Chevy Cruze Bad Turbo Failure Symptoms & Replacement Cost

Chevy Cruze bad turbo symptoms

You will learn that your Chevy Cruze turbo issues have become bad and will require a replacement when you will notice the following symptoms on your Chevy Cruze:

1. Exhaust tube fizzing blackish or bluish smoke at a high rate
2. Troubleshooting in turbocharger
3. Scraping and rattling sound
4. Idling and starting issues
5. Failure of the wastegate.

Even if your fuel economy drops a bit, then it can be one of the symptoms for a Chevy Cruze bad turbo. It will eventually damage the catalytic converter because of the extra fuel availability in the exhaust.

What is a turbo failure? 

A turbo failure is a mechanical issue affecting the turbocharger, an automotive component responsible for forcing air into an engine to increase performance. This extra air allows an engine to burn fuel more efficiently, producing more power and better overall performance.

Causes of Bad Turbo Failure in a Chevy Cruze 

Look at some of the most common causes of bad turbo failure in a Chevy Cruze.

Poor Oil Quality: One of the most common causes of turbo failure in a Chevy Cruze is poor oil quality. Low-grade or old oil can cause buildup in the engine, leading to turbo failure. Regular oil changes are essential for proper engine maintenance to ensure your turbo runs reliably.

Lack of Maintenance: Like any other vehicle, a Chevy Cruze needs regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. Neglecting regular maintenance can strain your turbo, leading to failure and other engine problems.

Excessive Boost Pressure: Boost pressure is the amount of air pressure the turbo creates. Too much boost pressure can strain the turbo and cause it to fail. If you’re experiencing turbo failure, you may run too much boost pressure.

Faulty Turbo Components: Faulty turbo components can also cause turbo failure. Your turbocharger needs to be functioning properly for optimal performance. If it’s not, turbo failure can occur.

Diagnosis of Bad Turbo Failure in a Chevy Cruze 

The first step in diagnosing a turbo failure in a Chevy Cruze is to check the oil level. Low oil levels can cause turbo failure as the turbo relies on oil to cool and lubricate its bearings. 

Next, inspect the car for any oil leaks. Oil leaks around the turbocharger can be indicative of a failing turbo. 

Once any oil leaks have been addressed, the next step is to check for boost pressure. Boost pressure is the amount of air pressure that is forced into the engine by the turbocharger. 

Finally, perform a visual inspection of the turbocharger itself. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks or missing fins..

How long do Turbos last Cruze?

Fortunately, the answer is that your Cruze’s turbocharger can last up to 90,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. This means that if you take proper care of your turbocharger, it can last many years.

Can you drive without turbo Chevy Cruze?

You can drive a Chevy Cruze without a turbocharger, but it won’t be as powerful as if equipped with one. The turbocharger gives the engine an extra power boost, making it more responsive and faster to accelerate quickly. Without it, the car will have a slower response time and might not have as much power as you’d like. 

What happens to engine when turbo fails?

When a turbocharger fails, it can cause various problems for an engine. The most common symptom is a noticeable decrease in power and torque. This decrease is due to the lack of air being forced into the combustion chamber, resulting in a less efficient burn. In addition, turbo failure can cause increased heat levels, leading to combustion chamber temperatures that are too high for optimal operation.

Can turbo be repaired?

The answer is a resounding yes! A damaged turbo can often be repaired, although it may require an experienced technician to assess the extent of the damage and decide if a repair is even possible.

Chevy Cruze turbo replacement cost

An average replacement cost for a Chevy Cruze turbocharger assembly is between $1000 and $1070 including labor costs. Labor costs will estimate between $255 and $325 and the pricing of the replacement parts will be $750. If you are a pro-DIY’er, then you can try it yourself and save the labor cost.

Check spark plug for Chevy Cruze 1.4 turbo

Chevy Cruze turbo boost sensor problems

Turbo boost sensor problems of Chevy Cruze are related to trouble code P0299. Definition of P0299 code is an under-boost condition of a turbocharger.

In simple words, this problem starts with just a lack of boost issue from a forced induction system of your vehicle and it ends up with a turbo failure and many other things. This happens because of the limited air which gets through the air intake system.

When the ECU will detect an under-boost condition or a low boost condition, then it will certainly trigger a check engine light to display the P0299 code on your scanner.

Later, it may also get reversed to the “Limp Mode” so that it can protect your engine from any more damage. But this “Limp Mode” is not good enough because of the lack of engine performance.

This boost sensor issue can lead your engine to many other problems such as:

• Failed and dirty boost sensor
• Failing Turbocharger
• EGR Emission issue
• Broken or blocked Air intake

Turbo Boost Sensor Replacement

2018 Chevy Cruze turbo problems

There are several problems logged in for the 2018 Chevy Cruze turbo and here they are as follows:

1. Leaking of front brakes
2. Squeaky noise
3. Flush getting on
4. Regular servicing and maintenance
5. Front left axle issue while driving

Chevy Cruze has blown turbo

Your Chevy Cruze turbo will be blown when you will start driving your vehicle with a turbo problem. When your engine faces turbo trouble, you should go to a mechanic and get checked your vehicle, otherwise, it will wear your turbo out day by day.

Replacing a part and replacing a turbocharger are not similar. Later one is more costly and you need to hire labor to do so. Therefore, before your Chevy Cruze turbo gets blown, you should get it checked or replaced.

Chevy Cruze 1.4 turbo specs

All available models of Chevy Cruze 1.4 turbo are powered by the 1399cc or 1.4L turbocharged straight injection engine that has a power of 150 HP or 110 kW at 5600 rpm.

The torque of this turbo is 235 Nm or 173 lb.-ft. at 1500-4000 rpm which is coupled with a 6 speed automatic or 6-speed manual. Here are some other specs as follows:

Assembled in: China

Engine: 1.4L LE2 I4 (Gasoline)

Weight: 1190-1300 KG (Sedan)

Transmission: 6 speed automatic (M32), 6-speed manual (M32)

Frequently Asked Questions

#1. How do you know if your turbo is bad on a Chevy Cruze?

These are the symptoms that will tell you the Chevy Cruze turbo is bad:

1. Damaged seals
2. Wearing off and tearing apart
3. Power loss
4. Exhaust smoke
5. Oil or lubrication consumption
6. Whining and vibrating engine
7. Exhaust smoke
8. Unusual objects
9. Check engine light

#2. Does Chevy Cruze have turbo problems?

Yes, all the 1.4L Chevy Cruze have these turbo problems. The main reason behind these problems is the blow-off valves and bypass valves of the turbo.

But still, Chevy Cruze is one of the best-selling vehicles with the engine in the market. And turbo problems are the most common problem for Chevy Cruze.

#3. How do I know if my turbo is going bad?

Your turbo will show some symptoms before going bad and the symptoms are as follows:

1. High speed maintaining the difficulty
2. Power loss
3. Louder and slower acceleration
4. The dashboard light of the engine is showing
5. Grey and blue smoke getting out from the exhaust

#4. What does a failing turbo sound like?

A failing turbo will make a sound like a noise of loud whining usually. The noise will be a distinctive one when it will be under-boost.

It will be like a police siren when the wheel compressor is failed or a drilling noise of a dentist. Whenever you will hear this type of sound or noise, you should understand that your turbo is failing for sure.

#5. Can a blown turbo damage the engine?

Yes, an engine with a blown turbo will certainly damage your car whether you keep it idle or drive it all along. When you will drive your car having a blown turbo, it is likely to do damage to the engine.

The more you will drive, the more damage will happen to your engine. Therefore it will take more costs for repairs. So, if you don’t want to do damage your turbo engine, then don’t let your car drive with a blown engine.

#6. Can you still drive a car if the turbo goes out?

You can still drive a car if the turbo goes out but on certain conditions. If your turbocharger disintegrates on the size of the inlet, then you can drive your car without hesitation.

When your turbo will damage any cylinder or piston, you will get to know it because of being unable to drive or the distinct noises and should stop driving then.

Conclusion

Like all other issues, it is also important to take Chevy Cruze Bad Turbo Failure Symptoms quite seriously and get them fixed as soon as possible. If you delay doing replacements and repairs, then it can make the problem worse.

Then it will be hard to fix and will take a lot of money to repair. Therefore, in case you own a Chevy Cruze and you are having turbo issues with it, you should assess your car by an expert to decide on whether to fix it, replace it, or sell it.