Yes, a faulty fuel pump can cause insufficient fuel delivery to where the car is stalling in high speeds. On modern engines, 30 to 85 psi of fuel pressure is needed at all times — especially at highway speeds, very high power output is required. This demand may become difficult for a failing pump to keep up with, leading to an all of sudden lack of power cause the engine to stall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that (NHTSA) more than 20 percent of the stalling incidents it received in 2021 were related to fuel delivery issues, most caused by faulty pumps. Stalling at high speeds is often due to the fact that under an extended time of use — especially one where the vehicle demands a lot of power, such as climbing up a steep hill — there is not enough fueling provided by the pump, which alters the air-fuel ratio which then shuts down functionality in the engine.
Honda recalled around 1.5 million cars in 2020 for failing fuel pumps that led to “stalling of the vehicles while being driven at speeds above 50 mph.” Some drivers experienced loss of control on the roads, leading to serious public safety concerns. Honda’s investigation determined that erratic fuel delivery, especially at high speed, was caused by defective impellers inside the pump.
Fuel pumps play a critical role in keeping an engine consistent, and “consistent Fuel delivery is key to Safety & Performance,” says automotive expert Scotty Kilmer. An intermittent fuel flow causes fluctuation in combustion which results in symptoms like jerks, power loss and finally stall.
The pump pressure and flow rate need to be tested for diagnosis of this issue. For high-speed pressure readings that seem to vary, this will almost always indicate internal wear or blockage. It’s expensive to just replace a bad one, costing anywhere from $400 and $800 for the pump itself depending on the car model, but leaving it unchecked causes new problems because of a damaged catalytic converter that can hit upwards of $1,500.
Changing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles as part of regular maintenance minimizes the chances of a pump failing. They are required to have high-quality replacement parts whenever possible that provide both durability and consistent performance. Check out the trusted alternatives with Fuel Pump for a better working of your vehicle.