Garrett Motion Turbochargers: Company History & What the Restructuring Means for Parts

Garrett Motion Turbochargers power more diesel engines on the road today than almost any other brand, and the company behind them has one of the longest track records in forced induction. If you’ve turned a wrench on a modern medium- or heavy-duty diesel, you’ve handled Garrett hardware, whether you knew it or not. Understanding where this company came from, and what its recent restructuring means for parts availability, helps you make smarter buying decisions for your fleet or shop.

At PT Turbo, we’ve been supplying and rebuilding turbochargers since 1978, more than 45 years of watching this industry evolve. We stock both new and remanufactured Garrett components, so we know firsthand how the restructuring shook out for parts supply. Here’s the real story.

The History of Garrett Motion

Garrett’s roots go back to 1936, when Cliff Garrett founded the company in Los Angeles (it took the Garrett Corporation name a couple of years later). The company started in aircraft components and aerospace systems, which is exactly why its turbo engineering has always been a cut above. Boosting an aircraft engine at altitude demands precision that translates directly to diesel truck applications.

By the 1950s, Garrett’s AiResearch division was building turbochargers for commercial and industrial diesel engines. When the first turbo-diesel passenger cars and heavy trucks needed reliable forced induction, Garrett was already there with proven hardware.

The brand went through several corporate parents over the decades. It became part of AlliedSignal, then Honeywell after the 1999 merger. For nearly two decades, “Honeywell Turbo Technologies” was the name on the boxes, but the Garrett name never disappeared from the actual castings and the engineering DNA stayed intact.

The 2018 Spin-Off and Restructuring

In 2018, Honeywell spun off its transportation systems business as an independent, publicly traded company called Garrett Motion Inc. This put the Garrett name back front and center where it belonged. The new company inherited a massive portfolio of OEM contracts, aftermarket parts, and variable-geometry turbo technology.

Then things got complicated. Garrett Motion carried a heavy debt load and asbestos-related liabilities from its Honeywell days. In 2020, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize that debt. This is the event, often called an acquisition, that has many fleet owners and mechanics asking questions.

What the Restructuring Actually Means for Parts

Let’s clear up the biggest worry right away: Garrett did not go out of business. The 2020 Chapter 11 filing was a financial restructuring, not a liquidation. The company emerged from bankruptcy in 2021 with new ownership backing, primarily investment firms including Centerbridge Partners and Oaktree Capital, and continued operating as normal.

For you as a buyer, the practical impact has been minimal. Garrett Motion still manufactures OEM turbochargers, still supplies the aftermarket, and still honors its warranty programs. You can verify current product lines directly at Garrett Motion’s official site.

Where the restructuring did create ripples was in supply chain timing and pricing on certain legacy part numbers. Some older units were phased out faster than expected, which is exactly why a good reman program matters more than ever. When a new OEM unit is backordered or discontinued, a properly rebuilt turbo keeps your truck earning.

New vs Remanufactured: How the Restructuring Changed the Math

With some new Garrett part numbers seeing longer lead times post-restructuring, remanufactured units have become the smart-money choice for many older platforms. Here’s how the two options compare on the parts that matter.

Factor	New Garrett OEM	Remanufactured Garrett
Typical cost	Full retail (highest)	40 to 60 percent less
Availability on legacy units	Some discontinued or backordered	Consistently stocked
Core components	All new	New CHRA, bearings, seals; inspected housings
Balancing	Factory VSR balanced	VSR balanced to OEM spec
Warranty	Manufacturer warranty	Shop warranty (varies)

Our remanufactured turbochargers are built to the same tolerances as new units, with new bearings, seals, and balanced cartridges. If your current unit is worth saving, our turbocharger rebuild service restores it to spec for less than a new purchase.

Garrett Motion Turbochargers: Key Components and Actuators

One area where the restructuring had zero effect is the availability of wear components like actuators. These are the parts that fail long before a turbo cartridge does, and keeping the right one on the shelf saves you a full turbo replacement.

The pneumatic actuator controls wastegate or variable-geometry vane position. When it fails, you get overboost, underboost, or limp-mode codes. Replacing the actuator alone is often the entire fix.

This is a common failure point on VGT-equipped diesels where soot buildup increases the load on the actuator arm.

Always match the part number to your specific turbo casting, since actuator preload and rod length vary between models.

Mitsubishi Actuators for Mixed Fleets

Plenty of shops run mixed fleets with both Garrett and Mitsubishi turbos. We stock the crossover parts too.

Diagnosing an actuator before condemning the whole turbo is one of the fastest ways to cut a repair bill in half.

Garrett VGT Technology and Emissions Systems

What separates Garrett from many competitors is its lead in variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) technology. VGT units use moving vanes to adjust the effective aspect ratio of the turbine housing, delivering strong low-end response and controlled high-rpm boost from a single turbo.

This matters because modern emissions systems depend on precise exhaust control. VGT turbos work hand in hand with exhaust gas recirculation and diesel particulate filter systems to manage backpressure during regeneration cycles. When a VGT actuator sticks from soot, it throws the whole emissions strategy off.

If you’re comparing Garrett against other major brands, our Borg Warner turbocharger fitment guide breaks down where each brand excels. Both are top-tier, and the right choice usually comes down to the specific engine platform.

Matching the Right Garrett Turbo to Your Engine

Garrett builds turbos across nearly every diesel output range. Getting the correct unit means matching by horsepower rating, engine family, and emissions configuration. Sizing the wrong turbo costs you response, fuel economy, and sometimes the warranty.

We’ve published output-specific guides to help you nail the fitment on common applications:

• VW & Audi 1.9 TDI Turbocharger Guide covers symptoms and replacement parts for that output class.
• All Turbo Guides walks through diagnosis and best parts.
• Audi 2.0L TDI Turbocharger Guide details higher-output replacement options.

If you’re unsure which Garrett unit or actuator your engine needs, send us your casting numbers and we’ll cross-reference them. You can reach our team through the PT Turbo contact page, or browse the full catalog at our shop. With 45+ years in the business and both new and remanufactured stock on the shelf, we usually have your part ready to ship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines use Garrett Motion Turbochargers?

Garrett Motion Turbochargers power a wide range of medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines, making them one of the most common forced induction brands on the road today.

Does the Garrett Motion restructuring affect parts availability?

The restructuring changed ownership and financial structure, but Garrett continues to manufacture and supply turbocharger parts for existing and new applications.

Is Garrett a reliable turbocharger brand?

Yes, Garrett has one of the longest track records in the forced induction industry, known for durable, high-performance turbochargers used across the diesel market.