What are the symptoms when a turbocharger fails?
4 Answers
When a turbocharger fails, it may exhibit symptoms such as insufficient power, blue or white smoke from the exhaust pipe, increased fuel consumption, and unstable turbo pressure. Since turbochargers often operate at high speeds and temperatures, it is important to avoid driving immediately after starting the engine and not to shut it down right away. Regular maintenance and inspection of the turbocharger are also essential. A turbocharger is an air compressor that increases the intake air volume by compressing air. It utilizes the inertial force of the exhaust gas from the engine to drive the turbine in the turbine chamber, which in turn drives the coaxial impeller. The impeller then compresses the air delivered through the air filter pipe, pressurizing it before it enters the cylinder.
When my car's turbo failed, it felt completely powerless, like dragging a dead weight—accelerating was a real struggle, even with the pedal to the metal. The most noticeable change was the sound; the smooth whistle turned into a chaotic hissing, especially annoying on the highway. Fuel consumption shot up—a full tank that used to last 600 km dropped to under 500, hitting my wallet hard. Black smoke from the exhaust was alarming. Even worse, the car responded sluggishly, making overtaking or climbing hills nerve-wracking. The mechanic diagnosed it as either turbo oil leakage or a seized impeller, and replacing it cost me thousands. Addressing it promptly is crucial, as long-term damage could lead to even costlier engine repairs.
When the car's turbo fails, the power drops drastically, and acceleration becomes as slow as a snail. There's a noticeable delay of several seconds when pressing the accelerator. I can hear harsh abnormal noises, similar to metal grinding or screeching. Fuel consumption surges by 20%, leading to more frequent refueling and wasted money. Abnormal exhaust smoke is common—black smoke indicates a mixture issue, while blue smoke may suggest burning engine oil. The driving experience is particularly poor, making overtaking difficult on highways and increasing the risk of accidents. It's recommended to promptly check for bearing seals or oil line leaks. Regular maintenance can prevent such failures, but if it's already broken, repairs are necessary.
When the turbo failed while I was driving, the car accelerated extremely slowly as if its legs were tied, and the sound was weird, like the wind howling. The increased fuel consumption hurt my wallet, and I had to refuel more frequently. Driving became unsafe with weak acceleration and slow lane changes, making me nervous. Black smoke from the exhaust also polluted the air. I immediately took it for repairs, fearing major issues, especially since safety was at stake.
