Compare Turbo Replacement Prices Near You

How Much Does a Turbo Replacement Cost?

A turbo replacement typically costs between £500 and £1,500 for most cars, with the average quote sitting at around £1,100. Small city cars tend to sit at the lower end, while performance cars and engines with two turbos can cost considerably more.

The turbocharger itself is usually the biggest part of the bill, but labour adds anywhere from around £100 to £400 depending on how much of the engine a technician needs to dissassemble.

Typical UK costs based on published industry estimates as of 29th September 2026. Prices are representative figures only as costs vary depending on your make and model, the parts used and your chosen garage. Enter your reg and postcode to compare instant prices from local garages for your exact car.

What Affects the Cost of Replacing a Turbo?

Your make, model and engine have the biggest effect on the price. Some turbos are easy to reach from the top of the engine, while others sit low down behind the exhaust manifold and take several hours to remove.

The type of turbo you choose matters too. A brand new unit costs the most, while a reconditioned turbo is a cheaper alternative that has been rebuilt with new internal parts and, in some cases, a specialist can repair your existing turbo instead.

Many garages will also replace the oil feed pipe and gaskets and change your engine oil and filter at the same time. These add a little to the bill, but they protect your new turbo from the same problems that damaged the old one.

Should I Repair, Recondition or Replace My Turbo?

If the damage is limited to worn seals or bearings, a turbo specialist may be able to repair your existing unit. This can be the cheapest option, but it isn't possible if the turbo has been badly damaged by debris or oil starvation.

A reconditioned turbo offers a good balance of cost and reliability, as it has been stripped down, cleaned and rebuilt to the original specification.

A new turbo costs more but gives you the longest warranty and peace of mind that every part is fresh.

Your chosen garage will be able to advise on the best course of action once they have inspected your turbo and found out what caused it to fail.

What Does a Turbo Do in a Car?

In simple terms, a turbo works by feeding more air into your car's internal combustion engine.

It does this by using energy from the exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which drives a compressor that forces cool air into the intake. This helps the engine take more air into the cylinders to take on more fuel, boosting your performance, economy and fuel efficiency.

As such, turbochargers are fitted to many modern petrol and diesel cars.

Is It Worth Replacing a Turbo?

Yes, so long as the rest of your engine is in good health. A failing turbo will only get worse, and if it breaks up completely it can send debris into the engine or cause oil to reach your exhaust and catalytic converter, which can easily send your repair bill spiralling out of control.

On a high-mileage car with a low value or other serious engine problems, the sums may not add up. Once you know the turbo is to blame, we’d recommend talking to your chosen garage about whether a replacement makes sense for your car.

How Long Does a Turbo Replacement Take?

Most turbo replacements take around three to four hours, although some jobs can take anywhere from two to eight hours. The time depends on where the turbo is fitted and how many other components need to come off first.

Your chosen garage will be able to provide a more accurate time once they've inspected your car.

How Long Do Turbos Last, and What Makes Them Fail?

A turbo is designed to last as long as the engine, often around 150,000 miles, but some fail much sooner.

Your car's turbocharger can fail due to poor oil quality, overheating or a lack of coolant. As oil circulation is important for the turbo to work effectively, you should avoid harsh acceleration before the vehicle has fully warmed up. As with many car parts, age is also a factor in your turbo's condition, as wear and tear is inevitable even with necessary maintenance.

If there’s another issue that caused your turbocharger to fail, it’s worth repairing that at the same time. A blocked oil feed pipe, irregular oil changes or a blocked DPF can all put extra strain on a turbo, so a new turbocharger can fail in the same way if the problem isn’t sorted.

Warning Signs to Look For

If you've noticed any of the following warning signs, you should avoid driving your vehicle and book an appointment at a local garage as soon as possible:

• A loss of power

• Acceleration is slower and louder

• You struggle to maintain high speed

• Blue, black or grey exhaust smoke on acceleration

• An illuminated engine management light

• Poor fuel economy

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