Turbocharged engines: are they really less reliable than naturally

Turbocharged engines have long carried a reputation for being harder on the wallet than their naturally aspirated counterparts, but that reputation does not apply equally to every boosted unit on the road. According to a trade report, a number of mass-produced turbocharged engines have demonstrated that forced induction and long-term dependability can go hand in hand, provided the car is looked after correctly.

For drivers who see a warning light or fault code related to a turbocharged engine, the first question is usually how worried they should be. The answer depends heavily on which engine is fitted and how well it has been maintained. Turbochargers rely on engine oil for lubrication and cooling, so the most common causes of turbo-related faults are low oil levels, infrequent oil changes or using the wrong grade of oil. These are problems that can develop gradually and quietly before a warning light appears.

The trade report notes that the engines it highlights tend to reward owners who follow the manufacturer's service schedule closely. That means sticking to recommended oil change intervals, allowing a turbocharged engine to idle briefly before switching it off after hard driving, and not ignoring early signs such as blue smoke from the exhaust, a whining noise from the turbo, or a noticeable loss of power. Caught early, many turbo-related issues are straightforward and relatively affordable to address. Left alone, a failing turbocharger can cause wider engine damage that becomes significantly more costly.

Whether a turbo fault is a DIY fix or a job for a garage depends on the specific problem. Checking and topping up oil is something any driver can do, and it should be the first step if a turbo-related warning appears. Replacing a turbocharger itself, however, involves specialist knowledge and equipment, and most owners are better served by taking the car to an independent garage or franchised dealer. If your car is subject to an open recall relating to the engine or turbo system, that work should be carried out by the manufacturer's network.