How Much Does a New Turbocharger Cost?

A new turbocharger typically costs $700–$3,500 for the part alone, depending on the vehicle and turbo type. Installed, most owners spend $1,600–$5,500 including labor, ancillary parts, and fluids; high-performance or twin‑turbo setups can run higher.

What You’ll Pay for the Part

Turbocharger prices vary by engine size, turbo technology, and whether you buy OEM (original equipment), reputable aftermarket, or performance hardware. Below are common ranges for the turbo unit itself, not including labor.

• Small mainstream gas engines (1.4L–2.0L): $700–$1,800 new OEM; $500–$1,200 quality remanufactured.
• Modern midsize gas engines (2.0L–3.0L, twin-scroll or integrated manifold): $900–$2,200 new OEM; $600–$1,400 reman.
• Diesel pickups/SUVs with variable-geometry turbos (VGT): $1,500–$3,500 new OEM; $1,000–$2,400 reman (electronic actuator may be separate).
• European luxury/performance and twin‑turbo engines: $1,500–$3,000 per turbo new; $900–$1,800 per turbo reman (parts-only often $3,000–$6,000 for both).
• Aftermarket performance/big‑turbo kits (hardware only): $2,000–$6,000+ depending on brand and included components (manifold, lines, intercooler, tuning hardware).

In short, simpler single turbos for mainstream cars tend to be under $2,000, while variable‑geometry units, integrated manifolds, electronic actuators, and twin‑turbo layouts push prices higher.

Installed Price: Parts and Labor

Total installed cost depends on how difficult the turbo is to access, shop rates, and required extras (gaskets, lines, fluids, and calibration). Here’s what typically adds up on an invoice.

• Labor time: 4–10 hours for most cars; 8–14 hours for some SUVs, trucks, or twin‑turbo layouts.
• Shop rates: commonly $120–$200 per hour (regional variation applies).
• Ancillaries: oil/coolant, gaskets, studs/nuts, crush washers, and often new oil feed/return lines ($100–$400).
• Calibration/tuning (if required): $150–$800, mainly for performance upgrades or certain OEMs after actuator updates.
• Taxes, shop supplies, and possible core charge on reman units ($100–$400, refunded when your old turbo is returned in rebuildable condition).

Putting it together, most installed replacements land between $1,600 and $5,500. Diesel VGTs, tightly packaged European models, or twin‑turbo vehicles commonly trend toward the higher end.

New vs. Remanufactured vs. Used

You can save money by choosing a remanufactured unit or specific subcomponents, but it’s important to weigh warranty coverage and reliability.

• New OEM: Highest likelihood of exact fit and durability; 12–24 month warranties are common; costs the most.
• Quality remanufactured (from a reputable brand): Good value with new CHRA/bearings and balanced assemblies; typically 12‑month warranties; ensure it includes a compatible actuator if required.
• Aftermarket new (non‑OE): Can be cost‑effective; choose known brands and avoid no‑name copies due to higher failure rates.
• Used/salvage: Cheapest upfront but risky; unknown wear and no meaningful warranty in many cases.

For daily drivers, new OEM or trusted reman options usually strike the best balance of cost and reliability. Avoid off‑brand units that lack balancing documentation or actuator calibration support.

Key Factors That Drive Price

Several technical and market variables can swing turbo pricing by thousands of dollars. Understanding these helps explain quotes you’ll receive.

• Turbo type and size: Variable‑geometry (VGT) and twin‑scroll designs cost more than basic wastegated units.
• Integrated components: Built‑in exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, or electronic actuators add cost.
• Access and packaging: Tight engine bays and twin‑turbo V6/V8 layouts increase labor hours.
• Brand and model: European luxury/performance applications typically have pricier parts.
• Supply chain and availability: Limited distribution or high demand can raise prices and lead times.
• Core return requirement: Reman units often require your old turbo to recover a core charge.

When pricing, use your VIN and exact part number (including actuator suffixes) to avoid compatibility issues and return delays.

Typical Examples (Ballpark)

The following examples illustrate common ranges for the turbo unit only; actual quotes vary by supplier, region, and stock.

• Compact 1.5L–2.0L gas (Honda, Ford, Hyundai/Kia, Toyota): $800–$1,600 new OEM; $500–$1,000 reman.
• VW/Audi 2.0T family: $1,000–$1,800 new; $600–$1,200 reman, actuator included on some models.
• BMW inline‑6 single‑turbo (e.g., N55/B58): $1,300–$2,300 new; twin‑turbo V8 (e.g., N63/S63): $2,800–$5,500 for both turbos.
• Diesel pickups (Duramax, Power Stroke, Cummins with VGT): $1,800–$3,500 new; $1,200–$2,400 reman (actuator sometimes sold separately).
• Performance bolt‑on/big‑turbo kits (hardware only): $2,000–$6,000+ depending on completeness and brand.

Use these as reference points; precise pricing hinges on your engine code, emission spec, and whether the actuator and manifold are integrated.

Ways to Control the Cost

A few planning steps can reduce the chance of repeat failures and keep the bill in check.

• Compare OEM, reputable aftermarket, and reman pricing; avoid counterfeit/no‑name units.
• Match the exact part and actuator numbers; mismatches can trigger limp mode or faults.
• Replace oil feed/return lines and address oil coking or contamination to protect the new turbo and warranty.
• Budget for fresh oil, coolant, gaskets, and required recalibration or software updates.
• On high‑mileage twin‑turbo engines, consider replacing both to avoid staggered failures and duplicate labor.

Good parts sourcing and proper installation practices are the best insurance against a second replacement.

When Replacement Isn’t the Only Option

Some failures can be fixed without buying a complete turbo, provided the housings are undamaged and a qualified shop balances the assembly.

• CHRA (cartridge) replacement: $200–$600 plus labor; must be high‑quality and properly balanced.
• Electronic actuator replacement/calibration: $150–$450 if the turbo itself is healthy.
• Wastegate repair kits or bushing fixes: $100–$300 for rattle or flap wear on certain models.

These options can be cost‑effective, but cutting corners on parts quality or balancing often leads to repeat issues.

Bottom Line

Expect $700–$3,500 for a new turbocharger part and $1,600–$5,500 installed for most vehicles, with diesel VGTs, luxury brands, and twin‑turbo setups costing more. Confirm your exact part number, consider reputable reman options, and budget for proper installation extras to get reliable results at the lowest total cost.

Can I drive with a bad turbocharger?

No, you should not drive with a blown turbo. Driving a vehicle with a faulty turbo can lead to significant engine damage, including the possibility of metal pieces from the turbo entering the engine’s combustion chambers and causing total engine failure. If you suspect a blown turbo, you should stop driving, get the vehicle towed to a mechanic, and have the issue diagnosed and repaired promptly to avoid more costly repairs. 
Why driving with a blown turbo is dangerous

• Engine Damage: A damaged turbocharger can release metal fragments into the engine, leading to severe internal damage. 
• Runaway Engine: In extreme cases, a broken turbo can cause the engine to rev uncontrollably, a phenomenon known as a runaway engine. 
• Fire Hazard: Oil leaks from a failing turbo can create a fire hazard. 

What to do if you suspect a blown turbo

1. Pull Over: Find a safe place to pull over immediately. 
2. Turn Off the Engine: Turn off the vehicle’s engine to prevent further damage. 
3. Inspect for Oil Leaks: Check the turbo and surrounding areas for any signs of oil leaks. 
4. Get Towed: Have the vehicle towed to a qualified mechanic for inspection and repair. 

Signs of a failing turbo
You may notice one or more of the following symptoms before a complete turbo failure: 

• Decreased engine power or sluggish acceleration
• Unusual whining or whistling noises
• Thick smoke (white or blue) coming from the exhaust
• A noticeable drop in fuel efficiency
• Oil leaks or excessive oil consumption

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a turbocharger?

Rebuilding a turbo is usually much cheaper than replacing it with a new one. If the damage is relatively minor, rebuilding can be an affordable way to extend the life of the turbocharger. When you opt for a rebuild, the goal is to use many of the original parts.

Is it worth replacing a turbo?

Replacing a turbo is worth it if it keeps a reliable car on the road, but only if the engine is in good condition and has sufficient life left in it. Consider your car’s age, maintenance history, and your long-term goals to decide if replacement is the right investment, as neglecting a failed turbo can lead to costly engine damage. 
Factors to Consider

• Vehicle Condition: If your car is relatively new and in good condition, a turbo replacement can extend its overall lifespan. If the vehicle is older or has high mileage, the cost of replacing the turbo might not be a wise investment, as the wear on other components could lead to other failures. 
• Engine Life: A turbo is only worth replacing if the engine itself has a good amount of life left. If the engine is already worn or has significant mileage, a new turbo won’t be an efficient investment. 
• Long-Term Goals: Consider how long you plan to keep the vehicle. If you plan on keeping the car for the foreseeable future, replacing the turbo to keep it running reliably can be a sensible decision. 
• Maintenance History: A properly maintained turbocharged engine should last the life of the engine. If the turbo has failed due to poor maintenance, you may need to consider replacing other components as well. 
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Compare the cost of replacement against the overall value of the vehicle and the potential long-term costs of not replacing it. Driving with a failed turbo can cause more severe and costly engine damage. 
• Repair vs. Rebuild: For minor damage, rebuilding a turbo is often cheaper than replacing it and can extend the turbo’s life. However, if the damage is significant, a complete replacement is often necessary. 

When It’s Not Worth It

• Vehicle Condition: If the car is old and has a lot of wear and tear on other components, it might not be economical to replace the turbo. 
• Engine Life: If the engine is already at the end of its life, a turbo replacement may not be worthwhile. 
• Financial Constraints: If the cost of a turbo replacement is too high, it may not be a feasible option for your budget, and you may need to consider a different vehicle. 

How much does it cost to replace a turbocharger?

The average cost for a Turbocharger Assembly Replacement is between $2,261 and $2,915. Labor costs are estimated between $695 and $1,019 while parts are priced between $1,567 and $1,896. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.