Yes, I had a USB hard drive, and Flash drives failed before without warning. I know of someone who had the USB metal plug crack/snap off, and someone who lost files on a drive.
USB drives don't seem to last very long compared to regular computer hard drives, DVDs, Blu-Rays, and CDs.
I think the circuit board and chips inside the USB drives break easier because they are easier to zap with static electricity on your fingers, inside your pockets, bags, etc especially if the cap on the USB plug is missing, or the drive case is made of metal which make it easier for static to travel to the chips inside the drive.
The metal tips on the USB drives also doesn't look very durable, and bend easily if you rip them out, or you accidentally hammered your fist on the drive or drop something while it is plugged in.
