How much is it to replace a turbo charger?
Typically, replacing a turbocharger will cost between about $1,000 and $3,000 for most vehicles, with higher-end models or diesels potentially pushing the total higher, sometimes into the $4,000 range.
Costs are driven by the turbo unit itself (new vs rebuilt vs OEM), labor rates in your area, and whether you replace related components such as oil lines, intercooler hoses, and gaskets. The following guide breaks down typical price ranges and factors that influence the final bill.
What you can expect to pay in total
Most common cars fall in a broad range. The exact total depends on the turbo unit (new, rebuilt, OEM), the extent of ancillary parts replaced, labor rates, and the shop's location.
Key cost components you should consider are:
- Turbocharger unit: price depends on whether you install a new, rebuilt, or OEM unit. Parts alone commonly range from about $300 to $1,500; OEM turbo may be $800 to $2,000 or more.
- Gaskets, seals, oil and coolant lines, clamps, and miscellaneous hardware: roughly $50 to $300.
- Intercooler hoses, intake piping, and related components: about $50 to $400.
- Labor: most cars require 2 to 6 hours of labor, depending on accessibility and vehicle design, with shop rates often $80 to $200 per hour. Expect about $160 to $1,200 in labor.
- Additional costs: core charges for a new turbo, disposal fees, oil changes, and diagnostic checks: typically $50 to $150.
Conclusion: The total will vary, but most shoppers see a combined range that begins around the low thousands and can climb into the mid to high thousands for complex or high-end models.
Typical price ranges by scenario
Prices vary by vehicle type, whether you opt for a brand-new turbo, a rebuilt unit, or a remanufactured option, and by local labor rates. The following scenarios illustrate common ranges.
- Common passenger cars with readily accessible turbos: Parts $300–$1,400; Labor $150–$900; Total typically $1,000–$2,500.
- Luxury or performance vehicles with complex piping or integrated units: Parts $700–$2,000+; Labor $300–$1,500; Total often $2,000–$4,500+.
- Diesel engines or vehicles with high-performance turbos and additional cooling systems: Parts $900–$2,000; Labor $400–$1,500; Total commonly $2,000–$4,500+.
Note: These ranges are approximate and depend on the specifics of the car, the shop, and any related repairs that emerge during the replacement.
Summary: Replacing a turbocharger is a mid-to-large automotive repair that can vary from about $1,000 to $3,000 for typical vehicles, with higher-end scenarios or diesel engines climbing beyond $4,000. Planning and quotes from multiple shops, along with considering rebuilt vs new turbos, can help you balance cost and reliability.
Does AutoZone have turbos?
AutoZone has the top-quality turbochargers and superchargers you need to unleash the beast within your ride. Experience increased rigid power and even boosts in your fuel economy by souping up your ride with a turbocharger - or maybe even a supercharger.
Can I drive a car with a bad turbo?
No, you should not drive with a bad turbo, as it risks catastrophic engine damage that can cause the vehicle to become undrivable. While the car may still run, continuing to drive can cause a failed turbo to send metal fragments into the engine, leading to much more expensive repairs, including potential engine rebuilds or replacement. The recommended action is to stop driving immediately and have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
This video explains the symptoms of a bad turbo and the risks of driving with one: 50scar PROblemsYouTube · Dec 25, 2023
Risks of driving with a bad turbo
- Catastrophic engine damage: A failing turbo can break apart, and metal fragments can be ingested into the engine, causing severe damage to pistons, cylinders, and other internal components.
- Increased repair costs: The longer you drive, the more damage you risk, which can turn a relatively simple turbo replacement into a costly engine overhaul.
- Engine failure: The damage can be severe enough to cause the engine to fail completely.
- Additional problems: An oil-leaking turbo can foul spark plugs or damage the catalytic converter.
What to do if you suspect a bad turbo
- Stop driving immediately: As soon as you notice signs like a loss of power, a whistling or rattling noise, or smoke, pull over and turn off the engine.
- Do not continue the trip: Avoid driving the vehicle any further, even for a short distance, as you risk causing more damage.
- Call for a tow truck: Have the vehicle towed to a professional mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and repair.
This video demonstrates the signs and symptoms of a failing turbo: 53s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Aug 11, 2024
Is it worth replacing a turbo in a car?
If you delay for too long, oil from the turbo could get into the catalytic converter - and once that happens, you'll have to replace your entire exhaust system. So, whilst turbo replacement isn't cheap, acting swiftly can save you a lot of money in the longer term.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a turbocharger?
Budget: If you're on a tight budget, rebuilding the turbo is often the more cost-effective option. It's especially true if the damage is minor and you can restore the turbo to near-new condition.
