Fault Code Lookup › Powertrain codes › P0171

P0171 Powertrain · generic OBD-II

System Too Lean

P0171 is a standard code covering engine, transmission, fuel and emissions. It names the system that logged the fault, not the part that failed. Below: which cars owners reported it on, what happened, and recalls on those cars, from 61 complaints filed with NHTSA. Updated November 3, 2026.

Owners also write it as P017184 (the last two characters are the sub-code).

  • 61owner reports
  • 26car models
  • 1mention a crash
  • 0mention a fire
  • 2012–2024model years

Which cars get code P0171?

Every model whose owners mentioned P0171 in a complaint, most reports first. Each year opens that car's full problem report. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.

Where does P0171 show up?

By brand

  • Chevrolet34
  • Ford12
  • GMC4
  • Jeep3
  • Chrysler2
  • BMW1
  • Dodge1
  • Mercedes-Benz1
  • Ram1
  • Volkswagen1
  • Volvo1

Component the owner filed it under

  1. Engine44 (72.1%)
  2. Fuel/Propulsion System26 (42.6%)
  3. Power Train13 (21.3%)
  4. Electrical System8 (13.1%)
  5. Fuel System2 (3.3%)
  6. Gasoline2 (3.3%)

Is there a recall for P0171?

The others concern the component owners file this code under (Engine) on the same cars; they may or may not relate to the code. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Engine Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine… NHTSA campaign 25V345000 · May 23, 2025 · Affected cars

2020 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Cooling System: Pump BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i… NHTSA campaign 24V608000 · August 13, 2024 · Affected cars

2013 BMW 3 Series. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication: Pump Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure. NHTSA campaign 23V905000 · December 22, 2023 · Affected cars

2018 Ford Focus, 2017 Ford Focus. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing… NHTSA campaign 23V411000 · June 8, 2023 · Affected cars

2014 Ram 1500. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources… NHTSA campaign 23V380000 · May 26, 2023 · Affected cars

2020 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources… NHTSA campaign 22V484000 · July 7, 2022 · Affected cars

2020 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak. NHTSA campaign 22V191000 · March 25, 2022 · Affected cars

2021 Ford Bronco Sport, 2020 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Diesel Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing… NHTSA campaign 20V475000 · August 13, 2020 · Affected cars

2014 Ram 1500. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.

What happened when owners saw P0171?

10 of the 61 reports, spread across the models above, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.

Everything that has to do with the air in cabin and air intake for engine fails. Have issues all the time with it , told I need to fix one part then that fails again. Can’t use the AC in this car more than half the time if not an issue arises. Now I can’t get my inspection because again the same codes: P0097, P0171,P11c3, P 2199 At first I had only an issue with the MAF new one was placed and now all these errors popped up. The electrical also gave me issues before the lights are not as bright anymore in the car not the headlights. Too afraid to change them because I need the vehicle for my medical appointments and to pick up kids from school
2012 Chevrolet CruzeElectrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11554698 · Nov 11, 2023
2013 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8 L , fuel system lean ,mass airflow sensor, in limp mode preventing acceleration, gas tank when added gas....shuts down after start up-fuel system/gasoline; may cause possible fuel leak and could combust, alarm system and locks don't properly function - electric system equipment, insufficient welds...around fuel tank and front of vehicle on bottom by driver's side could also cause combustion, bcm codes that came up were communication, electrical, fuel, windows, and airbags! AutoZone codes were po171 and co561-77,I looked up recalls , several came up for my make and model but weren't specific to my vin# however my vehicle is doing everything pertaining to them! And I…
2013 Chevrolet SonicPower Train, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11549029 · Oct 9, 2023
On September 18,2026 owner #3 bought the vehicle on December 9,2026 at the time of purchase it had 46,545 on September 17 check engine light came on and the diagnostic code came up as P0171 lean bank one from Pep Boys.Pep Boys scan found P0171 lean bank 1 meaning that is sucking in too much oxygen, upon inspection found rear exhaust manifold is cracked, creating a vacuum and suck. ng in oxygen,causing the engine light, the exhaust hanger is broken and pictures from PepBoys show the exhaust hanger is broken and was held by poxy putty from previous owner #2 this was not disclosed at the time of sale on December 9,2026 and CarMax failed to complete a 125 inspection before it left the dealership…
2020 Chevrolet TraverseUnknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11765950 · Sep 21, 2026
Cause not cranking and boost for while but stopped while running… displaying transmission fault service now… codes P1450 unable to bleed up fuel vacuum P0456 evaporative emission system leak detect..P144A emission system purge vapor line restricted/ blocked P0171 system too lean… seems to be bad vac line to tank and air leak… car stalling
2018 Ford FocusEngine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11467635 · Jun 5, 2022
The headlights burn out frequently the air conditioner does not work the ignition had to be replaced there's always a code of p0171 the start/stop feature does not work the brakes make the car shake. When does stuff takes place I have to pull the vehicle over cousin me to put others in danger by being on the shoulder of the road broke down. Yes the car is available for inspection. The radio randomly turns on and off therefore the backup camera does not work as it should why this vehicle has not been recalled is beyond me.
2014 Chevrolet MalibuElectrical System, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11670354 · Jun 30, 2025
My check engine light comes on intermittently, since March 2024, after having Cabin & Engine air filters replaced. Each time, I’m told it is code P0171. This has happened too many times for my comfort. Usually, it happens around the time my gas gets below 1/2 tank or after I fill up my gas tank. Originally, I was told by the mechanic that it could be one of four things, of which I’ve now had some of things done. InIn Aug. 2024, the check engine light came in. Code was P0171. Mechanic replaced the Brake vacuum pump. Once incident, almost a month later, on 9/24/24, was very scary. While driving on the interstate, I got ready to increase my speed, but heard a pop sound and noticed the speed…
2018 GMC TerrainPower Train, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11644047 · Feb 21, 2025
Between XXX, a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS experienced repeated sudden loss of engine power, throttle control, and steering control at highway speeds. Fuel management system, turbocharger, and catalytic converter failed repeatedly. GM-authorized dealer confirmed defects on multiple warranty repair orders. Breakdown 1: Nov 2024, interstate, rain, nighttime. Vehicle lost power and steering surrounded by semi-trucks on three sides with a ditch on the right. Towed to GM dealer. Breakdown 2: Dec 2024, [XXX], 2 miles from home. Same failure. Semi on driver side, vehicles fast approaching from rear, ditch on right. Crawled under 35 mph for 5 miles to next exit. GM OnStar app confirmed…
2024 Chevrolet EquinoxExterior Lighting, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11741382 · Jun 1, 2026
Bought 6/17/2023 with 81k miles (1.4L turbo). By ~7/1/2023 it ran rough and hesitated after refueling. Firestone (Brick, NJ, 7/5/2023 at 82,090 miles) said radiator leaking; keep topping off; noted open Chevy “special coverage” bulletin. Over ~2 years kept adding coolant (high consumption). Rough running worsened. Lester Glenn Chevy (Toms River, NJ, 10/20/2025 at 122,815 miles) replaced the evaporative emissions purge valve under special coverage N212338400; fixed post-refuel roughness but not overall rough running. Regular oil changes; last 10/1/2025 at 121,872 miles. Codes then: P0171, P0299, P0300, P0442, P0449, P0496. On 11/27/2025, at ~60 mph uphill on the Garden State Parkway, engine…
2019 Chevrolet TraxEngineNHTSA complaint 11710113 · Jan 10, 2026
My Check Engine Light came on today. I went to Advance Auto Parts and had them check the code (P0171). I took my vehicle to University Ford in Huntington and expressed concern that my fuel injector may cause a fire and I am not comfortable driving the car. They could not diagnose my car or loan me a safe vehicle. They sent me away in an unsafe vehicle. I am to bring the car back in the morning at 8am. I believe this problem is due to the open recall. I also believe all of the damaged parts that my car came with have depreciated the value of my car. I’ve driven Fords exclusively for 20 years. I’ve never had a Ford like this Bronco. Nothing but a nightmare. Tomorrow I hope the dealership fixes…
2021 Ford Bronco SportUnknown Or Other, Engine, Fuel/Propulsion SystemNHTSA complaint 11704358 · Dec 10, 2025
At approximately 35,900 miles, vehicle failed a block test indicating combustion gases in the cooling system. Cylinder head gasket was replaced, cylinder head was machined, and exhaust valves were replaced at an independent shop at a cost of over 5,000. Shortly after, at approximately 36,300 miles, vehicle was towed in with sudden loss of power and would not accelerate. Diagnostic codes P1064 (cylinder 4 oil supply solenoid stuck), P0171 (fuel system lean), and P0304 (cylinder misfire) were found. The MultiAir/VVT actuator was confirmed to have an internal failure. Both the independent shop and a Jeep dealership parts department confirmed the component was on indefinite national backorder…
2020 Jeep CompassPower Train, EngineNHTSA complaint 11730900 · Apr 13, 2026

P0171: questions drivers ask

What does code P0171 mean?

P0171 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code. Its standard definition is "System Too Lean". The code tells you which system set the fault, not which part failed; the owner reports on this page show what it meant in practice for 26 car models.

Which cars get code P0171 most often?

In NHTSA owner complaints, P0171 is mentioned most for the Chevrolet Cruze (11), Chevrolet Sonic (8), Chevrolet Traverse (5), across 26 models and model years 2012 to 2024. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.

Is there a recall for code P0171?

No NHTSA recall text names P0171 directly. 8 recalls on the cars that report this code concern the same component owners name most (Engine); they may or may not relate to the code. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What should I do if my car shows P0171?

Write down when the code appeared and what the car did (warning lights, loss of power, noises, speed, weather). Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer or independent workshop to read the stored freeze-frame data before anyone clears the code, and keep the repair order. If the car loses power in traffic, stop driving it. CarHooq does not diagnose: these are owner reports and official recall notices, not repair advice.

How this page was made

CarHooq read the text of every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for 19 US and European brands (model years 2012 onwards) and picked out the diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote down. This page lists every mention of P0171 (including sub-code forms such as P017184). The definition is the generic SAE J2012 wording; a carmaker may use the code slightly differently. Nothing here is a diagnosis. Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain), retrieved November 3, 2026. How CarHooq reports are made.

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