss of fuel pressure due to a leak as noted but it is also possible the fuel pressure regulator is stuck and there is too much fuel. Is the exhaust smoky (black)? Once started does car run smooth or rough?

There is no black smoke & the engine works incredible once started.

I called the dealership & they said a leaky/replacement fuel pump is covered to 150k miles. However, I do have to cover the $130.00 diagnosis charge if the covered item is not the problem afterall. The tech thought there was a pretty good chance it was a leaky fuel pump. I'll see if I can get into their shop to get it figured out.

Thanks for all the help out there & keep it coming if you have insights into this mystery.

First, never overfill your tank. When the nozzle clicks off, don't round it up to the next dollar. Overfilling will result in liquid gasoline entering the vapor lanes and messing things up in general.

Check above the right rear wheel. That is where the fuel filter is, as well as a 90 degree elbow for the EVAP system. There should not be any gas fumes there, ever.

Klaus
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Mistakes make us learn. Beer is for a job well done.

Your vehicle is hard to start because it is loosing fuel pressure. Diagnosis should be simple for whomever you take it to. If you're in the Northeast, it may be as simple as a rusted through fuel filter as a result of salt and sand in the winter. Get it fixed immediately.

It sounds like you are losing fuel at the pump. This would explain the smell and also the hard start. This should be covered under extended warranty until 150,000 miles.