I rarely ever hear about an oil pump failing. When they do I would assume it's catostrohic?

Anyone ever have one break?

I've never seen or worked on one for that matter so I don't know why they last longer compared to other pumps, i.e. water, steering..

 

They have better lubrication.

 

My mom had one go bad in her (former) 1984 Camry, probably happened 86 or 87. It wasn't catastrophic right away... car drove for months without it. Only indication would be a quick flash of the CEL at a hard stop or going down a steep hill.

She ended up getting a new engine after a while though

 

Exactly. That is one of the main reasons. ( though not the only one ). The oil also heats up faster on a cold start than other engine fluids going through their respective pumps.