How long on average does a car turbo last?

Answer 1

It depends on what kind of turbo you are talking about.

I have a 1996 Volvo 850 turbo. The turbo isn't weak by any measure (it adds 65 hp) but it is stock. On a car with a stock turbo, the turbo will probably outlast many of the other engine components.

In a car where a large aftermarket turbo was after and the car is driven hard, this may not be the case.

But underneath it all, turbos are mechanically very simple. They are just 2 chambers, a ball bearing, and a turbine/compressor (something that spins)

The only thing that will break a turbo is the fact that it deals with extreme heat. If the cooling system in the car is damaged (in which case you shouldn't be driving the car anyway) there is a good chance you can ruin the turbo, especially in aggressive driving. Upgrading a car to a large turbo without making other necessary modifications such as adding intercoolers can increase the risk of turbo damage. Consult experts before putting aftermarket performance parts on your car that are not in a kit.

If you are wondering about a turbo that was installed by the manufacturer (especially a European manufacturer) you shouldn't worry. Even driving the car hard, chances are something else is going to break far before the turbo. Just make sure you fix coolant system leaks when they happen.