How much does it cost to replace the turbo on a 2018 f150 3.5 EcoBoost?
Expect to spend roughly $2,000 to $5,000 for replacing a turbo on a 2018 F-150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost, with the price depending on whether you replace one or both turbos, OEM vs aftermarket parts, and local labor rates.
The 3.5 EcoBoost uses a twin-turbo setup, which adds complexity when a turbo fails. Costs can vary widely by shop, region, and the exact parts chosen, and may include related components such as gaskets, hoses, oil lines, and fluids. The following breakdown outlines typical price ranges and the factors that influence them.
Cost to replace a single turbo
Before listing typical price ranges, note that replacement costs depend on the type of turbo you install and the accompanying parts and labor. The figures below reflect common scenarios for a single-turbo replacement on a 3.5 EcoBoost F-150.
- Turbocharger price
- Aftermarket/new replacement turbo: roughly $500–$1,100
- OEM Ford turbo: roughly $900–$1,500
- Installation/labor: about 3–6 hours, at typical shop rates of $90–$150 per hour
- Labor cost estimate: roughly $270–$900
- Gaskets, seals, oil and coolant lines, and miscellaneous hardware: about $50–$150
- Other potential costs
- Oil/fluid service or coolant flush if recommended: $50–$150
- Diagnostics and software reflash or idle/adaptations: $0–$150
In summary, for a single-turbo replacement you can expect roughly $900 to $2,500 depending on part choice and labor rates, with most installations landing in the $1,500–$2,200 range when OEM parts are used and the job includes all auxiliary services.
Cost to replace both turbos
Replacing both turbines doubles the complexity and generally the cost of parts and labor. The following ranges cover common configurations for a complete dual-turbo replacement on the 3.5 EcoBoost.
- Turbocharger price (per unit)
- Aftermarket/new: roughly $500–$1,100 each
- OEM Ford: roughly $900–$1,500 each
- Labor: about 6–12 hours total (split across both turbos), at $90–$150 per hour
- Labor cost estimate: roughly $540–$1,800
- Gaskets, seals, hoses, and related hardware: about $100–$300
- Additional services (oil/coolant service, diagnostics, possible tune): $50–$250
For a full dual-turbo replacement, expect a price range of roughly $2,000 to $5,500, with many jobs landing between $2,500 and $4,800 when OEM parts are used and all ancillary services are included.
Other considerations
Prices can vary widely by region, shop, and the exact parts chosen. Some shops offer refurbished or remanufactured turbos at lower costs, while others may include a core charge or warranty terms that influence the total. If turbo failure is tied to oil delivery issues or a failing engine, you may also need to address those underlying problems to prevent another failure.
Ways to save on turbo replacement costs
Consider these approaches to reduce total expense without compromising reliability:
- Compare quotes from multiple independent shops and dealerships.
- Ask for an itemized estimate that separates parts, labor, and fluids.
- Consider remanufactured or aftermarket turbos with warranties, if the dealer price is prohibitive.
- Inquire about bundled services (oil changes, coolant flush, and calibration) that may be cheaper when done together.
Remember to verify the shop’s warranty on parts and labor. A well-installed turbo system typically includes parts and labor coverage for a specified period, which can save money on future repairs.
Summary
The cost to replace a turbo on a 2018 Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost varies primarily with whether you replace one or both turbos, the choice of aftermarket vs OEM parts, and local labor rates. A single-turbo replacement generally falls in the ballpark of $1,000 to $2,500, while replacing both turbos tends to run about $2,000 to $5,500. Prospective buyers should obtain multiple quotes, confirm what’s included in the price (gaskets, lines, fluids, software), and consider warranties when evaluating options.
How much does it cost to replace the turbo on a F150 EcoBoost?
Replacing an F-150 EcoBoost turbo can cost anywhere from $1,600 to over $9,000, with the final price depending heavily on the parts and labor involved. Most estimates fall in the mid-$3,000s range, with the majority of the expense coming from labor, which can take 8–12 hours. Factors like the cost of the replacement turbos (which can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars each), whether both turbos need replacing, and additional necessary repairs can significantly impact the total cost.
Cost breakdown
- Parts: The cost of new or rebuilt turbos varies, ranging from roughly $300–$900 each for standard replacements or potentially more for performance upgrades. Some users have reported lower costs for used turbos, but this carries a risk of premature failure.
- Labor: Labor is the largest component of the total cost. It typically takes 8–12 hours to replace the turbos, depending on the specific model and whether both sides need to be serviced. Based on a labor rate of $100–$200 per hour, the labor cost alone can range from approximately $1,000 to $2,400.
- Additional parts and labor: You may also need to factor in the cost of replacing related parts, such as exhaust manifolds. If the original manifolds are warped, the labor and parts costs will increase. Broken bolts can also add significant time and cost to the repair.
How to manage costs
- Get multiple quotes: Since labor rates and part prices vary between shops, getting several quotes can help you find the best price.
- Consider your options: Discuss whether a rebuilt or used turbo is a viable option for your needs, as it can reduce the initial parts cost.
- Ask about related repairs: Inquire about the condition of your exhaust manifolds and if they are likely to need replacing, which can help you avoid unexpected costs down the line.
- Explore rebuilding: In some cases, rebuilding a turbo may be more cost-effective than replacing it with a new one, especially if the damage is relatively minor.
How long do 3.5 L EcoBoost turbos last?
The 3.5L EcoBoost turbo life expectancy varies significantly with maintenance, but can last for the life of the engine, often between 150,000 and 200,000 miles or more, with proper care. Key factors include regular oil changes, allowing the turbos to cool down, avoiding hard acceleration when cold, and regular coolant and other fluid changes.
You can watch this video to learn about common issues with the 3.5 EcoBoost engine: 47s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 22, 2022
Key factors for longevity
- Regular maintenance: Frequent oil changes (every 5,000 miles or sooner) with quality full synthetic oil are critical.
- Cool-down period: Idle the engine for about 15-20 seconds before shutting it off to allow the turbos to cool down and prevent oil coking.
- Driving habits: Avoid aggressive acceleration when the engine is cold, as the cold oil doesn't lubricate as effectively.
- Other fluids: Consistent maintenance of other fluids, like coolant and transmission fluid, also contributes to overall engine health.
Potential issues and maintenance
- Timing chain and phasers: These can require replacement around 150,000 miles. Listen for rattling noises at startup, which can indicate a worn timing chain or tensioners.
- Turbochargers are wear items: Due to high operating speeds and extreme conditions, turbos are considered a wearable component that may need eventual replacement, but good maintenance can extend their life significantly.
- General reliability: With proper care, many owners report their 3.5L EcoBoost engines lasting well over 200,000 miles, sometimes even approaching 300,000 miles or more.
Can I drive my EcoBoost with a bad turbo?
No, you should not drive an Ecoboost with a blown turbo, as it can cause catastrophic and expensive engine damage. While the vehicle will still technically move, continuing to drive it risks sending metal fragments from the failed turbo into the engine or causing further damage. It is best to stop driving the car immediately and have it towed to a mechanic for inspection and repair.
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a failing turbo: 50scar PROblemsYouTube · Dec 25, 2023
Risks of driving with a blown turbo
- Engine damage: Debris from the turbo can be ingested into the engine, causing severe internal damage that may lead to engine failure.
- Increased repair costs: The longer you drive, the more damage you risk, which can escalate the cost of repairs from a simple turbo replacement to a full engine rebuild.
- Poor performance: You will experience a significant loss of power and poor fuel efficiency.
What to do if you have a blown turbo
- Stop driving immediately: Do not attempt to drive the vehicle any further than necessary.
- Do not restart the engine: Avoid starting the engine again until it can be inspected by a professional.
- Arrange for a tow: Have the car towed to a qualified mechanic or a service center.
- Inspect and replace: A mechanic will need to diagnose the issue, replace the turbo, and check for any related damage to the intake and exhaust systems, and oil supply.
How much does it cost to replace the turbo on a Ford EcoBoost?
Stock 1.0 EcoBoost Replacement Turbocharger
The Pumaspeed Workshop team are ready to fit the Ford 1.0 Ecoboost OE Turbocharger by E and E in our Head Office located here. We estimate the labour time to be approximately 3.00 hour(s) costing £322.20 inc VAT.
