What goes wrong
The turbocharger bearings are starved of oil due to a clogged banjo bolt filter, leading to excessive wear, play in the turbo shaft, and eventual disintegration of the turbine and compressor wheels. This often sends metal fragments throughout the engine, necessitating extensive and costly additional repairs.
Symptoms to watch for
- Whining or grinding noise from the turbocharger
- Noticeable loss of power
- Excessive blue or white smoke from the exhaust
- Check Engine Light (CEL) with turbo-related diagnostic trouble codes (e.g., P0299 - Turbocharger Underboost, P0234 - Turbocharger Overboost)
Root cause
A mesh filter screen located in the banjo bolt of the turbocharger oil supply line becomes clogged with oil sludge and debris over time, restricting oil flow to the turbocharger.
Buy time with these
- • Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil.
- • Consider removing the banjo bolt filter as a preventative measure, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
Permanent fix
- Replace the turbocharger with a new or remanufactured unit.
- Thoroughly clean or replace the turbo oil supply line and banjo bolt, ensuring the filter screen is removed or replaced with an unfiltered banjo bolt.
- Perform an engine oil and filter change. In severe cases, inspect oil pan for debris and consider replacing it along with oil pickup tube.
- Consider replacing the intercooler to remove any metal fragments from the failed turbo.
FAQ
What causes forester xt turbo failure?
A mesh filter screen located in the banjo bolt of the turbocharger oil supply line becomes clogged with oil sludge and debris over time, restricting oil flow to the turbocharger.
How much does it cost to fix?
National average $3,500–$6,000.
Is this a DIY repair?
Difficulty 4/5. Replace the turbocharger with a new or remanufactured unit.
What are the symptoms?
Whining or grinding noise from the turbocharger; Noticeable loss of power; Excessive blue or white smoke from the exhaust; Check Engine Light (CEL) with turbo-related diagnostic trouble codes (e.g., P0299 - Turbocharger Underboost, P0234 - Turbocharger Overboost)