A fuel pump may fail after some time due to wear and tear, heat generation, and contamination within the fuel system. The fuel pumps could work from 100,000 to 150,000 miles, based on the conditions of usage, maintenance strategy, and grade of fuel being used. In fact, running a fuel pump under unkind conditions for a very long time will accelerate wear on its internal parts to the point of failure.
Over time, the pumping motor and impeller-major components of the fuel pump-suffer material fatigue. This wear and tear is compounded by the heat generated in continuous operation, which lowers efficiency and increases the chances of failure. One such study by the Society of Automotive Engineers estimated that fuel pumps in vehicles driven more than 10 years or 150,000 miles showed a 35% higher failure rate as compared to fresh systems.
Fuel contamination is also a major cause of the failure of pumps after periods of use. Particles, rust, and water in the fuel system clog the internal filters of the pump and prevent it from working properly. Models of older cars are more prone to this problem, as fuel tanks accumulate sediment over time. According to a 2020 report published by AAA, 20% of failures in the pumps of cars over eight years old could be attributed to polluted fuel systems.
In 2019, Toyota recalled 1.8 million vehicles due to fuel pump issues in older models. Owners reported symptoms such as difficult cold starts, a lack of power, and stalling while trying to accelerate. Toyota’s investigation found that the pumps in these vehicles were failing after years of service due to mechanical wear and clogging from debris.
“Longevity requires vigilance,” said Scotty Kilmer, an automotive expert who underlined that taking care of each critical component, such as the fuel pump, means that periodic maintenance is required. Fuel system inspections every 30,000 miles and timely replacement of fuel filters help mitigate issues caused by debris and wear.
Replacing a failed fuel pump costs between $400 and $800, depending on the vehicle model. However, neglecting symptoms of a failing pump can lead to more costly repairs, such as damage to fuel injectors or the catalytic converter, which could cost over $1,500. Preventive maintenance includes keeping the fuel tank at least one-quarter full, allowing the pump to be submerged and cool during operation, thus putting less thermal stress on it.
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