What are symptoms of a bad gasoline fuel tank

Leaks may appear as wet spots or stains under the vehicle, especially after parking, while a persistent gasoline smell often points to cracks in the tank, damaged seals, or loose connections. Over time, leaks worsen, increasing fire risk and wasting fuel.

If the engine sputters, idles roughly, or struggles to accelerate, the tank may have internal sediment buildup or a clogged fuel strainer/filter. Sediment blocks fuel flow, depriving the engine of consistent gasoline supply.

A failing vent system or pressure-relief valve can cause the tank to build up excess pressure, leading to a "swollen" tank appearance or difficulty when refueling. Conversely, a vacuum in the tank can prevent fuel from being drawn into the pump.

Often part of the tank assembly, these lead to inaccurate fuel gauge readings. The gauge may show full when the tank is empty, empty when full, or fluctuate erratically, making it impossible to track fuel levels.

Rattling or sloshing sounds louder than normal may mean internal baffles are broken, causing excessive fuel sloshing that damages other tank components over time.