How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump?
Budget between $500 and $900 for a replacement if yours goes out
When it comes to owning a car, there’s no shortage of bumps in the road. Why is your vehicle making that noise? It could be one of several issues, including an old or broken fuel pump. Once you’ve diagnosed something wrong with the fuel pump, there’s the burning question: How much will it cost to replace?
According to our analysis, on average, a fuel pump replacement costs about $504 to $898.
Costs of fuel pump replacement vary based on the model of the car, the type of pump and your location’s labor fees.
Jump to insightSigns of a faulty fuel pump include a whining noise, slow acceleration and an engine that won’t start.
Jump to insightRepairing a fuel pump is virtually impossible. In pretty much all cases, a broken one must be replaced.
Jump to insightKeep your gas tank at least a quarter full and maintain a clean fuel filter to avoid a broken fuel pump.
Jump to insightFuel pump replacement costs
A professional fuel pump replacement costs $504 to $898, on average, though this price will fluctuate based on the parts required for your specific make and model and the labor fees in your area.
If you break down somewhere remote and need a tow, additional costs stack up quickly. Most likely, a broken fuel pump will make your car unfit for driving. Depending on your location and how far you have to go to reach the shop, a tow can cost $55 to $133, on average.
Diagnostic fees may also apply. If you lack car savvy and aren’t certain why your car is having issues, a technician may charge you a diagnostic fee. Based on the time required to detect the problem, this fee may range from $77 to $106. Some shops allow you to put this cost toward a replacement.
Fuel pump cost factors
Pinning down the final price for a fuel pump replacement can be tricky. We live in a time with an abundance of vehicle makes and models — many of which call for different parts. These different parts affect the type of fuel pump you have and its location; some pumps are easier for the mechanic to work on than others.
If you drive a newer vehicle that already has an electric pump, replacing it will likely be cheaper than if you need to swap a mechanical pump out with an electric one.”
Make and model
The make and model of your ride play a major role in the overall cost of fuel pump replacement. High-performance and luxury cars tend to have more costly parts, for example. You’ll also need to factor in when your car was made.
“If you drive a newer vehicle that already has an electric pump, replacing it will likely be cheaper than if you need to swap a mechanical pump out with an electric one,” said Mike Miles, an automobile and airplane mechanic with over two decades of experience replacing fuel line parts.
According to Miles, who says he’s replaced more fuel pumps than he can count, it’s usually best to call a mechanic to get an estimate and determine what your specific vehicle make and model’s fuel pump replacement will cost.
Type of fuel pump
Three main types of fuel pumps dominate today’s automobile industry: electric, diaphragm and plunger. Most modern vehicles run on electric fuel pumps, which are high-pressure and energized by the vehicle’s battery. If your car is older, you might have a mechanical pump. These pumps are low-pressure and can be split into two subcategories: diaphragm and plunger.
- Electric fuel pumps: These pumps are typically found in the fuel tank rather than by the engine, which minimizes the risk of explosion. An electric control unit (ECU) controls the volume of fuel to help limit your gas stops. Electric pump parts, on their own, typically cost $50 to $100.
- Diaphragm mechanical fuel pumps: Named after the expansion and contraction of the pump’s body, the diaphragm variation sucks in and pushes out gas through valves.
- Mechanical plunger pumps: These devices suck the gas in a backward motion out of a cylinder. They typically deliver gas from the tank to a carburetor or engine.
Mechanical pumps tend to be priced higher than electric pumps, ranging from $50 to $200. High-pressure fuel pumps work above 200 pascals and function by injecting fuel into the combustion chamber. These upgraded pumps allow for a more efficient ride and can cost $200 to $1,000. If you have an extended warranty, check to see what’s covered — it might cover the replacement of this part.
» CALCULATE: How much does an extended car warranty cost?
Labor costs
Labor costs vary depending on the type of car you have and how difficult or time-consuming it is to access its fuel pump. Some vehicles require more complex methods of fuel pump replacement, which makes for a longer mechanic’s visit. On average, labor charges range from $90 to $400, and you can expect to wait about two to three hours before your car is returned to you.
Be sure to account for delays, though: If your parts are on back order or if the mechanic is particularly busy, it could be days before they can fit your job in.
| Vehicle | Parts cost | Labor cost | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Honda Civic | $215.32-$370.07 | $301.16- $409.27 | $516.47-$779.34 |
| 2016 Ford F-150 | $133.27-$229.06 | $246.40-$334.85 | $379.68-$563.92 |
| 2018 BMW 740i | $361.42-$621.19 | $91.26-$124.02 | $452.68-$745.21 |
Signs of a bad fuel pump
When working properly, a fuel pump should carry gas from your vehicle’s fuel tank to its injectors. If the pump doesn’t deliver the right quantity of gas at the right pressure and speed, the car’s engine won’t run properly. You’ll know your pump isn’t doing its job if it leaks or makes a sputtering sound.
If your fuel pump fails, you might notice a whining noise that varies in pitch. If you suspect issues with the pump, stop driving as soon as you can.
“A fuel pump’s whining noise will be different from your engine’s typical hum,” Miles, the mechanic, said. “It may sound like your car is suddenly going through puberty — the noises a malfunctioning fuel pump might make can vary in pitch.” He added that a broken fuel pump may make no noise at all, and he warned that in some cases the engine won’t turn over and the car won’t start.
Depending on the model of car you drive, the dashboard’s check-engine light may come on when you have fuel pump issues. If you suspect your pump has failed or malfunctioned, refrain from driving it, if possible.
In more subtle instances, you may notice slow acceleration, stalling or a decrease in fuel efficiency. Problems with fuel pumps are more likely to occur at higher overall mileages. One reviewer on our site from Nevada, who used their extended warranty coverage to replace their fuel pump, said their faulty pump caused a “really bad smell” and had a “hard time starting up.”
As fuel pumps age, they gradually lose the ability to maintain pressure. Avoid frequently running the gas tank empty to keep your pump happy and healthy for longer.
Fuel pump repair
In most situations, a fuel pump issue means replacement, not repair. Pump replacement is a fairly straightforward maintenance task and should require only a brief visit to your local mechanic. Before diagnosing the fuel pump, your mechanic should check to make sure a clogged fuel filter isn’t to blame. Problems with the filter have similar symptoms but don’t necessarily call for the replacement.
In most cases, if the fuel pump is the cause of the issue, the mechanic drains the fuel from the tank to relieve some pressure. They’ll disconnect the filler neck from the tank, then remove the straps holding the tank in place. Once all connecting wires are released, they’ll remove the pump and install a fresh one. Even if the fuel filter isn’t to blame, now is a good time to sift dirt out of the filter and ensure there’s no leakage.
» LEARN MORE: Fuel tank replacement cost
FAQ
How long does a fuel pump typically last?
A fuel pump’s life span mostly depends on how much strain you place on it. If you repeatedly run the gas tank empty before filling it, your pump will have a more difficult life. Cars with more than 100,000 miles have a higher likelihood of experiencing pump problems.
Can a bad fuel pump be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?
The best solution for a faulty fuel pump is to replace it. Don’t bother with repairs, since fixing a kaput pump is pricier than purchasing a new one — if it’s even possible to repair.
Can I replace the fuel pump myself, or should I hire a professional?
Replacing a fuel pump is considered an intermediate-level skill. If you have a working knowledge of your car, have the tools to do the job and want to roll up your sleeves, a do-it-yourself pump replacement might save you money. Whether you go the professional route or tackle the job yourself depends largely on your budget and the time you want to dedicate to the project.
Are there any preventative measures I can take to avoid fuel pump failure?
Always keep your fuel tank a quarter full so the pump doesn’t dry out or overheat. These conditions shorten a fuel pump’s longevity. A full tank of gas provides healthy pressure the pump relies on to do its job. Also, try to keep your tank clear of sediment; debris in your fuel line can cause a clogged filter and subsequently make it harder for your car to pump fuel.
Does car insurance cover the cost of fuel pump replacement?
Unless it’s an accident-related issue, insurance typically does not cover the costs of fuel pump replacement. Mechanical issues are part of owning a vehicle and generally considered wear-and-tear expenses. A final bill for a fuel pump replacement is generally covered by your car’s extended warranty, if applicable.
Article sources
- Kelley Blue Book, “Does My Car Need a New Fuel Pump?” Accessed March 15, 2023.
- AutoZone, “HOW MUCH DOES REPLACING A FUEL PUMP COST?” Accessed March 15, 2023.
- RepairPal, “Fuel Pump Replacement Cost.” Accessed March 15, 2023.
- Advance Auto Parts, “How to Replace a Fuel Pump.” Accessed March 15, 2023.
