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 $1,500 to $3,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. 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
What you are looking at
No photograph available
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.
What it costs to put right
$1,500 to $3,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.
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 has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.
Where this comes from
- 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?
$1,500 to $3,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. 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)