What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

The turbo on my diesel car needed replaced after just five years. Should the manufacturer contribute?

My five year old Mercedes-Benz A-Class diesel has done 36,000 miles. The turbo failed, resulting in a garage bill of £1700. It was repaired by a local Mercedes specialist as the dealer couldn't deal with the car for a month. Mercedes-Benz refuses to contribute. What's the general lifespan for a turbo on this model? Should Mercedes contribute in your opinion? Thanks.

Asked on 5 August 2020 by John N

Answered by Dan Powell
The turbo is designed to last the life of the car. But problems in diesels usually develop when the vehicle is used for short journeys. Those 36,000 miles suggest that this car covers 7200 miles a year. This isn't enough for modern diesel engine. It has probably resulted in oil starvation to the turbo and/or oil contamination caused by the diesel particulate filter (DPF) failing to complete its regeneration cycle. Unless you plan to increase your mileage, my advice would be to sell the car and replace it with a petrol. Otherwise, further mechanical problems will be inevitable.
Similar questions
I normally do 7000-8000 miles a year, mostly 5-10 miles journeys regularly and 5-6 trips of 150-200 miles in a year. I know people generally say diesel engines are good doing for high mileage but many...
Should i buy a diesel if mostly doing short journeys?
I have a 2016 Transit Custom that is having repeated DPF issues. The garage clean the filter, and reset the code, but within 50 miles the van says the filter is at its limit again. This has happened three...
Related models
High-quality interior. Strong diesels. Good record for reliability. Option of four-wheel drive.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer