Advice

Does My Car Need a New Fuel Pump?

By 07/17/2025 8:00am

Fuel Pump Replacement Quick Facts

  • A faulty fuel pump may be the reason for struggling to maintain speed, engine overheating, sputtering, or the “check engine” light illuminating.
  • Modern pumps are electric, tank-mounted, and more efficient than older mechanical types.
  • Parts and labor costs for fuel pump replacement range from $1,000 to $1,300, depending on the vehicle.

A fuel pump delivers gas or diesel to an engine’s combustion chamber and usually provides many years of trouble-free operation. Once in a while, though, you may find one that needs replacement. How would you know for sure?

This guide will tell you the signs of a malfunctioning fuel pump, how it works, and the replacement costs.

What Are Fuel Pump Warning Signs?

Look for several tell-tale signs your fuel pump needs maintenance, repair, or replacement. They can include the following:

  • Unable to maintain speed. The feeling of the engine “choking” or struggling to maintain speed. This condition may cause you to think you are out of gas, despite the gauge showing fuel in the tank.
  • Overheating. A failing fuel pump may overheat and, due to its inefficiency, cause the engine to overheat. A vehicle where this type of failure may be imminent might operate for about 15 to 30 minutes before stopping. After allowing it to cool, you may find that it runs again, only to repeat the failure as the engine heats up. It’s another warning sign that the fuel pump is not long for this world.
  • All kinds of sputtering. Noises, backfires, and sputtering engines indicate a fuel pump gone bad. Typically, electronic fuel pumps won’t make a noise unless they begin to fail. An inconsistent fuel flow may cause internal engine problems, leading to hesitation when starting the vehicle or upon acceleration.
  • Engine light comes on. Any of these issues may be accompanied by the “Check Engine” light illuminating on the dashboard.

RELATED: Car Warning and Dashboard Lights Explained 

Is It OK to Drive With a Bad Fuel Pump?

Driving with a bad fuel pump can create premature wear and tear on your engine, lowering the car’s value. A faulty pump can cause sudden engine power loss, which could lead to a traffic accident or another dangerous situation. Whether for financial or safety concerns, have the car inspected when you first notice symptoms of a fuel pump not working correctly.

How Do You Test a Fuel Pump?

The best way to test a fuel pump for repair or replacement is to take the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership.

MORE: What Happens if You Put Diesel in a Gas Car?

How Does a Fuel Pump Work?

Mechanical fuel pumps were once standard, sometimes attached outside the fuel tank. With the advent of electronic fuel injection, mechanical fuel pumps are relics, replaced by electric fuel pumps, which are generally mounted inside the fuel tank. The pump creates positive pressure that forces fuel through the gas lines to the engine. In the tank, the pump submerges in cool liquid far from the engine, making it less likely to start a fire.

A modern fuel pump uses a direct-current (DC) electric motor to draw fuel from the tank. The pump sends gas through the fuel injectors to mist into the cylinders. The fuel mixes with air, and a charge from the spark plugs creates combustion. A filter on the pump’s intake sifts any impurities to prevent them from entering the fuel lines and contaminating your engine.

Electronic fuel pumps deliver various benefits, including reduced fuel consumption thanks to continuous metering from the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU). A second benefit is the predelivery of fuel because the engine revolutions (rpm) are no longer responsible for operating the pump. This predelivery enables new vehicles to use auto start and stop systems, saving fuel by stopping and restarting the engine instead of maintaining a continuous idle.

RELATED: Does My Car Need a New Fuel Filter?

Where Is a Fuel Pump Located?

Electric fuel pumps are generally mounted inside a vehicle’s fuel tank.

Fuel Pump Preventive Maintenance

In most cases, in-tank fuel pumps last 100,000 miles or more. While the module itself is not a maintenance item, you can take steps to maximize its lifespan.

A clogged fuel filter can force the fuel pump to work harder, leading to premature failure. Replacing the filter as part of routine maintenance is a cost-effective way to protect the fuel pump. Other good habits:

  • Keep the fuel tank more than one-quarter full to avoid overheating in the in-tank pump.
  • Use fresh fuel that is the right type for your vehicle.

What’s Involved in Fuel Pump Replacement?

A mechanic will need to get to the failed pump through the top of the fuel tank via an access panel in the passenger compartment. When no access panel is available, the mechanic must drain the fuel from the tank and lower and remove the tank from the vehicle to service the pump. During this process, the mechanic must remove all fuel supply and return hoses from their connecting points.

Once the mechanic has removed the faulty fuel pump, they attach the mounting brackets to the new pump and install it in place of the old one. At this point, replacing the fuel filters is a good practice. Finally, the mechanic fills the fuel tank and tests for leaks.

This job is moderately complicated and best performed at your dealership’s service department or repair shop.

MORE: How Often Should I Change My Oil?

What Is the Fuel Pump Replacement Cost? 

The typical fuel pump replacement cost is $1,000 to $1,300, depending on the vehicle, age, and region. Labor costs range from about $500 to $600, and parts for fuel pump replacement are about $500 to $600. The expense varies by vehicle. Labor rates are higher for those with hard-to-reach pumps. High-end models may have more expensive parts. For example, the parts for a fuel pump replacement on a 2004 Honda Civic will run around $500, while a 2004 BMW 545i owner will need to spend nearly twice that amount for the parts to replace the pump at a franchise dealer. Tariffs on automotive parts may increase pump pricing. Estimates do not include taxes and fees.

If you need a fuel pump replacement, see what your vehicle’s fuel pump will cost using our Service and Repair Pricing Guide and find the closest car shops to do the work.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.