Signs of turbocharger failure: what to look out for

A turbo rarely fails out of the blue. It usually gives warning signs first — and if you catch them early, the repair is cheaper and the engine stays safe.

The main signs

• Smoke from the exhaust. Blue smoke often means oil is getting into the cylinders or exhaust. Black smoke means the engine is short of air, for example due to underboost.
• Whistling, whining, grinding. A new noise under acceleration can mean shaft play or the wheels rubbing on the housing.
• Loss of power. The car hesitates when accelerating and struggles uphill.
• Oil consumption. Oil goes down faster than usual, and there is oil in the boost hoses and intercooler.
• Warning lights. Check Engine, limp mode, P0299 (underboost) or P0234 (overboost) codes.

It's not always the turbo

Leaking boost hoses, faulty sensors, the EGR valve or the fuel system can cause similar symptoms. So don't rush to buy a new turbo — get a diagnostic first.

What to do

1. Check the oil level.
2. Inspect the boost hoses and clamps.
3. If you hear grinding or a metallic noise — stop driving: a broken wheel can damage the engine.
4. Book a diagnostic.

A detailed list of symptoms — see Signs of turbo failure.