Yes, a fuel pump can fail in high-mileage cars because its life span normally suffers from wear and tear after an extended use. Most fuel pumps are designed to last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, depending on make, model, and maintenance history. In higher mileage cars, over 150,000 miles, the possibility of failure by the Fuel Pump increases greatly because this is due to a major strain that the pump faces overtime.
Over time, the internal parts in a fuel pump wear out and slowly depressurize the pumping pressure. The fuel pumps in older cars cannot sustain the demand of 30 to 80 pounds per square inch required for efficient fuel injection. The results of this can be seen through engine misfires, hesitation, or stalling of the car in subject. Routine maintenance such as the fuel filter change may extend the life of the Fuel Pump, but even with appropriate care, high mileage can still result in failure.
High-mileage vehicles, especially those over 200,000 miles, run an elevated risk of Fuel Pump failure as electrical degradation and fuel system corrosion take their toll. In fact, in 2020, AAA stated that 1 out of every 4 vehicles over 150,000 miles required repairs to the Fuel Pump, proving directly that the number of miles and the failure rate of fuel pumps are related.
In addition to mechanical wear and tear, fuel contamination hastens the failure of the pump in older cars. Sediments and impurities in the fuel tank block the pump or damage its internal mechanisms, which can render the operation of this pump inefficient. As pointed out by industry expert Elon Musk himself, “Any product that needs a manual to work is broken.” This philosophy applies in fuel systems whereby reliable performance should be expected without constant intervention.
Thus, yes, it is, if one is pondering whether a Fuel Pump can fail in high-mileage cars, based on real-world data, mileage wear, and the inherent limitations of the components that make up a Fuel Pump.
Learn about fuel pumps and how to keep them running by visiting Fuel Pump.