6 Symptoms of a Bad Turbocharger (& Replacement Cost in 2025)

As automotive technology advances, the turbocharger has become increasingly common in both performance and everyday vehicles. This component acts as an exhaust-driven air pump, in essence, affording additional air to each cylinder for efficient combustion.

However, like any mechanical component, it’s not immune to wear and failure. Recognizing the symptoms of turbo failure early on can save owners from extensive repairs and potential engine damage.

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Signs Your Turbo Is Failing

A failing turbocharger often exhibits distinctive warning signs. Those knowing how to recognize these symptoms are better positioned to address problems before they get worse.

Here are the most common symptoms associated with turbo failure.

#1 – Reduced Engine Output

When an engine’s turbocharger fails, drivers will notice a significant loss in power and performance, particularly during situations that demand more from the engine, such as climbing hills or passing other vehicles.

This power loss occurs because the failing turbocharger can’t properly compress incoming air, resulting in insufficient airflow to the engine’s cylinders. A working turbocharger typically increases engine power by 25-40% compared to its non-turbocharged counterpart, so when it fails, the drop in performance is usually quite noticeable.

#2 – Sluggish Acceleration

A faulty turbocharger often results in sluggish acceleration compared to normal performance. This occurs for many of the same reasons as mentioned above. Stifled intake flow, with little to no boost, inhibits proper combustion.

This is often most noticeable when accelerating from a stop or when merging on to the highway. The car may feel like it’s struggling to gain speed, similar to how it might perform with a full load of passengers or cargo, even though you’re driving on your own.

#3 – Odd Noises During Acceleration

Yet another potential symptom of turbo failure (or impending turbo failure) relates to odd or abnormal noises heard from within the engine bay, primarily during periods of acceleration. These noises are most commonly described as a high-pitch whining or growling sound.

A healthy turbocharger should operate with minimal noise, so any unusual sounds could indicate internal damage to the turbo’s components, such as worn bearings or damaged turbine blades. These noises often become more obvious under heavy acceleration when the turbo is working hardest.

If you hear what sounds like a whistling tea kettle or a loud whooshing noise, this could indicate a boost leak, failing seals within the turbocharger system, or wastegate issues.

#4 – Increased Exhaust Output

You may also notice your vehicle’s exhaust output appears far heavier or increasingly dense as the engine’s turbo begins to fail. This excessive smoke often appears blue-gray in color and is particularly noticeable during acceleration or when the engine is under load.

The increased exhaust output is a result of two main issues: first, the engine’s inability to properly combust all fuel delivered to each cylinder due to reduced boost pressure, and second, the burning of engine oil that occurs when the turbo’s seals begin to fail.

This symptom may be worse during cold starts or after the engine has been running for an extended period. In severe cases, the exhaust smoke might be visible in the rearview mirror or to other drivers on the road.

#5 – Oil Consumption

In certain cases, an engine might be found to be consuming oil, as a turbocharger begins to fail. The most common cause of this oil consumption stems from the bypassing of oil beyond internal seals within a turbo, allowing oil to enter the engine’s intake tract where it is ultimately burnt.

This issue often becomes progressively worse over time and may require you to add oil between regular service intervals. You can confirm this excessive oil consumption by regularly checking your dipstick and monitoring the oil level; it’s going to be dropping faster than normal.

This symptom is particularly concerning because not only does it indicate turbo failure, but consistently low oil levels can lead to catastrophic damage to both the turbocharger and engine.

#6 – Illuminated Check Engine Light

It’s also quite common to see your vehicle’s check engine light illuminate when experiencing turbo failure. This is due to abnormalities in multiple data streams, such as those pertaining to boost pressure and O2 sensor feedback.

Modern vehicles have sophisticated engine management systems that continuously monitor various aspects of engine performance, including turbocharger operation. When the system detects issues like insufficient boost pressure, irregular air-fuel ratios, or abnormal exhaust readings, it will trigger the check engine light.

While a check engine light alone doesn’t necessarily indicate turbo failure, when combined with other symptoms mentioned above, it can help confirm the diagnosis. A diagnostic scan tool can read the specific error codes to help pinpoint the exact nature of the turbo-related problem.

Turbo Replacement Cost

Best places to order parts? See: 19 Best Online Auto Parts Stores

Replacing a turbocharger is never a cheap affair, no matter whether you choose to purchase a new turbo or a remanufactured unit. The cost of replacement can also vary significantly from one model of vehicle to the next, due to differences in the type and size of turbo used in a given application.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $1,500-$4,000 to have your vehicle’s turbo replaced, with the vast majority of these costs being attributed to the purchase of the replacement turbocharger itself.

It’s worth noting, however, that the cost of these repairs can easily exceed this average in some specialty applications, occasionally tallying to as much as $6,000.

Upgrading Your Turbo: Costs and Considerations

When facing turbocharger failure, some vehicle owners consider upgrading to a larger aftermarket turbo instead of replacing it with a stock unit. While this can be an attractive option for performance enthusiasts, it’s important to understand the additional costs involved and the fact that bigger turbos often result in reduced fuel economy and can impact long-term reliability.

The aftermarket turbocharger alone can cost over $4,000, and requires ECM (Engine Control Module) reprogramming to properly manage the increased airflow.

The upgrade also typically requires additional modifications, including a larger intercooler (charge air cooler) and higher-flow fuel injectors to maintain proper air-fuel ratios. These supporting modifications add significantly to the total cost of the upgrade.

Replace vs Repair/Rebuild

The choice of whether to replace or rebuild your turbo often comes down to a matter of available time and financial resources.

While rebuild kits for most turbochargers are far cheaper than the cost associated with purchasing a new turbo, you will have no warranty once finished with these repairs, assuming the work is not conducted by a certified shop.

Common Causes of Turbocharger Failure

Turbochargers fail for a number of reasons, some of which tend to be more common than others. Of the potential causes of turbocharger failure, few are as common as those related to oil contamination and oil starvation.

The bearings within a turbocharger must receive adequate lubrication at all times. Therefore, a lack of adequate engine oil pressure, for any reason, can lead to rapid bearing fatigue.

Another common cause of turbocharger failure is intake air contamination or foreign debris contamination. Any foreign matter, no matter how small, introduced into the upstream (pre-turbo) portion of the intake tract, can lead to the damage of turbocharger internals. This damage can occur over time, or in the case of larger contaminants, quite quickly.

How Long Does a Turbo Typically Last?

Turbochargers are built with longevity in mind and are intended to exhibit lengthy service lives. In fact, the average turbocharger showcases an effective service life of 150,000-200,000 miles, under the majority of applications.

However, when properly cared for and maintained, many turbochargers have far exceeded this benchmark of reliability.

Much of a turbocharger’s longevity, or lack thereof, is dictated by the owner’s driving habits, and overall servicing regimen of their vehicle. Therefore, special care should be taken with a turbocharger-equipped vehicle, to prevent unnecessary or otherwise expedited expenditure in the future.

Can You Drive With a Blown Turbo?

A vehicle can indeed be driven with a blown turbo under emergency circumstances, though doing so for prolonged periods of time is not advised.

Ideally, a vehicle in this state should be driven no further than necessary to reach an appropriate destination for repair, and any driving that is done should be conducted at the gentlest pace possible.

Attempting to drive a vehicle for prolonged periods with a blown turbocharger can lead to additional engine damage. This comes in the form of potential contamination of the engine’s intake tract with metallic debris, and significant downstream oil loss.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Owners of turbocharged vehicles should follow these essential maintenance steps to protect their investment

#1 – Regular Oil Changes

Every turbocharged vehicle requires regular oil changes using the proper grade and standard of oil. This is critical because turbochargers spin at extremely high speeds and rely on clean oil for lubrication and cooling. Regular oil changes prevent bearing damage and extend the life of your turbocharger.

#2 – Monitor Oil Levels and Leaks

Check your engine oil level frequently and address any oil leaks immediately. Turbochargers are particularly sensitive to low oil pressure or poor oil distribution. Even brief periods of inadequate lubrication can cause severe damage to your turbo, potentially leading to complete failure and expensive repairs.

#3 – Air Filter Maintenance

Maintain a clean intake air filter by replacing it at manufacturer-recommended intervals or sooner if you frequently drive in dusty conditions. A clean air filter protects your turbocharger from debris that could damage its internal components.

Many choose to go with a reusable air filter such as K&N but it’s important that it be cleaned according to instructions on a regular basis.

#4 – Proper Cool-Down Procedure

Following periods of spirited driving or strenuous operation, allow your engine to idle for at least one minute before shutdown. This practice allows sufficient cooling of a turbo’s bearings to take place before oil pressure is lost, at the time of shutdown.

Shutting off the engine immediately after hard use can cause oil to cook inside the turbo, leading to premature wear and potential failure.

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Josh Boyd

Josh has worked as a full-time mechanic for over 12 years, with 6 ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications under his belt. He began his career as an automotive technician at local Toyota dealership and has since transitioned to specializing in diesel trucks and equipment.

6 Symptoms of a Bad Turbocharger (and Replacement Cost)