Chevy Cruze Turbo Problems (with Fixes)
The Chevy Cruze is a compact size car that debuted in 2008 as the replacement for the Chevy Cobalt. And since then, it has become a favorite among many looking for an efficient, affordable, and reliable vehicle. Since its introduction, this vehicle has always been equipped with the turbocharged engine. While this has its own advantages, there have been a few issues along the way.
You can encounter several turbo problems with your Chevy Cruze. The common symptoms of this include loss of power, noises, excessive smoke, oil leaks, and illuminated check engine light. These problems are caused by a number of issues. They range from insufficient lubrication and contamination, to overheating and age. It is important that you take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair.
This article highlights the common turbo problems in the Chevy Cruze from the symptoms to its causes, and how you can resolve the issues.
Chevy Cruze Turbo Problems
The Chevy Cruze is one of the vehicles that come with the turbocharged engine. Turbochargers are quite common as they are designed to increase the efficiency and power. They can achieve this by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This way, the engine can burn more fuel and hence more power. Chevy Cruze, with its turbocharged engine, has been a popular choice for many motorists looking for a boost in efficiency and performance.
Unfortunately, just like any other moving parts in the vehicle, the turbochargers form another point of unreliability and failure in cars and can develop serious problems. Turbo failure significantly affects the overall performance of a vehicle. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the symptoms so you can address the issues as they arise.
What Are the Symptoms of Turbo Failure?
There are some tell-tale signs that can help you detect a failing turbo.
Noises
A common symptom is a loud, distinctive noise such as a hissing or whistling sound. This noise becomes noticeable whenever the turbo produces boost, like when you are climbing a hill or accelerating.
Loss of power
If you notice a reduction in the power of your Chevy Cruze, then you could be dealing with a failing turbo. If the turbo is malfunctioning, it will not be able to generate sufficient boost to provide normal power.
Excessive smoke
If there is excessive smoke from the exhaust, it could result from turbo failure. Typically, the smoke can be gray or blue and could imply that there is oil leaking into the exhaust system.
Oil leaks
If there is some oil leaking in front of the engine bay, it could be a sign of turbo failure. The oil leak may be a result of a worn bearing or faulty seal which can cause further damage to other parts of the engine.
Check engine light
The check engine light comes on due to many reasons. One of these reasons may be an issue with the turbo. It is important that you have your vehicle checked by a mechanic to determine the cause.
What Are the Causes of Chevy Cruze Turbo Problems?
Turbo failure is common among many vehicles, not specifically the Chevy Cruze. Just like most mechanical parts in the vehicle, the turbo can fail as a result of wear and tear and other issues. Below are some of the common causes of the Chevy Cruze turbo problems.
Insufficient lubrication
The turbo requires a constant supply of oil to keep it lubricated and work properly. When the oil levels are too low, or if the oil is not being circulated properly, the turbo can easily fail.
Contamination
If there are any foreign particles such as debris or dirt in the turbo, it can cause damage and lead to failure.
Overheating
The turbo often generates a lot of heat. Sometimes, it may overheat and cause the bearings to wear out and fail.
Age
With time, the turbo will eventually wear out and fail.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix a turbo on the Chevy Cruze?
To repair the turbo on the Chevy Cruze, the labor costs often cost between $258 and $325. The parts, depending on the specific one to be repaired, are priced between $815 and $1009. This estimates may vary with your unique location and is exclusive of taxes and fees.
Can I still driver my car if the turbo goes out?
The Chevy Cruze turbo problems can potentially worsen and the turbo goes out. If this happens, you can still drive your car, but there is the risk of engine failure. Therefore, it is important that you address your turbocharger failure immediately.
Conclusion
Turbo failure is not particularly common to the Chevy Cruze, but it is still important that you are aware of the potential issues and address them. A failing turbo can cause significant damage to the engine if left unrepaired.
