How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fuel Pump?

The fuel pump plays an essential role in keeping your engine running smoothly. It pumps fuel from the gas tank, moving fuel to the engine at just the right pressure. If your fuel pump starts to fail, your engine might sputter, misfire or stop altogether, and replacing it could cost thousands of dollars.

These days, most vehicles have electric fuel pumps. They sit inside the gas tank and use an electric motor to create pressure to move gasoline or diesel from the fuel tank to the fuel injectors. From there, the fuel is mixed with air and burned in order to provide power to the engine.

Fuel pumps last a long time—generally for more than 100,000 miles. You could own a car for many years and never need to replace a fuel pump. However, the pumps wear out over time. When that happens, you may notice these common signs that your fuel pump has gone bad:

• A whining noise from the fuel tank.
• Difficulty starting the car. As a pump fails, it loses pressure more easily, which means the fuel lines will need to be primed again before gas or diesel reaches the engine.
• Slow acceleration or lack of power. This happens when the pump can't maintain enough pressure to deliver a steady supply of fuel to the engine.
• Misfires and stalling. The car might misfire or stall if enough fuel isn't reaching the fuel injectors and cylinders.
• Check engine light. This is often illuminated when the fuel pump needs replacing.

If you notice these symptoms and you've ruled out other possible causes, like a clogged fuel filter, you probably need to replace your fuel pump. You can confirm that by using (or asking your mechanic to use) a fuel system pressure tester, a device that helps you understand whether your fuel pump is exerting enough force to be effective.

On average, the price to replace your vehicle's fuel pump will cost between $1,000 and $1,200. About half of that cost is for the parts, and roughly half is for labor. Replacing a fuel pump is a labor-intensive process because a mechanic needs to remove the fuel tank from the vehicle, disconnect all fuel lines, and remove and then replace the fuel filter.

There are quite a few factors that can impact the final price you'll pay for a fuel pump replacement, including:

• Vehicle make and model. Newer, luxury and large vehicles are often more expensive to repair than others.
• Where you live. Labor costs vary widely between different areas and can impact the total cost of replacing your fuel pump.
• Cost of the pump. Getting an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part directly from the maker of your car is usually the most expensive option. After market parts are generally more affordable.
• Diesel vs. gasoline engine. Most diesels have two fuel pumps: one in the fuel compartment and one closer to the engine. If you drive a diesel and both pumps need to be replaced, you'll spend more on parts.
• Warranty coverage. A fuel pump is generally covered under the manufacturer's powertrain warranty. Always check your warranty coverage before paying out of pocket for a fuel pump.

Unfortunately, most fuel pumps can't be rebuilt or repaired. If your fuel pump starts to fail, you'll almost certainly need to replace it with a new one.

However, there are some other failing car parts that can mimic the signs of a faulty fuel pump. Before you commit to replacing your fuel pump, check these parts (or ask your mechanic to check them for you):

• Fuel injectors (make sure they're clean)
• Fuel filters (make sure they're not blocked)
• Fuel lines (check for any leaks)

It can be tempting to save money on repair costs by replacing your fuel pump yourself. However, this is a DIY job that only people who are very comfortable working on cars should take on.

Doing a DIY fuel pump replacement can be a dangerous job. Most pumps are located in the fuel tank, and replacing them can involve removing the fuel tank and fuel lines. Even an empty fuel tank can easily catch fire if there's a spark nearby, like sparks from one of your tools. Because of the potential danger in working with the fuel system, it's best to leave this job to the professionals unless you're very comfortable and experienced working with cars.

Shelling out $1,000 or more on a fuel pump can be tough. While fuel pumps need to be replaced once they start to fail, there are a few things you can do to keep your costs from climbing higher.

• Keep your gas tank at least a quarter full. Cool fuel in the gas tank helps the pump work more efficiently. Over time, keeping your tank from reaching empty could help you extend the life of your fuel pump.
• Be proactive about replacement. If your car starts having trouble accelerating or only occasionally stalls, it might be tempting to keep driving it. However, delaying a fuel pump replacement can leave you with more costly repairs in the long run, including potential tow costs. Instead, get in touch with your mechanic as soon as you notice signs of a bad fuel pump.
• Ask for aftermarket parts. These fuel pumps, which are manufactured by companies other than your car's original maker, are often more affordable than parts that come directly from the dealer.
• Shop around for labor prices. Labor prices can vary widely between different shops. When you start to notice signs of a bad fuel pump, call at least three different shops to get an estimate on repairs.

Maintaining your vehicle can mean navigating the costs of unexpected repairs and routine car care. With a part as important as the fuel pump, it's best to replace it soon after you notice signs of trouble, like sputtering, slow acceleration or stalling. The Synchrony Car Care™ credit card can help you pay for a new fuel pump and other costs associated with your vehicle.