Is it typical for a turbocharger to malfunction after 70,000 miles?

[NarrativePsych]

I purchased a 2015 Fiesta 1.5 TDCI in 2019 for £35,000, which has been carefully maintained both before to and during the acquisition.  Primarily used for commuting on A roads and highways, under 10,000 miles each year.  I believed that a turbocharger typically endures around 150,000 miles; nevertheless, I have reached 72,000 miles, and the technician I consulted has indicated that the wastegate has seized.  Is this typical, or does it indicate an underlying issue with the engine that has led to the turbo's failure?  Will the component be covered by Ford if the car is under 10 years old, similar to their wetbelt engines, or have I inadvertently purchased a defective vehicle?

The technician has estimated £800 for the replacement of the turbo, oil pipe, and an oil change, indicating a significant price.  He asserts that he attempted to release it but was unsuccessful.  Do you have any more recommendations?  Should I attempt to release the wastegate independently, despite being a total beginner, before spending £800?

[Bitxx]

Individuals seem to fixate on miles.  Typically, it is ageing that causes deterioration.  A ten-year lifespan for a wastegate failure is very plausible.

The warranty coverage was limited to the first three years.  Except if you have purchased an extended or aftermarket warranty.

Considering the car's age of 10 years, I would go for a quality used replacement priced between £100 and £200 rather than investing £800 on a completely new vehicle.

It is advisable to release the wastegate, however ideally, the turbo should be removed to access it effectively.  If the wastegate is compromised, it is not available for individual sale to the public, necessitating the replacement of the whole turbo system.

 

[Liveek]

A seized Westgate is often caused by an accumulation of excessive soot inside the Westgate. I do not believe them possess a wastegate. They are adjustable vanes. It may be incorrect, however.

Ultimately, it is still attributable to an accumulation of excessive soot.

Excessive fuel consumption may result from worn injectors, a deteriorating DPF, or a combination of both factors.

[Bitxx]

The 1.5 TDCI engine of the Fiesta is equipped with a wastegate.  The more powerful variant in the Focus is VNT.

[Liveek]

It is plausible that the actuator has been immobilised.

[Bitxx]

I would expect the technician to have detached the actuator to directly test the wastegate prior to estimating £800 for a new turbo.  However, if that is not the case, it is certainly advisable to verify that.

The wastegate is likely corroded and immobile, to be frank.  The design is subpar.  The petrol wastegates exhibit the contrary problem; they are loose and rattling. It is perplexing how they are all constructed so poorly, since Ford does not participate in the turbo design.

[NarrativePsych]

Thank you, everyone. I am consulting another technician tomorrow who claims that this model has a version with a wastegate that can be changed independently of the main unit. I remain optimistic.  I acknowledge that the automobile is about 10 years old (specifically, just under 9), nevertheless I would anticipate a crucial component such as a turbocharger to exhibit more durability.

During a comprehensive service of a diesel engine, are the turbo components generally serviced, or should I do supplementary maintenance to enhance longevity?

 

[Adv3nture]

In the 1990s, my performance turbo Japanese imports were equipped with a 'turbo timer,' which automatically maintained the engine at idle for a certain duration after the ignition was turned off. This let the turbo to cool gradually instead of abruptly shutting down, which would result in significant heat soak damaging the internals. I am uncertain about the relevance of this technology; an informed individual will arrive shortly! 😃

[Bitxx]

Turbo timers are unnecessary for our little European turbochargers.  Older Japanese automobiles were equipped with large, sluggish ball bearing turbochargers.

No maintenance is performed on turbos whatsoever.  They get advantages from the fresh oil, since they operate on a minimal layer of pressured oil instead of direct metal-to-metal bearings.  

Consequently, it is advisable to allow the engine to return to idle before shutting it off.  However, who is disengaging while maintaining pressure on the accelerator?

We need information on the cause of your wastegate's failure to determine appropriate preventive maintenance measures.  It is likely that you are not exerting sufficient force on the vehicle to ensure the wastegate opens and closes consistently.

 

[Micobe]

I have operated a Japanese-imported diesel vehicle in New Zealand, which was also equipped with one of those systems. They are rather prevalent in Japan, and frankly, when I had Diesel vehicles, I would let the engine to idle for many seconds, particularly after an intense drive.

I believe it is less significant for contemporary small-engine turbo petrol vehicles, since the turbo seldom engages during regular driving, in contrast to a diesel engine.

[NarrativePsych]

That is a thought-provoking idea. I use little pressure on the accelerator due to my appreciation for great efficiency and my belief that it enhances engine longevity.  I go mostly at 65 mph; is it insufficient speed?

I have used Redex diesel cleaner for many years and have lately transitioned to STP.  While they undoubtedly enhance engine performance, I doubt that any of those chemicals effectively reach the turbocharger for cleaning purposes.

[Adv3nture]

My acquaintance often advises me to do a regular 'Italian' tune-up—revving the engine vigorously from time to time. I had encountered several problems with a Celica GT4 due to overly cautious driving. Occasional brake failures, turbo malfunctions, etc. Drive her aggressively. 😂

You may eliminate the ingredients and use BP Ultimate only.

[Bitxx]

The emphasis is not primarily on velocity.  The focus is on maximising the engine's capability by ensuring all components operate efficiently and elevating fuel and exhaust pressures to maintain system cleanliness.  Driving on a freeway is not really fulfilling.  B roads are optimal for accelerating out of curves and braking sharply upon entry, which benefits both the engine and the brakes, as Stephen noted before.

Automobiles are engineered for operation.  In my experience, modest usage generates far more issues than misuse.

I consistently drove with efficiency, expecting no less than 50 mpg from a diesel Golf or Focus; yet, subjecting them to a vigorous drive weekly did not significantly impact the overall average from a full tank.

[Sumoto]

I think they got broken after 100k miles