Turbocharger Replacement Cost (2024)

A turbocharger increases the power of a vehicle's engine by sucking cool, compressed air in, allowing it to run more efficiently. This is designed to result in better speed or performance.

While turbochargers can be great, if they begin to fail, you'll notice serious problems with your vehicle, like a lack of acceleration, engine noise and smoke. This isn't a fix you'll want to delay, as a blown turbocharger can seriously damage your engine or even total your car.

A turbocharger, also known as a turbo or turbocharger assembly, is a car part that usually sits on top of the engine. The exhaust gas from the engine spins one turbine within the turbo. That moves a second turbine, which sucks compressed, cool air into the engine. The compressed air contains more oxygen. When mixed with the fuel, the increased oxygen supply lets the engine burn more efficiently, improving engine power and fuel economy. Car enthusiasts have used turbochargers for a long time to get the best possible performance from their engines. More recently, turbochargers have become popular as a way for manufacturers to increase the fuel economy of their vehicles. Today, more than one third of new cars have turbochargers. That means more people are driving cars with turbos—and possibly needing to replace them.

If your turbocharger is starting to fail, you might notice these symptoms:

• Loss of power and performance. Turbos provide a boost to your engine. If they're faltering, your car might not feel as powerful or responsive as it typically does.
• Engine noise. Turbos can make your engine quieter, but if they fail you'll notice a whining sound from the engine. The sound might be loudest when you accelerate.
• Smoke. A turbo that is cracked or has broken seals can allow oil to leak into the engine. This results in blue/gray smoke that is most commonly seen when you're accelerating.
• Increased oil intake. Since a broken turbo can allow oil leaks, you might notice that you're going through more oil than you typically would.
• Check engine light. This warning light may come on when the failing turbo starts to impact engine performance. While there can be many other explanations, it can be linked to a failing turbocharger.

On average, the cost to replace a turbocharger can be $2,000 or more. The turbo can cost at least $1,500, while labor will typically run $500 or more. However, the type of car you drive and the engine it has will impact the final price you pay. For example, replacing a twin-turbo system, which is common on performance vehicles that have V6 or V8 engines, can cost up to $6,000. After replacing a turbocharger, it's important to have your engine tuned. This ensures that the fuel injectors in your engine can handle the increased airflow from the turbocharger. Having your engine tuned costs about $200 to $400. This cost may or may not be included in the initial estimate your mechanic gives you, so be sure to ask about it if you're having your turbocharger replaced at a shop.

There are lots of different factors that impact how much it costs to replace a turbo, including the following:

• Vehicle make and model: Large, luxury and performance vehicles typically require more expensive turbos, which add significantly to the cost of parts.
• Turbocharger type: Twin-turbos are more expensive than single turbochargers. Electric turbochargers, certain brands and high-performance options all add to the amount you'll pay for a turbocharger.
• New, used or rebuilt parts: Replacing your turbo with a turbocharger directly from the manufacturer is generally the most expensive option. Aftermarket new parts not made by the manufacturer are the next most expensive, followed by a rebuilt or used turbo.
• Labor charges and shop rates: : Installing a turbo typically costs about $500 or more in labor. Getting estimates from different shops could help you save on overall replacement costs.
• Warranty coverage: Turbochargers are typically covered under the manufacturer's powertrain warranty. If your vehicle is still under warranty, check the details of your coverage before paying out of pocket for your turbo replacement.

Replacing a turbocharger yourself can save you money. However, it's a time-consuming and sometimes complicated job that's best reserved for experienced DIYers who have the tools needed to remove rusted parts. Turbochargers are built to very precise specifications and operate in extreme heat and pressure. Because of that, it's important to have a professional-level installation.

When they're well cared for, a turbocharger can last the entire life of your car engine or more than 100,000 miles. But when you have a turbocharger, routine car maintenance, especially oil changes, becomes even more important. That's because turbocharged engines have more heat and pressure, increasing the demands and wear and tear on the parts around them. If you have a turbocharger, you can improve its longevity by getting frequent oil changes and using premium gasoline.

Shelling out $2,000 or more for a blown turbo can be frustrating. However, it's important to replace turbochargers quickly in order to avoid additional engine damage and repair costs.

If you're driving a car with a turbocharger, remember that routine maintenance can keep your turbo running well and help you delay this potentially costly repair. Get regular oil changes and use premium fuel to keep your turbocharger healthy. The specific recommendations for your car can usually be found in the owner's manual.

The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you manage unexpected car repairs, like turbocharger replacement, and the regular maintenance that can keep your turbo running for a long time. Learn more about the Synchrony Car Care credit card and apply today .

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