Here are the most likely causes:
* Loose or damaged fuel filter: The filter itself may be improperly installed, cracked, or has a damaged o-ring seal. This is the most common and easiest to fix, but still requires professional attention.
* Overtightened filter: While rare, over-tightening can damage the filter housing or crush the filter, leading to leaks.
* Damaged fuel lines: Cracks or holes in the fuel lines leading to or from the filter are a serious issue. These are usually caused by age, corrosion, or physical damage.
* Faulty fuel filter housing: The housing itself might be cracked or damaged, allowing fuel to escape.
* High fuel pressure: An issue with the fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator could cause excessively high pressure within the system, forcing fuel past seals.
* Clogged fuel filter: While a clogged filter *itself* won't usually cause a leak, the increased pressure from the clogged filter *could* stress seals and cause a leak.
What you should do:
1. Stop driving immediately. This is crucial to avoid a fire.
2. Do not attempt to repair it yourself unless you are a qualified mechanic. Working with fuel systems is dangerous.
3. Tow the vehicle to a qualified mechanic or repair shop. Describe the problem accurately.
4. Contact your roadside assistance if applicable.
The mechanic will need to diagnose the exact cause of the leak and repair the issue safely. They'll likely need to inspect the fuel filter, lines, and possibly the fuel pump and pressure regulator. Replacing the fuel filter might be part of the solution, but it’s unlikely to solve the problem on its own if there's a more significant underlying issue.
