Is a Turbocharger Covered Under Warranty?

Turbocharger warranty coverage

Auto manufacturers and third-party providers typically cover turbochargers under powertrain warranties as a core engine component, but not always. Some providers cover turbos under bumper-to-bumper or emissions warranties, which typically last less than powertrain coverage.

This applies only as a general rule of thumb to factory-installed turbochargers. Aftermarket turbocharger installations are typically excluded from warranty coverage.

New vs. extended turbocharger warranty coverage

Both factory and extended warranties may cover a vehicle’s turbocharger. However, each type of warranty works differently. We compare key details in the table below.

Common turbocharger warranty exclusions

Regardless of your turbocharger warranty type, some causes of damage and circumstances aren’t covered. Car warranties typically feature common exclusions such as:

• Damage caused by unapproved aftermarket modifications
• Corrosion, rust or other environmental damage
• Damages resulting from theft, vandalism or other sources covered by an insurance policy
• Intentional damage
• Damage caused by misuse, such as street racing
• Damage resulting from a collision
• Vehicles with tampered odometers

Your warranty contract will feature a complete list of exclusions. Read and understand this list to avoid an unexpected claim denial.

» RELATED: How much does an extended car warranty cost?

Turbocharger coverage eligibility factors

Even if your warranty contract clearly includes your car’s turbocharger, you still must meet a few other eligibility requirements for your claim to be approved. The specific requirements vary by warranty type, provider and plan, but contracts tend to include similar restrictions.

Common requirements include:

• Age and mileage: Providers set age and mileage restrictions on turbocharger protection. Exceeding either limit voids the warranty.
• Maintenance history: To qualify for coverage, you must complete all required maintenance services, such as oil and fluid changes. Providers may request maintenance records if you file a claim for turbocharger repairs.
• Waiting period: If your warranty contract comes with a waiting period, no claims will be approved before this period expires. 
• Component origin: New car warranties only cover factory-installed turbochargers.
• Ownership history: Manufacturers sometimes shorten factory coverage terms if a vehicle is sold to a new owner.
• Repair facility: Factory and manufacturer-backed extended warranties typically require repairs at authorized dealerships. Most third-party extended warranties cover ASE-certified shops, though some offer incentives for using preferred repair facilities.
• Turbocharger condition: Providers may deny your claim if your turbocharger or related components show signs of neglect or abuse.
• Documentation: You may be asked to submit maintenance and repair records when you file a turbocharger claim to prove you complied with your warranty contract's conditions.

Why ASE certification matters

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests and certifies automotive technicians. Look for ASE certification when choosing a repair shop to help ensure your vehicle is serviced by a qualified professional.

Turbocharger warranty and maintenance records

A key condition of any warranty contract is that the owner must follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Specific intervals vary by make and model, but the owner’s manual lists them, and you can find them online.

Some providers require customers to provide copies of their maintenance records to approve a repair claim. This makes it essential to keep all service records in a place you can access when you need them.

Required maintenance services

You are required to perform all routine maintenance services to remain eligible for warranty coverage. Missing even a scheduled tire rotation could void your coverage. 

However, regular oil and filter changes are especially important for your turbocharger's health. Old engine oil and worn-out filters can let dirt and grime build up around the turbocharger and cause it to malfunction. Changing them regularly is the best way to avoid this preventable cause of failure.

Acceptable forms of proof of maintenance

The documentation you need to submit to get your turbocharger warranty claim approved depends on your coverage type. With factory and manufacturer extended warranties, dealerships likely have a complete service history on file.

Extended warranty providers, however, don’t have access to these or any other records. As a result, you are responsible for providing them upon request. You may be able to use the documents listed below as proof of your maintenance history:

• Repair bills
• CARFAX reports
• Service center diagnostic reports
• Dealer invoices
• Independent service center records

In theory, you may be able to use DIY maintenance logs if you document services carefully and keep them organized. Treat this as a last resort, since warranty providers will likely scrutinize them during the claims process and may not accept them at all.

Warranty coverage for modified turbochargers

Modifying your turbocharger to improve performance risks voiding your warranty coverage. However, the Federal Trade Commission ruled that installing aftermarket modifications alone cannot be grounds for denying a claim. Warranty administrators must prove the modification caused the failure.

Risks of turbocharger modification

Installing modifications to your car’s turbocharger doesn’t just risk voiding your warranty. It also increases the likelihood of a breakdown because it makes your car perform in ways it wasn’t designed to.

Not all turbocharger modifications carry the same risk to your vehicle and its warranty. We compare common modifications in the table below.

How providers prove modifications cause turbocharger failure

Car dealers and third-party warranty providers must prove a modification caused the turbocharger to fail before using it to deny a claim. There are a few ways companies may find evidence they can use to support their decisions, including:

• Trouble code logs: Service technicians can review a vehicle’s trouble code history to compare when modifications were installed with when problems began.
• ECU flash history: Software updates for a car’s ECU are known as “flashes.” The ECU stores a record of every time it has been flashed, so technicians can see whether it has had any unapproved or undocumented updates.
• Physical inspection: Technicians may also inspect the turbocharger for signs of damage caused by modifications.

Protecting warranty coverage while running modifications

To be clear, the best way to keep your turbocharger eligible for warranty coverage is to avoid installing any modifications.

However, if you want to modify your vehicle for a performance boost or any other reason, there are a few things you can do to reduce the chance of voiding your warranty:

• Monitor changes in performance closely after installing any modifications
• Have modifications installed by licensed professional technicians
• Consider automaker-approved components if available
• Avoid installing more than one turbocharger modification at once to allow for incremental change and independent performance update analysis

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