MajorCommonEngine

Renault Trafic: Turbocharger failure

Turbocharger failure is a common engine fault on the Renault Trafic on the 2004–2014 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs ≈A$1,380 to ≈A$3,220 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 15 documented faults on the Renault Trafic.

Vehicle: Renault Trafic
Years: 2004–2014
Fuel: diesel
System: Engine

This page covers the Renault Trafic as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Renault Trafic faults15 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Turbocharger yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

Turbo failure is common on the X83 Trafic, often from the engine being switched off immediately after hard work so oil bakes in the turbo bearings, plus general high-mileage wear and oil-supply issues. Symptoms are a whistle or whine that ends in a lack of boost, blue/black smoke and power loss. As a hard-worked van this is one of the more likely big-ticket faults, so check boost and smoke carefully.

What you would notice

Turbo whine or whistle that fades to no boost
Loss of power
Blue or black smoke
Rattle or oil around the turbo

How to check it

Where to look. Turbocharger on the engine (exhaust side)

On the drive accelerate firmly and check for strong, smooth boost with no excessive smoke and no whine that ends in flat power.
Look for oil around the turbo and intercooler pipes.
Ask if the turbo has been replaced and whether the van is left to idle down after hard work.

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

What it costs to put right

≈A$1,380 to ≈A$3,220 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, converted to Australian dollars, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Has the turbo ever been replaced?”
“Any smoke, whine or power loss under acceleration?”

Now check the Renault Trafic you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car still has money owing on it, has been written off or reported stolen, what kms it showed in past sale ads, whether it has had accident repair claims and what it is worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate and its state for the A$17.90 Vehicle Check, or the full history from A$24.99.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

Van Service Centre Manchester – '12 most common problems with the Renault Trafic'
ClickMechanic Blog – Common problems with Renault Trafic

Renault Trafic buyer questions

Is turbocharger failure serious on a Renault Trafic?

We rate it major and common on the Renault Trafic. Turbo failure is common on the X83 Trafic, often from the engine being switched off immediately after hard work so oil bakes in the turbo bearings, plus general high-mileage wear and oil-supply issues. Symptoms are a whistle or whine that ends in a lack of boost, blue/black smoke and power loss. As a hard-worked van this is one of the more likely big-ticket faults, so check boost and smoke carefully.

How much does it cost to fix on a Renault Trafic?

≈A$1,380 to ≈A$3,220 at independent workshop rates, shown as an approximate guide in Australian dollars. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Renault Trafic years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2004–2014 Renault Trafic. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

On the drive accelerate firmly and check for strong, smooth boost with no excessive smoke and no whine that ends in flat power. Look for oil around the turbo and intercooler pipes. Ask if the turbo has been replaced and whether the van is left to idle down after hard work. Look here: Turbocharger on the engine (exhaust side)