Problems with the turbo: symptoms, cost and affected models
We have documented 60 faults with the turbo in 60 engines, affecting 354 models of car in our database. The most important by severity and frequency: turbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter) (1.6 HDi), turbocharger failure (2.0 Ingenium diésel, 2.2 i-CTDi, 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC and 1.4 D-4D and others) and turbo and wastegate valve failure (BMW N47). At an independent garage, the repair costs from €150 to €3,000 depending on the engine or car.[1][2][3][4]
How it works and why it fails
Turbo
The turbocharger uses exhaust gases to force more air into the engine. It spins at very high speeds and relies entirely on oil for lubrication and cooling. On diesels it is usually a variable geometry turbo (VGT), with moving vanes that can seize up with carbon deposits; on petrol engines, the wastegate is the most common weak point.
What to do
New whistling sounds, blue or black smoke, loss of power and limp mode are the typical warnings. Let the engine idle for a few seconds before switching it off after hard use, do not rev it when cold and keep to your oil changes: most turbos die from poor lubrication.
General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.
Common symptoms
The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the turbo. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.
Problems with the turbo by engine
From most to least important (severity × frequency). Each page details the affected versions and years, symptoms, cost and how to check for it.
- 1High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiTurbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter)On the 16-valve 1.6 HDi/TDCi engines (2004-2011) the turbo can seize because carbon deposits from the oil clog the mesh filter in the union that feeds it. It is a serious, repeat fault: if only the turbo is replaced without cleaning the circuit, it fails again.Repair (garage): €700–€1,050
- 2High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequent2.0 Ingenium diéselTurbocharger failureYes: according to several sources, the turbo is the component that causes the most faults on the 2.0 Ingenium diesel. It fails across a very wide mileage range (from around 35,000 to over 140,000 km) and, if it breaks up inside, it can send oil or metal into the engine and destroy it.Repair (garage): €2,600–€3,000Appears at around 35,000 km
- 3High severityCommonFrequency: CommonBMW N47Turbo and wastegate valve failureThe N47's turbo does not usually fail from general wear, but because of failure of the wastegate valve, which regulates boost and can seize or lose adjustment, sending fuel consumption soaring; oil leaks from the turbo itself are also common.Repair (garage): €900–€1,800
- 4High severityCommonFrequency: CommonOM651Variable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuatorThe OM651's variable-geometry turbo tends to fail at the pneumatic actuator (cracks, loss of calibration) before the turbo itself. Symptoms range from a gradual loss of power to permanent limp mode, with whistling or smoke if the problem progresses.Repair (garage): €500–€3,000
- 5High severityCommonFrequency: Common1.6 dCiPremature turbocharger failure or breakageThe 1.6 dCi turbo fails fairly often, sometimes at low mileage: fiches-auto documents failures between 23,000 and 113,000 km in the Kadjar, Qashqai II, X-Trail III and Espace V, with loss of power and, in several cases, the manufacturer refusing to cover the cost out of warranty.Repair (garage): €3,000
- 6High severityCommonFrequency: Common2.0 HDiVariable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)On the 107/110 hp and, above all, 136-140 hp 2.0 HDi, the variable-geometry turbo fails relatively often: sometimes it is the whole turbo, but often it is the actuator, sensors or hoses, with loss of power and limp mode.
- 7High severityCommonFrequency: CommonBMW M47Loss of power and turbo faultsThe M47's turbo does not usually fail suddenly, but it loses power gradually as carbon builds up in the variable geometry; the 150 hp variant built between September 2001 and November 2003 also accounts for turbo faults documented by specialist workshops.
- 8High severityCommonFrequency: CommonBMW N57Loss of thrust on twin-turbo versions due to the vacuum circuit or the actuatorOn the twin-turbo versions (335d, 535d, xDrive35d/40d) it is common to lose thrust at low revs because of a degraded vacuum circuit or dirt in the actuator that synchronises the turbos, not because of a mechanical turbo failure. The variable-geometry turbo is also cited, more generically.
- 9High severityCommonFrequency: Common1.4 T-JetPremature turbocharger failure or wearOn the Fiat 500X, Fiat Tipo, Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass there are recurring reports of turbocharger failure, sometimes at very low mileage (from 15,000 km); the manufacturer has offered occasional goodwill discounts, but there is no official campaign.Repair: €1,100–€2,300Appears at around 15,000 km
- 10High severityCommonFrequency: Common2.2 i-CTDiTurbocharger failureThe 2.2 i-CTDi's variable-geometry turbo fails fairly often from 110,000 km, with cases documented up to 290,000 km on the Honda CR-V and Civic; we have not found equivalent accounts for the Accord or FR-V.Appears at around 110,000 km
- 11High severityCommonFrequency: Common1.6 / 2.2 i-DTECTurbocharger failureThe turbo is one of the i-DTEC's components with the most documented faults, in both the 1.6 and the 2.2: there are published cases in the Civic and CR-V (both generations) from 6,000 km to over 290,000 km, with failures ranging from actuator wear to complete breakage.Appears at around 87,000 km
- 12High severityCommonFrequency: Common2.3 MZR DISI TurboPremature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI TurboThe 2.3 DISI Turbo's turbo, with faults documented mainly on the CX-7, wears out through poor lubrication and causes blue smoke, loss of power and oil consumption; replacing it costs around €2,200 in Spain.Repair (garage): €2,200Appears at around 100,000 km
- 13High severityCommonFrequency: CommonSkyactiv-DTurbo wear or failure from lack of lubricationThe two-stage sequential turbo of the 2.2 Skyactiv-D appears as one of the most cited faults by CX-5, Mazda6 and Mazda3 owners, especially when the oil has lost lubricating ability through dilution or when the camshaft on 2013-2014 units sheds metal particles.
- 14High severityCommonFrequency: Common2.2/2.5 dCiPremature turbo and intercooler failureOn the X-Trail with the 136 hp 2.2 dCi, the turbo and its intercooler are the most cited fault: they appear in nearly half of the reliability accounts consulted. On the Primera and Almera, with the same engine, the documented cases are far fewer.
- 15High severityCommonFrequency: Common1.9 dCiPremature turbocharger wearThe turbo on the 1.9 dCi can start to fail around 150,000 km, especially on the 100 to 130 hp versions built between 2000 and 2005. Renault went as far as covering up to 80% of the cost of out-of-warranty repairs, with no official campaign.
- 16High severityCommonFrequency: Common2.0 dCiPremature turbocharger failureThe 2.0 dCi turbo fails relatively often, sometimes at low mileage: the reliability sheets consulted document dozens of cases in the Espace IV, Koleos and Laguna III, with whistling, loss of power and, in several cases, bluish smoke before the final failure.
- 17High severityCommonFrequency: Common1.4 D-4DTurbocharger failureYes: the 1.4 D-4D's turbo is documented as failing on the Yaris, Corolla, Auris and MINI One D, sometimes prematurely (one case at 15,000 km covered under warranty) and other times after seizing alongside high oil consumption.Appears at around 15,000 km
- 18High severityCommonFrequency: Common1.9 TDISeized or broken variable-geometry turboThe 1.9 TDI's variable-geometry turbo seizes through carbon build-up or ends up breaking after many kilometres; it appears repeatedly in all the models and outputs consulted, with cases from as early as 22,000 km.Repair (garage): €360–€900Appears at around 22,000 km
- 19Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- 20High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.0 TDITurbo with seized vanes or premature failureOn the 110 and 140 hp 2.0 TDI engines, the vanes of the variable-geometry turbo get dirty and seize and the engine loses power. On some 140 hp units the turbo has failed before 70,000 km.Repair (garage): €1,000
- 21High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.5 dCiPremature turbo failure and intake hoses that come looseThe turbo on the 105 and 110 hp 1.5 dCi can fail early: Caradisiac documents it on the Clio III, Scénic III and Qashqai II, sometimes before 80,000 km. More common and cheaper is for a turbo intake hose to come loose or burst and the engine to lose power.
- 22High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.3 MultijetSeized variable-geometry turboOn versions with a variable-geometry turbo, the vanes can seize through soot build-up, especially on cars used in town for short journeys. The engine loses power gradually and may give off black smoke when accelerating.Repair (garage): €450–€700
- 23High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.6 CRDiPremature variable-geometry turbo (VGT) failureThe first units of the U2 D4FB (up to ~2009) had variable-geometry turbos that could fail between 30,000 and 100,000 km; the manufacturer corrected this with an ECU update. On later engines, the actuator can seize because of carbon build-up.Appears at around 30,000 km
- 24High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeTurbo actuator (wastegate) faultOn 1.3 TCe/DIG-T engines built up to 19 June 2020, the clip that holds the turbo wastegate valve rod may be missing or come loose, causing a loss of power with the injection warning light on. If the rod is left with too much play, the whole turbo has to be replaced.Repair (garage): €400–€700
- 25High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.6 EcoBoostPremature turbocharger failureThere are documented cases of premature turbocharger failure: in a Ford Mondeo the turbo housing cracked at 47,000 km along with a coolant leak, and in a Ford S-Max the turbo failed at 60,000 km without the warranty covering it.
- 26High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.6 TDIVariable-geometry turbo seized or with playThe variable-geometry turbo on the 1.6 TDI EA189 can seize because of carbon deposits or wear on the shaft. The engine loses power, whistles or emits bluish smoke, and replacing the turbo costs around €1,000 if there is no additional damage.Repair (garage): €1,000
- 27High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW B47Premature turbo wear from neglected maintenanceThe B47's turbo does not have a design flaw as well documented as the N47's, but it can wear out early if oil changes are not respected, with repairs that usually run at around €1,000 to €2,000.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
- 28High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTDTurbocharger wear or failureThe turbo (fixed on the basic versions, variable geometry on the more powerful ones) fails occasionally: a documented Alfa Romeo 147 needed a new turbo at around 215,000 km, and the Opel Vectra C and Zafira B report failures among their owners, although other accounts describe it as very durable.
- 29High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional0.9 TwinAir and 1.0/1.3 FireFlyEarly turbocharger failure (0.9 TwinAir)The 0.9 TwinAir's turbo can fail, in some cases at low mileage: there is one documented case replaced under warranty at 13,000 km in the Fiat 500 and another, a turbo hose, at 51,000 km in the Fiat Panda III. A specialist German source describes it as an infrequent problem.
- 30High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.0 T-GDIWear and progressive failure of the turbochargerThe single-scroll, electric-wastegate turbo on the 1.0 T-GDI can lose performance over the years; one owner documents a failure at 112,000 km on a 120 hp Hyundai i30. There is no manufacturer campaign and no data pointing to a systematic failure on this engine.
- 31High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.0 and 2.2 CRDiVariable-geometry turbo failure from 100,000-150,000 km (2.2 CRDi)On the Kia Sorento with the 2.2 CRDi engine, variable-geometry turbocharger problems tend to appear from 100,000-150,000 km and are, according to the source we consulted, an expensive repair.Appears at around 100,000 km
- 32High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.1 and 1.4 CRDiTurbocharger wear and loss of performanceThe turbo on the 1.1 and 1.4 CRDi appears as a typical wear point in buying guides for the i20, i30, Ceed and Rio, especially with short trips and intensive urban use; there is, however, no documented design fault as with other diesel engines of the period.
- 33High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.0 CRDi (D4EA)Wear and loss of performance of the variable-geometry turboOn the 2.0 CRDi D4EA, the variable-geometry turbo is one of the typical wear points identified for the Hyundai Tucson I, especially with town driving; there is also a report of power loss in a Hyundai Santa Fe with this engine.
- 34High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMZR-CDTurbocharger wear or failureThe MZR-CD's variable-geometry turbo appears among the faults cited by Mazda6 and Mazda3 owners, with cases of whistling, loss of boost pressure and, in one documented case, a repair of over €3,600 in France; it tends to be made worse if the oil has previously been diluted.
- 35High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.0 CDI (OM640)Premature turbocharger wear or failureIt is one of the typical weak points identified for the OM640, although with fewer cases than the EGR or the Autotronic gearbox. A specialist German source includes it among the parts to watch, and owner testimonies for the 140 hp version document a few failures, without detailing the exact mechanism.
- 36High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOM654Wear of the turbocharger and charge-air intercoolerThe OM654's variable-geometry turbocharger and its intercooler can start to fail from around 75,000 km, with loss of power or whistling noises. It is not the engine's most cited fault, but it appears recurrently across several models that use it.Appears at around 74,000 km
- 37High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.8/2.2 DI-DTurbocharger wear at high mileageOccasional: the variable-geometry turbocharger on the 1.8/2.2 DI-D is cited as a weak point at high mileage, with whistling and loss of power as the most common symptoms before failure.
- 38High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.5 dCi YD25Turbocharger failureThe YD25's variable-geometry turbo can fail, causing loss of power, whistling and smoke, especially if the oil is dirty or lubrication is lacking. A French source places it from about 120,000 km.Appears at around 120,000 km
- 39High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.4 TurboWhistling, loss of power and turbocharger wearOn the Astra J, Mokka and Zafira Tourer with this engine, cases of turbocharger wear have been documented, with whistling, loss of power or the engine warning light on; in most cases the garage replaces the turbo with no further engine damage.Appears at around 75,000 km
- 40High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTISeized or leaking turbochargerGerman Wikipedia documents turbo problems in the early years of the Vectra B. Owner testimonies describe a seized turbo («grippé») in a Vectra C after many short urban journeys, and a leak at the turbo manifold in a Zafira A before 30,000 km.
- 41High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.0 CDTITurbocharger wear or failureA case of a faulty turbo has been documented in the Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI between 60,000 and 62,000 km, within a sample of more than 200 reports for the model; there is no manufacturer campaign or fleet-wide figures.
- 42High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional2.2 HDiTurbo faults, somewhat more frequent on the sequential twin-turbo versionsThe 2.2 HDi comes in single-turbo versions (128-156 hp) and twin-turbo versions with two turbochargers in sequence (170 hp and up). Fiches-auto does not consider it a chronic problem, but it does record a significant number of turbo cases across all power outputs, somewhat higher on the twin-turbos.
- 43High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.2 TDIFailing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smokeThe 1.2 TDI's turbo can lose pressure through deteriorated hoses or wear on the shaft with use. The engine loses power, whistles or gives off bluish smoke, and replacing the turbo costs around €1,000 in Spain if there is no added damage to other parts.Repair (garage): €1,000
- 44High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.4 TDIFailing turbo: loss of power, whistling or smokeThe 1.4 TDI turbo can seize through carbon build-up or wear on the shaft over time. The engine loses power, whistles or gives off bluish smoke, and replacing it costs around €1,000 if there is no added damage to other parts.Repair (garage): €1,000
- 45High severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.8 T 20vTurbo wear and oil consumptionThe 1.8T turbo can fail over time -cases documented on an Audi TT at 60,000 and 155,000 km- and several sources link it to growing oil consumption in the engine itself. It is not the most cited fault, but it is one of the most expensive when it appears.
- 46Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonBMW N54/N55Turbo wastegate noise and failureOn the N54 the wastegate rods work loose and produce a metallic rattle; over time they reduce boost pressure. On the N55 it is the electric actuator that fails.
- 47Medium severityCommonFrequency: Common1.8 TDCiCracked boost hoses and turbo wearThe boost air hoses on Ford diesels of this era, including the 1.8 TDCi, crack over time and cause a loss of power; the turbo itself can end up damaged if this is not detected in time.Appears at around 35,000 km
- 48Medium severityCommonFrequency: Common1.7 CRDiSeized turbo actuator (VGT) and power loss when coldIn cold weather (below 10-15 °C), the 1.7 CRDi can suddenly lose power and even stall; the engine restarts after a few seconds. A documented fault that combines the turbo's variable-geometry actuator with the diesel filter and the glow plugs.Repair (garage): €150–€1,200
- 49Medium severityCommonFrequency: Common1.0 TCe / SCeMetallic noise or vibration from the turbo wastegateThe 1.0 TCe/ECO-G can develop a metallic noise or vibration from the turbo wastegate valve, especially when cold. It is the fault that recurs most across several independent sources; in a minority of cases it ends in a turbo replacement.
- 50Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.2 and 1.4 TSITurbo wastegate actuator failureThe electric actuator that regulates turbo pressure (wastegate) can seize or fail on the 1.2 TSI and the EA211 engines: the car lights up the EPC warning light and goes into limp mode. Sometimes the actuator alone is enough; if the valve is damaged, the turbo is replaced.
- 51Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalBMW N20Wastegate noise and plastic charge pipe breakageThe N20's single TwinScroll turbo is not, in itself, a frequent point of failure, but over the years wastegate noise or rattle and a loss of pressure can appear, and the plastic pipe that carries air from the turbo to the intercooler can crack, especially with poor maintenance or on modified engines.
- 52Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalTDV6 / SDV6Turbo and pneumatic actuator failure on the 3.0 TDV6/SDV6On the 3.0 sequential twin-turbo the most common fault is the secondary turbo's pneumatic actuator, which causes limp mode and lack of power; turbo wear also occurs.
- 53Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.4 HDiPremature turbo wear from poor lubricationThe BorgWarner KP35 turbo of the 8-valve version can wear out early when the oil degrades and forms carbon deposits, reducing its lubrication. It is a minority but recurring fault: it appears in just over 9% of the reports collected for the 68 hp version.
- 54Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: Occasional1.2 TurboSudden loss of power (turbo, injection or sensors)A small number of C-HR owners with this engine report sudden losses of power when accelerating, which the source consulted associates with turbo management, injection or the air and temperature sensors, with no single cause. We have not found a campaign or a part confirmed as responsible.
- 55Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRDTurbocharger failure and intake hosesThe variable-geometry turbo can wear, get clogged with soot or lose pressure through cracked hoses. CarsGuide cites it on the Wrangler's 2.8 and AUTO BILD as an occasional fault on the Grand Cherokee's 3.0; no source gives figures.
- 56High severityRareFrequency: RareBMW B57Degradation of the turbos on multi-turbo versionsOn the twin-turbo and four-turbo versions, a specialist garage considers oil in the intercooler or intake ducts the earliest warning of turbo degradation, before any fault codes appear.
- 57High severityRareFrequency: Rare0.9 TCeTurbocharger wear or failureThe 0.9 TCe's turbo can lose performance or fail, although the available statistics put it as an infrequent fault on this specific engine.
- 58Medium severityRareFrequency: RareD5 5 cilindrosTurbocharger failureOn the D5 there are isolated cases of turbo failure (at 165,000 and 167,000 km in an S60 and an XC60); an industry article puts the repair at between €700 and €1,400 in Spain.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400
- 59Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo 5 cilindros gasolinaFaulty turbo boost control solenoidThe solenoid that regulates turbo boost pressure can fail on turbocharged five-cylinder Volvos and the Focus ST; the symptom is a noticeable loss of power and, on the ST, a boost gauge helps to detect it.
- 60Low severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVW 2.0 TFSI EA113Turbo diverter (blow-off) valve failureThe original turbo diverter (recirculation) valve can fail under boost pressure and cause pressure loss, whistling when accelerating and weak response; it is a cheap part and easy to replace.
Engines with faults with the turbo
- 1.6 HDi
- 2.0 Ingenium diésel
- BMW N47
- OM651
- 1.6 dCi
- 2.0 HDi
- BMW M47
- BMW N57
- 1.4 T-Jet
- 2.2 i-CTDi
- 1.6 / 2.2 i-DTEC
- 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo
- Skyactiv-D
- 2.2/2.5 dCi
- 1.9 dCi
- 2.0 dCi
- 1.4 D-4D
- 1.9 TDI
- BMW N62 / N63
- 2.0 TDI
- 1.5 dCi
- 1.3 Multijet
- 1.6 CRDi
- 1.3 TCe
- 1.6 EcoBoost
- 1.6 TDI
- BMW B47
- 1.9 JTD/Multijet and 2.4 JTD
- 0.9 TwinAir and 1.0/1.3 FireFly
- 1.0 T-GDI
- 2.0 and 2.2 CRDi
- 1.1 and 1.4 CRDi
- 2.0 CRDi (D4EA)
- MZR-CD
- 2.0 CDI (OM640)
- OM654
- 1.8/2.2 DI-D
- 2.5 dCi YD25
- 1.4 Turbo
- 2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTI
- 2.0 CDTI
- 2.2 HDi
- 1.2 TDI
- 1.4 TDI
- 1.8 T 20v
- BMW N54/N55
- 1.8 TDCi
- 1.7 CRDi
- 1.0 TCe / SCe
- 1.2 and 1.4 TSI
- BMW N20
- TDV6 / SDV6
- 1.4 HDi
- 1.2 Turbo
- VM Motori 2.8 and 3.0 CRD
- BMW B57
- 0.9 TCe
- D5 5 cilindros
- Volvo 5 cilindros gasolina
- VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Problems with the turbo by make
Problems with the turbo in your car
127 cars have several documented faults with the turbo. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.
Alfa Romeo 1
BMW 22
Ford 8
Honda 1
Lancia 1
MINI 1
Opel 7
Renault 13
Škoda 7
Toyota 1
Volkswagen 10
How much it costs to repair a fault with the turbo
Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.
- Turbocharger failure
2.0 Ingenium diéselHigh severity
- Premature turbocharger failure or breakage
1.6 dCiHigh severity
- Garage
- €3,000
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[7]
- Premature turbocharger failure or wear
1.4 T-JetHigh severity
- Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
2.3 MZR DISI TurboHigh severity
- Garage
- €2,200
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[10]
- Garage
- €1,000–€2,000
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[11]
- Turbo and wastegate valve failure
BMW N47High severity
- Garage
- €900–€1,800
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[12]
- Turbocharger failure
D5 5 cilindrosMedium severity
- Garage
- €700–€1,400
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[20]
- Seized turbo actuator (VGT) and power loss when cold
1.7 CRDiMedium severity
- Garage
- €150–€1,200
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[1]
- Turbo with seized vanes or premature failure
2.0 TDIHigh severity
- Variable-geometry turbo seized or with play
1.6 TDIHigh severity
- Garage
- €1,000
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[21]
- Garage
- €1,000
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[21]
- Garage
- €1,000
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[21]
- Seized or broken variable-geometry turbo
1.9 TDIHigh severity
- Seized variable-geometry turbo
1.3 MultijetHigh severity
- Garage
- €450–€700
- Dealer
- No data
- Published figure[25]
- Turbo actuator (wastegate) fault
1.3 TCeHigh severity
How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines
OBD fault codes with the turbo
The codes the ECU usually stores when this part fails: what they mean, causes and what to check.
- P0234Excessive turbo pressure (overboost)
- P0235Turbo pressure sensor circuit fault
- P0236Turbo pressure sensor: signal out of range
- P0237Turbo pressure sensor: low signal
- P0238High signal from the turbo pressure sensor
- P0243Turbo wastegate solenoid valve: fault
- P0299Turbo underboost (insufficient pressure)
- P0470Exhaust pressure sensor: circuit fault
- P0471Exhaust pressure sensor: implausible signal
- P2263Boost system performance
- P2279Air leak in the intake system
- P2563Turbo control position out of range
Frequently asked questions
Which engines have the most faults with the turbo?
By severity and frequency, the 1.6 HDi (turbo failure through lack of lubrication (carbon deposits and union filter), high severity), the 2.0 Ingenium diésel (turbocharger failure, high severity), the BMW N47 (turbo and wastegate valve failure, high severity), the OM651 (variable-geometry turbo failure and its pneumatic actuator, high severity), the 1.6 dCi (premature turbocharger failure or breakage, high severity) and the 2.0 HDi (variable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging), high severity). In total we have documented 60 engines with faults with the turbo.
How much does it cost to repair a fault with the turbo?
It depends a lot on the engine or car. At an independent garage, from €150 to €3,000; at a dealer, from €1,100 to €2,300, including VAT, based on the 17 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is turbocharger failure (2.0 Ingenium diésel).
What symptoms does a fault with the turbo cause?
The most frequently cited in the documented faults: gradual loss of power, turbo whistle or siren noise, bluish smoke from the exhaust, engine fault warning light (check engine), noise when accelerating and sudden loss of power (limp mode).
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- 1.Kia Sportage 1.7 Crdi Problemas | Fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalRenting · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 2.Fiabilité Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (2011-2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 3.Fiabilité Land Rover Discovery Sport, pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 4.Fiabilité Jaguar E-Pace, pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 5.Cuánto cuesta cambiar el turbo de un cocheMuchoneumático · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 6.Mercedes OM651 Turbocharger Guide: Sprinter 2.1L CDI Failure Symptoms & ReplacementPT Turbo · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
- 7.Las 10 averías del coche más caras en 2026: cuánto cuesta cada reparaciónMotorpoint · Motoring press · published 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 8.Fiat 500X : les plus et les moinsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 9.Fiat 500X : fiabilité, pannes et rappelsFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- 10.Problemas Mazda CX-7Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
- 11.Motor BMW B47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 12.Motor BMW N47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 13.Turbo intercambio Garrett 753420 motor 1.6HDi 1.6TDCI 1.6DFG Automoción · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 14.Turbo Garrett 753420 (GT1544V) para 1.6 HDI 110 CVAML Turbos · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 15.Tubo de engrase PSA 1.6 HDI 110 CV + filtro (OP10049COMP)Electromotor Lantejuela · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
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- 19.¿Estás cobrando lo justo en tu taller? Así está la mano de obra por hora en 2025Infotaller · Motoring press · published 9 September 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- 20.Problemas Volvo XC90 D5Total Renting · General press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
- 21.Cómo saber si el turbo está roto o a punto de romperseMotor.es · Motoring press · published 4 May 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
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