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Turbo charger
Summary: sergejsu1977 reports a problem with a turbocharger bought on eBay, which showed exhaust leakage after installation and a test drive. Despite returning the part for inspection, the seller refuses to issue a refund and claims the problem lies with the vehicle environment. sergejsu1977 disputes this, as there are no error codes or noticeable loss of power. An eBay employee says the buyer protection has expired but offers to contact the seller to find a solution.
[15:02, 26.06.2026] Ok: I am asking for support with a purchase via eBay.
The turbocharger was professionally installed in the vehicle. Immediately after the installation and the first drive, the vehicle began to smoke heavily. There is a leak or a defect in the turbocharger.
We contacted the seller immediately and sent the turbocharger back for inspection at the seller's request. The seller then informed us that the turbocharger was supposedly in good order and is refusing a refund.
However, the problem occurred immediately after installation. This problem did not exist before the replacement. In our assessment, the goods do not correspond to the expected condition or are defective.
We ask eBay to review the case and support us with the refund.
Order number: [08-14630-02237]
Purchase date: [12. Mai. 2026]
The seller has already received and inspected the goods, but despite the defect still being present, is refusing the refund.“
[15:04, 26.06.2026] Ok: Dear Sir or Madam,
We cannot accept your renewed rejection of the warranty claim.
As already stated, the turbocharger you supplied was leaking in the turbo housing area immediately after installation and already during the first test drive. The exhaust gases were escaping at the point marked in the attached photo, directly on the turbocharger housing.
Such an exhaust gas leak at this point cannot be caused by a gasket installed incorrectly, screws tightened incorrectly, or an installation error. Likewise, a clogged diesel particulate filter, catalytic converter, or increased exhaust back pressure cannot lead to a leak at this point on the turbocharger. If that were the cause, the turbocharger would still have to be sealed.
Furthermore, I confirm that the turbocharger does not generate error codes, shows no loss of performance, and is functioning technically. The only defect is the exhaust gas escaping at the point mentioned, which was identified immediately after installation.
We therefore reject your claim that the cause lies in the vehicle environment or in the installation. In our technical assessment, this is a defect in the turbocharger supplied.
In addition, the diesel particulate filter has already been replaced and the vehicle shows no abnormalities in this regard. There are no fault codes related to the DPF, EGR system, or exhaust system. The EGR system is also functioning without fault. The vehicle drives perfectly, has full power, runs smoothly, and shows no technical problems whatsoever. The only defect found is the strong exhaust gas escape or exhaust odor that occurred immediately after the installation of the turbocharger supplied by you.
Precisely because the vehicle otherwise functions perfectly from a technical standpoint and there are no indications of increased exhaust back pressure or faults in the exhaust system, your assumption of a cause in the vehicle environment is not comprehensible to us. A free and faultless diesel particulate filter as well as a functioning EGR system cannot cause a leak at the turbocharger point we complained about.
Should you continue to refuse recognition of the warranty case and reimbursement of our incurred costs, we request that you send the turbocharger back to us immediately. We will then have it examined by an independent expert. Depending on the outcome of the report, we expressly reserve the right to initiate all further legal steps and to claim the resulting costs against you.
We expect your written response within 7 days.
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Dear Sir or Madam,
we acknowledge your objection to the rejection of the warranty claim.
After re-evaluating the inspection available, we stand by our decision.
The turbocharger you sent in was inspected. Clear soot marks, black discoloration, and thermal discoloration were found in the area of the turbocharger as well as the exhaust-side connections. In addition, an incipient minimal axial play of the turbocharger shaft was found.
These findings do not point to an internal material or remanufacturing defect of the turbocharger, but rather to an external cause in the vehicle environment, particularly in the area of the exhaust system, sealing surfaces, installation, or exhaust back pressure.
Your statement that the exhaust gas leak occurred already on the first test drive does not change this technical assessment. A leak caused by an installation error, sealing surfaces that do not fit properly, damaged or incorrectly installed gaskets, a leaking exhaust connection, a warped manifold, or an incorrect clamping/bolt connection can also occur immediately after installation. This does not automatically mean that the turbocharger was supplied defective.
The note that the diesel particulate filter was replaced is also not sufficient as proof. For a warranty assessment, concrete evidence is required that the entire exhaust system was inspected and cleaned. This includes in particular checking the exhaust back pressure, inspecting the catalytic converter, EGR system, exhaust pipes, sealing surfaces, as well as proper installation with renewed gaskets.
We have not yet been provided with such evidence.
Moreover, your statements that the turbocharger works properly during operation, that no fault codes are present, and that there is no loss of performance do not indicate a clear internal defect in the turbocharger. The defect you describe concerns only the exhaust gas escape. Technically, this must first be checked in the area of installation, sealing surfaces, and exhaust connection.
Based on the findings available, a defect covered by warranty in the turbocharger cannot be proven. In our technical assessment, the cause does not lie in the turbocharger itself, but in the installation or vehicle environment.
A free replacement under warranty is therefore rejected.
You are welcome to send us the following documents for further review:
Installation invoice from the auto repair shop
Proof of renewed gaskets and installation materials
Proof of inspection of exhaust back pressure
Proof of inspection/cleaning of exhaust system, EGR system, and catalytic converter
Proof of the replaced diesel particulate filter
If these documents show a different technical situation, we will of course review the matter again.
Until then, the rejection of the warranty claim remains in place.
Kind regards
R.Petermann
ARTMAXTURBO TEAM
Dear Sir or Madam,
I hereby object to your rejection of the warranty claim.
The turbocharger you supplied was professionally installed by an auto repair shop. Already on the first test drive immediately after installation, a strong exhaust gas leak occurred in the area of the turbocharger housing. The problem therefore existed from the very beginning and was already present directly after installation.
In addition, the diesel particulate filter was replaced at the same time. During operation, the turbocharger works perfectly. There are no fault codes, there is no loss of performance, and there are no other complaints. The only defect is the significant exhaust gas leak at the turbocharger, through which strong exhaust fumes enter the vehicle interior.
Your claim that the cause lies in the vehicle environment is not understandable to me. If increased exhaust back pressure or a problem in the exhaust system were the cause, this could not have occurred immediately after installation of the turbocharger on the first test drive. The defect was present from the very beginning.
I therefore ask you to replace the turbocharger under warranty or offer another appropriate solution.
If no satisfactory solution is reached within 14 days, I will have my claims reviewed by a lawyer and, if necessary, enforced legally.
Kind regards
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Dear Sir or Madam,
the turbocharger you sent in was inspected as part of the warranty claim. The fault description stated: “Turbocharger is leaking.”
Following visual and functional inspection, we cannot identify any material or remanufacturing defect in the turbocharger that would be covered by warranty.
The inspection revealed the following abnormalities:
The turbocharger shows clear soot marks and black discoloration in the area of the exhaust housing, the connection points, and several outer housing components. In addition, thermal discoloration is visible on the turbine housing. This damage pattern does not point to an internal defect in the turbocharger, but to a fault in the vehicle environment, especially in the exhaust area.
Furthermore, an incipient minimal axial play of the turbocharger shaft was found. In combination with the existing soot marks and thermal stress, this indicates an initial bearing load caused by external operating conditions.
For the installation and operation of a turbocharger, it is absolutely necessary that the exhaust system be fully checked and cleaned. This includes in particular:
Checking the diesel particulate filter / exhaust back pressure
Checking the catalytic converter
Checking the EGR system
Checking the exhaust pipes and sealing surfaces
Proper installation with renewed gaskets
Checking for leaks in the exhaust and charge air system
We have not been provided with corresponding evidence.
The visible soot marks and discoloration show that the turbocharger has been operated under improper conditions. A leak or increased exhaust back pressure in the exhaust system can lead to thermal overload, soot deposits, bearing damage, and consequential damage to the turbocharger.
Based on the inspection carried out, the complained-of fault is therefore not attributable to a manufacturing, material, or remanufacturing defect of the turbocharger. Rather, the damage is highly likely due to an external cause, especially in the area of the exhaust system, installation, sealing surfaces, or exhaust back pressure.
For this reason, we must reject the warranty claim.
A free warranty processing is not possible. If desired, the turbocharger can be returned for a fee or alternatively repaired again against a cost estimate.
selina_b@ebay
Hello @sergejsu1977 ,
thanks a lot for your post.
Since the purchase is from 12.05.2026, buyer protection no longer applies here. What I can offer you is to write to your seller so that you can find a solution together.
@bootyooty Thanks a lot for the tag 😘
Best regards
Selina
bootyooty
Mentor2 months ago@selina_b@ebay could you take a look?