How Much Does A Fuel Pump Replacement Cost in the UK?

The fuel pump is a crucial component in a vehicle's fuel system. It is responsible for moving fuel from the tank to the engine, where it is then combusted to power the vehicle. Without a functioning fuel pump, a vehicle will not be able to run.

Fuel pumps are subject to a lot of wear and tear, and they can eventually fail. When this happens, it is usually because the electric motor has burned out or the pump has become clogged with debris. If your vehicle has been having trouble starting or staying running, it may be time to replace the fuel pump. A failing fuel pump will often cause the engine to stall or run very rough.

If you suspect that your fuel pump is not working properly, it is important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.

How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump?

The average cost of replacing a fuel pump is £500, with prices ranging from £300 and £900. The exact price of the fuel pump depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer. Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a fuel pump replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a fuel pump replacement.

Average cost of a fuel pump replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a fuel pump replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for fuel pump repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a fuel pump replacement for your car.

Average cost of a fuel pump replacement by manufacturer

Signs your fuel pump needs a replacement

• Engine is misfiring or stuttering
• Car stalling at low speeds
• Loss of power on inclines
• Decrease in fuel efficiency
• Low fuel pressure
• Whizzing or high-pitched noises coming from fuel tank
• Car leaking fuel
• Check engine light on

If you notice your car is taking longer to start up

In the event of a fuel pump failure, your engine will no longer receive fuel. When the keys are turned, the car's engine will take longer to start, will not start at all or the engine may start then stop shortly afterwards.

If the engine is stuttering

Stuttering of the engine, especially at high speeds, is one of the most common signs of a bad fuel pump. Basically, there is a lack of consistency in the flow of fuel from your fuel pump to your engine, which could be a sign of a faulty fuel pump.

If your car is hesitating when you accelerate

If the fuel pump is faulty then the engine will not receive the appropriate amount of fuel required to run the engine which can cause hesitation, which is more noticeable when trying to accelerate on an inclined surface.

Frequently asked questions about fuel pump replacement cost

Is it worth replacing a fuel pump?

Replacing the fuel pump is not cheap and that’s especially true if your car needs a high-pressure fuel pump for turbocharged or supercharged models. This depends on the severity of the issue and how much money you are willing to spend on repairs. If the fuel pump is the only thing wrong with your car, then it is probably worth it to replace it. However, if there are other issues with your car that need to be fixed or if the cost of fixing it on an older car is not worth it then you may want to consider other options.

Can you drive with a faulty fuel pump?

Yes, you can technically drive with a faulty fuel pump but doing so will cause the engine to run lean. This will show on your engine as a lack of power. You will also notice your vehicle hesitating or stalling. Your vehicle will occasionally stall, particularly at stops. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to seek professional help to fix the issue or you run the risk of being stranded.

Why are fuel pumps so expensive?

Fuel pumps are expensive because they are one of the most important parts of a car's engine. They need to be able to withstand high temperatures and pressures and be able to pump a large amount of fuel. The labour costs for a fuel pump replacement is on the higher side due to the amount of work required to remove the part and reinstall a new part. On smaller vehicles, it is relatively easier to access the fuel pump and hence will be on the lower end of the cost range.

How long does a fuel pump replacement take?

On average, in-tank fuel pump replacement times can range from 1 hour to 3 hours. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a fuel pump replacement myself?

Fuel pump repairs and replacement jobs can be complex and need a good understanding of automotive repair. The fuel pump is usually located in the fuel tank and is prone to ignition through a spark which can cause an explosion.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend an in-tank fuel pump replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price upfront.

What else could be the problem if my fuel pump isn’t broken?

If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of a broken fuel pump it could also be an indication of the following issues:

• Ignitions system - issues with the starter motor, spark plugs, or ignition coil can disrupt the process of ignition which result in engine misfire
• Mass airflow intake sensor - a faulty mass airflow intake sensor can affect the air to fuel ration causing degradation of engine performance
• Faulty fuel pressure sensor - insufficient fuel pressure or even a faulty fuel pressure sensor can result in the vehicle stalling at low speeds

What happens during a fuel pump replacement?

• Mechanic will read the ECU for possible fault codes related to the fuel system.
• Mechanic will inspect the fuel supply system and the fuel pump.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the fuel pump.
• Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced (like the fuel filter).
• Mechanic will inspect the fuel system again for any leaks and test drive the car.
• Mechanic will make adjustments if necessary.