Audi A4 running rough with sluggish performance and smoke after turbo replacement on Audi A4

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Audi A4 owners report experiencing rough running, sluggish performance, and smoke emissions following a turbo replacement. These issues may stem from wastegate problems, which can manifest as high-pitched whistling noises and rattling from the wastegate actuator. Additionally, some owners face difficulties related to the turbo itself, such as a faulty turbo or bad wastegate, leading to poor performance and smoke. Inadequate oil circulation due to improper turbo replacement can further exacerbate these performance issues. Moreover, some owners find that persistent wastegate issues may require the costly replacement of the entire turbocharger assembly. A delay in turbo boost can also contribute to sluggishness, affecting acceleration until the turbo engages at higher RPMs. To address these concerns, it is advised that owners have their wastegate and turbo components inspected, verify the accuracy of the turbo replacement, and check for any leaks or sticky vanes that could impede turbo function. If problems persist, consulting a qualified mechanic or Audi specialist is recommended for a thorough diagnosis and repair plan.

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