I think they go out just like any other mechanical part, sporadically. Fuel pump goes out "early" and they need something to blame it on. Some parts last way too long, others last 5 minutes. I'm sure running out of gas isn't good for it, but hell, it isn't auto-death for it. There are way too many things to be concerned with, a fuel pump isn't on the list of priorities. Well, not until it goes out on me . . . lol