The 6.7L Cummins ISB is the diesel engine in Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks from the 2007.5 model year through today. It is one of the most capable diesel engines in the three-quarter-ton and one-ton segment, and it is the turbocharger on that engine that gives it the pulling power and low-end torque Ram owners rely on.
At PT Turbo, the 6.7 Cummins turbocharger is one of the most common units we see for rebuilds. Here is what goes wrong, how to diagnose it, and what your options are.
Which Turbocharger Does the 6.7 Cummins Use?
The turbo changed across model years:
- 2007.5–2012: Holset HE351VE — Variable geometry, single turbo. Known for a sticking sliding nozzle on high-mileage trucks.
- 2013–2018: Holset HE300VG — Updated variable geometry with a revised actuator. Similar failure patterns to the earlier turbo.
- 2019–present: Holset HE300VG, a revised version for the higher-output engine. It is not the same unit as the 2013–2018 turbo.
For a deeper dive into how these systems work, see our guide on how variable geometry turbochargers work.
Most Common 6.7 Cummins Turbo Problems
1. Sticking Sliding Nozzle (Carbon Buildup)
The most common complaint: sluggish performance at low RPM, a noticeable power derate when towing, and sometimes a P0299 underboost code. The variable geometry mechanism accumulates carbon from EGR gas recirculation. Over time, the sliding nozzle sticks partway and stops responding to the actuator.
2. Actuator Failure
An electronic actuator moves the sliding nozzle on every 6.7L turbo. When it fails, the ECM can no longer command boost. You will typically see P0046, P0047, P0048, or P2563 codes.
3. Bearing Wear and Shaft Play
High-mileage units develop measurable radial shaft play as bearings wear. Check with the engine cold and off — grab the shaft and try to move it side-to-side. A little side-to-side movement is normal; in-and-out play, or a wheel that touches its housing, means the bearings need replacement.
4. Oil Seal Failure and Blue Smoke
Blue-gray smoke from the exhaust indicates oil is entering the combustion chamber through the turbo’s seals. Always check the oil return line for restriction before condemning the seals — a blocked return creates backpressure that forces oil past otherwise healthy seals.
5. Compressor Inlet Duct Failure
The rubber duct between the airbox and the turbo compressor inlet is a known failure point on 2007.5–2018 trucks. A crack lets unfiltered air into the compressor, and a collapsed duct starves it of air; either can look like a turbo fault. (For leaks on the pressure side, see our guide to finding boost leaks.)
P0299 on the 6.7 Cummins: Turbo or Something Else?
A P0299 (underboost) code does not automatically mean turbo failure. Before condemning the turbo, check the charge air cooler for cracks, all boost hoses and clamps, the EGR valve, and the actuator position sensor. See our complete P0299 diagnosis guide for the full step-by-step procedure.
If you are seeing additional turbo failure symptoms alongside P0299, then physical inspection of the turbo is the next step.
HE351VE or HE300VG: Which One Is Yours?
The two are not upgrades for each other. The HE351VE belongs to the 2007.5–2012 trucks and the HE300VG to the 2013-and-later trucks, with different actuators and calibration, so rebuild or replace with the turbo your truck was built with. The 5.9L’s HE351CW shares part of the name but is a different, wastegated turbo. PT Turbo can confirm the right unit from your part number.
Shop PT Turbo: Browse our Cummins turbocharger catalog and our Holset turbocharger catalog — OEM-spec replacements with a 12-month, unlimited-mile warranty. In-stock units available for same-day shipping.
PT Turbo rebuilds all Holset 6.7 Cummins turbochargers: the HE351VE and both versions of the HE300VG, at $825 to $975 (price list). Remanufactured units are listed in the store. Call (909) 824-1020 or visit our online store to order.
Price ranges in this article are general estimates to help with budgeting, not PT Turbo quotes. Our current prices are on each product listing, and our rebuild prices are on the turbo rebuild price list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What turbo is on a 2013 or newer Ram 6.7 Cummins?
The Holset HE300VG, a variable geometry turbo with an electronic actuator. Trucks from 2007.5 to 2012 have the Holset HE351VE, and the 2019 and later HE300VG is a revised version that is not the same unit as the 2013 to 2018 turbo.
Will an HE300VG fit in place of an HE351VE?
Not directly. The HE351VE belongs to 2007.5 to 2012 trucks and the HE300VG to 2013 and later trucks, and the actuators, wiring and calibration differ. Rebuild or replace with the turbo the truck was built with.
What trouble codes point to a bad 6.7 Cummins turbo actuator?
P0046, P0047, P0048 or P2563 are the codes typically seen when the electronic actuator fails, because the ECM can no longer command boost. P0046 to P0048 are boost control circuit codes, and P2563 is a boost control position sensor range and performance code.
Further reading: Learn more about turbocharger technology.
If your ISB 6.7 Holset is tired or sticking, PT Turbo’s turbo rebuild service can return it to spec instead of paying for a new unit.
Need a Turbocharger?
PT Turbo has rebuilt and sold turbochargers since 1978. We stock remanufactured units for Cummins, Duramax, Power Stroke, Detroit Diesel, and more — backed by a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and same-week shipping from San Bernardino, CA.
📞 (909) 824-1020 · 346 S I St. #3, San Bernardino, CA 92410 · [email protected]
