P0087 fault code: Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low

Last updated · OBDCode UK editorial

Can I drive with P0087? — Limited driving

Our verified driving guidance for P0087 is limited driving; this page is professional-only and high-pressure fuel work is forbidden. Drive only as far as a workshop if the engine still runs smoothly. Stop if it stumbles, will not start, or you smell fuel.

P0087 means “Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low” — a fuel and air metering fault in the powertrain. Limited driving. Measured fuel-rail or fuel-system pressure is below the target the computer needs. The engine may lack power, stumble, or refuse to start. This page does not authorise opening high-pressure fuel pipes.

Can I DIY?

Do not DIY this repair. We do not publish DIY repair or strip-down steps for this code on this page. Read codes and observe only; leave the repair to a qualified garage.

Do not DIY this repairDIY boundary
ToolsSpecialist tools or workshop equipment — typically a professional garage job.

This fault is in the professional-only category. We do not publish strip-down or fitting steps on this page. Use a qualified garage.

Hot systems

Never open a hot coolant cap — pressure can scald you. Exhaust and catalytic converter get hot enough to burn and ignite debris. Stay clear of electric fans; they can run after shut-off.

P00xxFuel and air metering
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0087 mean?

P0087 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P00xx block, which covers fuel and air metering. The stored description is “Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

Will P0087 fail an MOT?

A lit engine management light is a Major MOT fail. Low rail pressure is not a named MOT inspection item, but a running fault can also fail the emissions test.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

What the MOT data says

No MOT certificate item corresponds to this code; MOT outcome data cannot be shown.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe. Car turns over but won’t start: safe checks before recoveryNo — while the engine turns but will not start, the car cannot be driven. Stay parked, switch the ignition off and stop repeated attempts. Check only for fuel smell or leakage,… Car cuts out when slowing down: safe next stepsRecord when the stall happens and treat any loss of control assistance as a recovery fault.
P0001Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open P0002Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance P0003Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low P0004Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High P0005Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit/Open P0006Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit Low P0007Fuel Shutoff Valve 'A' Control Circuit High P0008Engine Position System Performance

P0087 — quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0087?

Limited driving. Our verified driving guidance for P0087 is limited driving; this page is professional-only and high-pressure fuel work is forbidden. Drive only as far as a workshop if the engine still runs smoothly. Stop if it stumbles, will not start, or you smell fuel.

Can I fix P0087 myself?

Do not DIY this repair. We do not publish DIY repair or strip-down steps for this code on this page. Read codes and observe only; leave the repair to a qualified garage. Specialist tools or workshop equipment — typically a professional garage job.

Will P0087 fail my MOT?

A lit engine management light is a Major MOT fail. Low rail pressure is not a named MOT inspection item, but a running fault can also fail the emissions test.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.