A method detects a failure in a fuel return valve of an aircraft engine fuel circuit. A fuel system is connected to a fuel tank of the circuit and includes a high-pressure pump delivering a flow rate to an actuating cylinder, a cutoff valve capable of feeding the actuating cylinder disposed in a feed pipe of the engine; a fuel return pipe; a fuel return valve arranged to switch between an open position and a closed position. The method includes starting the engine at an engine speed; increasing the engine speed until a flow rate reaches a predefined value sufficient for opening the cutoff valve; measuring the position of the actuating cylinder and an engine speed corresponding to the opening of said cutoff valve.