How long can a turbocharger last?
A properly maintained turbocharger should last as long as the engine of the vehicle where it is installed. Most of the problems with premature turbo failure are connected to one of the four dangers: inadequate oil supply, contaminated oil, high exhaust gas temperatures, and foreign objects. Problems with oil can be easily avoided by following service instructions and using high quality synthetic oils. To avoid damages of a turbocharger due to high fumes temperature, you should remember to allow adequate time for cool down. Still, there is no way to avoid such a situation when an object hits the blades of a turbine or a compressor or any other part of a turbo, but fortunately chances for that are virtually nonexistent.