Replacing a turbocharger is one of the more expensive engine repairs. Most shop quotes land between $1,500 and $3,500 once you include the turbo, gaskets, oil lines, and labor. Diesel and twin-turbo cars run higher.
Most drivers pay $1,800 to $2,800 at an independent shop. Diesel pickup turbos and European twin-turbo systems push past $5,000.
Diesel turbos are bigger and pricier - often $2,500 to $5,000 installed.
Twin-turbo BMW, Audi, and Ford EcoBoost engines double the labor and parts.
Remanufactured units save 30-50% and come with 1-2 year warranties from major suppliers.
A failed turbo can send metal into the oil - oil line replacement and engine flush are recommended.
Severely failed turbos can contaminate the cat - sometimes $500-$1,500 extra.
Dealers charge $1,500-$3,000 in labor alone on some V6 engines.
| Vehicle | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost (one turbo) | $1,800 - $2,800 | twin-turbo system, single side |
| 2014 VW Golf 2.0T | $1,500 - $2,400 | single turbo, reasonable access |
| 2017 Subaru WRX 2.0L | $1,600 - $2,500 | accessible but high failure rate |
| 2013 BMW 335i (N55) | $2,200 - $3,500 | complex, OEM recommended |
| 2016 Ford F-250 6.7L Diesel | $2,800 - $4,500 | heavy-duty diesel turbo |
| 2018 Hyundai Sonata 1.6T | $1,500 - $2,200 | warranty often covers |
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If your scan tool shows one of these codes alongside symptoms pointing to this repair, run a free AI diagnosis to confirm the root cause before paying for parts.
🔬 Run a free AI diagnosis →Typically 100,000 to 150,000 miles with proper oil changes. Modern turbos can fail earlier from sludged oil, PCV issues, or carbon buildup.
Short distances at light throttle yes. But a turbo dumping oil can hydrolock the engine or destroy the catalytic converter. Trailer it if oil is in the intake.
High-pitched whining, fluttering at idle, or a sound like a siren that changes with throttle.
From major brands (BorgWarner, Garrett, Mitsubishi), yes - they replace bearings, seals, and shaft and balance the unit. Cheap rebuilds are unreliable.
Most common causes: didn't prime oil before startup, didn't replace oil supply line, didn't clean intercooler, or a clogged PCV system created the original failure.
It can - if metal debris reaches the cylinders, you can score the bores. Inspect the intake tract before installing the new turbo.