2010 Prius Cabin Smells of Fuel/Exhaust

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by YarG GerG, Apr 24, 2025.

  1. YarG GerG

    YarG GerG New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2025
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    Location:
    Jacksonville, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    (Went on reddit and was unable to get any help so I thought I would go here) I would appreciate any assistance if anyone has any idea whatsoever about what is wrong with my car.

    Model: Toyota Prius 2010

    The car sat in the driveway for 2 days. Now the car smells of some sort of fuel or oil, this has not happened before. The weather has had highs of 80 degrees. Left a Jacket inside smell has kinda stuck to it for context.

    • No leaks underneath the car.

    • The gas cap seems secure with no cracks or damage.

    • No check engine warning of any sort.

    • Doesn't seem to be using more gas than it usually does.

    • No strange noises during acceleration.
    The second day, it smells still, I am thinking it might be oil of some sort since the gas tank still building up pressure when I open the cap. I don't think it could be coolent either. lifted up the back seat in case it would be the gas and the seal went bad but it doesn't seem like it.

    Does anyone have any idea what it could be?

    I'll probably drive it a couple of times in the next few days with the windows down before I can make it to a mechanic's unless it's an easier fix.

    I've swapped out my brake pads and rotors, done oil changes, and swapped out the speakers before.

    But if it's a major problem that needs to be addressed. I'll head to a shop immediately, but I'd like to avoid a trip if I can DIY it since I have more time than money right now.

    Thank you so much for reading this.
     
    #1 YarG GerG, Apr 24, 2025
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i'd take a good look underneath at the length of the exhaust system (up on a lift would be best)

    clean the entire engine compartment so you can watch for new leaks. keep an eye on fluid and oil levels
     
    #2 bisco, Apr 25, 2025
    YarG GerG likes this.
  3. Prius_Gnome

    Prius_Gnome Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2008
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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I had a similar problem in my own 2010 Prius. Just like you, there were no check engine warning lights and I didn't notice any significant changes in fuel economy.

    For me, the exhaust smell happened when my vents were set to outside air ventilation (instead of recirculating inside cabin air). If you didn't know, when cabin air ventilation is set to outside (instead of inside), it pulls in air from the passenger-side engine compartment (look at the "vents" under your wipers and you'll see it). So I basically had an exhaust leak somewhere near the engine/exhaust manifold area. I took it into an auto shop (and told them about the possible exhaust leak) and they found where it was and fixed it for me. I don't exactly remember where it was or how they fixed it, but I do remember they said some bolt was seized so they had to redrill the hole and use another (bigger?) bolt. I have wondered since if it was a head gasket failure that caused the exhaust leak but I'm not going to fix what's not broken (yet).
     
    #3 Prius_Gnome, Apr 26, 2025
    YarG GerG likes this.
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