Yes, a faulty fuel pump could be a cause of surging or hesitation in cars, and this happens when it does not deliver a consistent supply of fuel to the engine. In a normal fuel system, the fuel pump would be working at a pressure of 40-70 psi in order to ensure the correct amount of fuel is getting into the engine for proper combustion. If the pump is faulty, it fails to maintain proper fuel pressure, causing erratic fuel delivery, hence surging or hesitation upon acceleration.
Surging mostly occurs when the pump is unable to provide a smooth flow of fuel to the engine, which in turn makes the engine momentarily starved or overfed with fuel. The irregularity upsets air-fuel mixture balance and causes the engine to run unevenly. According to a study by the Auto Care Association, more than 15% of all engine misfires are caused by fuel delivery problems, including faulty fuel pumps. For example, if the fuel pump intermittently cannot supply fuel under acceleration, the engine may hesitate or surge as it struggles to regain proper fuel pressure.
In more serious cases, a failing fuel pump can cause the vehicle to stall entirely, especially if the pump cannot keep up with the engine’s demands at higher speeds or under heavy load. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence says fuel pump failure is one of the top 10 causes of stalling, especially on cars with more than 100,000 miles. It might be even more severe in cars with high-performance engines where fuel demands are higher, making the fuel pump work extra to maintain pressure.
The first and usually very important symptom of a faulty fuel pump that can cause hesitation is when a car loses power at either an idle or upon throttle. Most of the time, it is very noticeable upon acceleration because this is the one time the engine does need a constant stream of fuel to operate properly. A 2022 report by the Consumer Reports Automotive Division indicates that 30% of drivers have reported hesitation in their vehicles due to failing fuel pumps, especially for cars whose fuel systems are not regularly checked.
Towing the vehicle to a workshop will confirm whether the hesitation or surging is indeed caused by a faulty fuel pump; mechanics commonly measure the fuel pressure using a gauge. If the pressure readings fall outside the manufacturer’s specified range, the pump is likely to be the culprit. Replacing a faulty fuel pump with a high-quality model can restore proper fuel flow and resolve these issues, ensuring smoother acceleration and stable engine performance. For reliable replacement options, check out Fuel Pump for products that meet industry standards and provide dependable performance.