Smell of gas coming out air vents on 07 Prius

Do you mean recirculate mode?

Range? Do you mean average? If you do, how many miles did you do to get that average?

Might think about a different mechanic, if he doesn't torque down spark plugs.

 

when did you last get an inspection sticker?

 

1. If your exhaust system had sufficiently deteriorated so that there were holes in it, then I suggest you need to replace the entire exhaust system including the catalytic converter. You may still be smelling engine exhaust, for example leaking from a broken gasket between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust pipe, or a small hole in the exhaust, etc.

2. A gas smell accompanied by abnormally low fuel economy would imply you have a leak somewhere.

3. Since you don't know the prior maintenance history, I think you should replace the iridium spark plugs, make sure the new iridium plugs are the correct NGK or Denso brand, and tightened to 13 ft.-lb.

At 173K miles on the odometer, and considering the corrosion that you reported, it is reasonable that you need to put some money into Prius maintenance.

 

@Prius_Cub here in Virginia had they exhaust manifold rust out probably due to road salt during winter. But he had a noise under the hood. I am confused if we are talking about an exhaust smell or a gasoline smell.

 

Here is one of the threads I found when I was trying to figure out my issue. I had thought for sure I had some sort of fuel/exhaust leak that was coming through the fresh air vent, so I'd only smell it at low speeds. I even bought and was going to put in all new Fuel Injector seals as I thought I could smell it in that area. Turned out once the spark plugs were taken out again and put back in using the torque specs per the manual, the smell is gone.

Smell of gas thru vents. Also smell it outside car when off... | PriusChat

 

but the mechanic said there's no such thing as spark plugs not torqued down properly.

 

i wouldn't replace the cc until it fails the next inspection.

 

if the cat was bad it would turn on the check engine light. change and torque spark plugs. get a good flashlight and look the motor over carefully from the top and bottom for any signs of fluid leaks. if the exhaust is leaking you will hear it, and you might see black soot marks at the leak the condensation water you sometimes see is normal. if your only getting 20 mpg, something is very wrong with your car. find an honest competent technician asap.

 

I am having a very similar issue now. faint gas smell. my mechanic looked at the car, replaced the fuel injector seals for $250 and the smell i smore faint but still there. i am worried that it is getting worse. i only smell it when the car moves slowly/ICE is on and the vents are bringing in fresh air. this leads me to believe it could be 1. spark plugs (i havent changed these since i got the car a year ago) 2. fuel injectors 3. gas line in engine bay? where is that btw? any othr ideas? i am going to work ont he car this weekend...