Yes, a faulty fuel pump could easily cause an automobile to stall out at high speeds-mostly when the engine is under heavy load or requires a continuous supply of fuel. The fuel pumps basically operate on the principle of sustaining a continuous flow of fuel to the engine at the correct pressure, which is usually between 40-70 psi, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. When a fuel pump starts to fail, it may not be able to provide the engine with enough fuel to maintain optimal performance, especially during acceleration or at higher speeds.
According to a 2021 study by the Automotive Repair Institute, about 16% of high-speed stalls are linked to fuel delivery problems stemming from failing fuel pumps. This is because the engine’s demand for fuel increases at higher speeds, and any fluctuation in the fuel supply can result in a stall. When a faulty fuel pump cannot deliver the required volume of fuel, it can cause the engine to run lean-mean too little fuel in the air-fuel mixture-and this results in a sudden power loss and a stall. The problem could be more profound on vehicles with high mileage pumps, and under high temperatures that place additional stresses on components in the fuel pump.
Indeed, Ford Motor Company showed a significant surge in fuel pump failures under extreme summer months, citing how unusually high temperatures can result in overheating of the pump, hence losing efficiency. This may result in the complete failure of the pump, causing the engine to suddenly lose power and stall, especially at high speeds. General Motors issued a recall in 2020 over concerns that a faulty fuel pump caused their Chevrolet and GMC models to stall; almost 1.5 million vehicles were affected. The company issued the recall after getting reports of engine stalls at highway speeds because of inadequate fuel flow.
When the fuel pump cannot maintain steady fuel pressure, the engine sometimes stutters at higher revs, especially if the fuel filter is clogged, yet another common problem that can worsen fuel delivery. In fact, clogged fuel filters can reduce fuel flow as much as 50%. This further reduces the performance and may lead to a stall, especially in cases when the car is in highway speed.
“Fuel delivery is critical to the performance of the engine, especially when it is under the stress of higher RPMs,” says automotive engineer Michael Brown. “A weak or failing fuel pump can cause a dangerous stall when you’re trying to maintain high speeds, and this risk increases with older or worn-out pumps.”
If this problem is not solved in time, then severe engine problems may occur due to a failing fuel pump, including permanent damage to the engine due to extensive periods of starvation of fuel. Fuel pump replacement is essential not only to restore power and prevent stalling but also to ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, minimizing long-term repair costs. The cost of replacing a malfunctioning fuel pump may range between $300 and $800, depending on the vehicle model. For quality replacement parts and more, visit Fuel Pump to get the best and highest-quality products that maintain fuel delivery stable and never let your car stall out in the middle of the road driving at high speeds.