Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Are small petrol turbo engines reliable?
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Are small petrol turbo engines reliable?

I often read your technical questions section and see lots of issues with turbos on diesel engines. Do the same issues arise on cars fitted with petrol engines? I note most manufacturers now seem to be selling small cars with a small engine size and fitted with a turbo. What are the good and bad points regarding petrol turbos?

Asked on 16 November 2016 by verde

Answered by Honest John
Petrol turbos would otherwise run hotter so are water-cooled and there can be problems with the water cooling. Ford 1.0 EcoBoosts have had trouble with this. So far, Peugeot/Citroen's PureTechs seem to be the best, but, like EcoBoosts, are held together by timing belts in oil and those belts will not last forever.

Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.

Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.

Petrol or diesel ... or even electric?
Similar questions
What are the respective pros and cons of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines?
Who provides the most reliable turbo petrol engine and is it true that they need an oil change every 2500 miles? Would mostly short trips and occasional long trips suit a car with turbo?
Are all cars with turbos problematic? I keep reading about turbo failures which puts me off buying a new car with a turbo. Do you have to treat these turbo cars in special ways, particularly after a long...