In general, a fuel pump can expect to last for 100-150K miles (roughly), give or take, based on factors like the quality of gas put into it as well as other things. Consumer Reports noted that almost 80% of the cars on road face fuel pump problems after they have covered a distance of 100,000 miles. DescriptionFuel pumps are responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine at high pressure, typically in the 30-85 PSI range.
How hard we push our vehicles can have a lot to do with how long the fuel pump will last as well. Pumps have shorter lives in cars and trucks that tend to run with low fuel levels. This is because the fuel acts as a coolant and lubricant for the pump. Low tank levels mean a hot-running pump, which will wear out more quickly. RepairPal reports , for example driving with fuel too consistently low in the tank can reduce a fuel pump's life by 25%—you might expect it to go bad at as little as 75,000 miles.
Additionally, a fuel pump lifespan can also be influenced by environmental variables. Fuel pumps in vehicles subjected to either extreme temperature conditions or where fuel quality is poor may fail sooner. Automotive News cited higher instances of fuel pump issues in vehicles subjected to hotter locales, with the heat potentially causing premature failure if the pumps are asked for more output than they're rated. Debris in low-grade gas or water contamination can block the pump, including the fuel filter which reduces performance and shortens the lifespan of your pump.
An adequately maintained fuel pump will last 20% longer, which includes proper intervals for fuelling filter changes. A clean filter means the pump has to work less harder in pushing fuel through the system which results in lesser strain on it and prolonged efficiency for your pump. Edmunds suggests having the fuel filter replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 miles so that too much load is not placed on it.
The price of a fuel pump replacement is not cheap, and depending on where you get it done the new prices range from $300 to $800 — labor included. If maintenance is done unprocedural and early life on a pump fails in operation, that cost can go up considerably. According to Forbes, not taking care of gas pump failure signs initially can result in even more costly repair work; particularly if the failing causes damages to various other elements such as fuel injectors or engine.
Security expert Bruce Schneier says: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Same goes for fuel pumps. The failure of these pumps is preventable with proper vehicle maintenance and fuel level checking. Some manufacturers now design fuel pumps with materials that are stronger, and will last longer than previous versions. But despite the added tech, according to Acura most fuel pumps still have a lifespan of about 150,000 miles.
Whether you're replacing your fuel pump or just looking to upgrade it, opting for a premium-quality unit can help provide longer life. Well-known choices like Fuel Pump have sturdy solutions that are designed to be up-to-date with current standards for autos and will help lengthen the life of your fuel arrangement.