Garrett vs Holset vs BorgWarner: Which Diesel Turbo Brand Lasts Longest?

Brand loyalty runs deep in diesel. Cummins owners swear by Holset. Duramax owners know the Garrett name. Powerstroke owners have had Garrett on most generations and BorgWarner on the 6.4L. But when it comes time to replace a failed turbo or choose a performance upgrade, which brand actually lasts the longest?

The honest answer: all three are excellent when properly maintained. What differs is their design philosophy, their failure modes, and which applications they are optimized for.

Holset (Cummins)

Holset is the in-house turbocharger brand for Cummins and is the OEM supplier for virtually every Cummins-powered truck from the Dodge RAM to Peterbilt semis. Holset designs (the HX and HE series, which come fixed, wastegated or with variable geometry depending on the model) are widely regarded as exceptionally durable in commercial applications.

Strengths: Proven VGT design. Enormous parts availability. Decades of field testing in commercial trucking. Excellent low-end torque characteristics for towing.

Typical failure points: VGT vane sticking on high-mileage units is the most common issue, typically caused by EGR carbon buildup rather than a design flaw. Actuator failure is the second most common.

Best for: Any Cummins-powered application. RAM diesel trucks, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Western Star with Cummins engines.

Garrett (Honeywell)

Garrett supplied the OEM turbos for the GM Duramax from the LLY through the LML generation and for the Ford 7.3L, 6.0L and 6.7L Powerstroke, and has a long history in performance applications. Their GT series VGTs (GT3788VA on the LBZ/LMM Duramax, for example) are well-respected.

Strengths: Strong aftermarket support. The PowerMax performance line offers well-engineered upgrades. Excellent for performance street builds where upgraded compressor maps are needed.

Typical failure points: The GT3788VA vane assembly on LBZ/LMM Duramax trucks is prone to sticking under heavy use. The vane position sensor and the VGT solenoid are the other usual faults on high-mileage units. On the early Ford 6.7L Powerstroke turbo (2011 and 2012), the ball bearings are the known weak point.

Best for: Duramax-powered GM trucks (LLY, LBZ, LMM, LML), Ford Powerstroke trucks other than the 6.4L, performance street builds, and applications where aftermarket support is a priority.

BorgWarner

BorgWarner is the OEM supplier for the two-stage turbos of the Ford 6.4L Powerstroke and the variable geometry turbo of the 2017 and later L5P Duramax, and it has a large presence in commercial diesel engines: the Detroit DD13, the International MaxxForce 11 and 13, and the S-series turbos on many Caterpillar and International engines.

Strengths: Advanced engineering, including two-stage systems in which a small and a large turbo work in series. The S-series (S200, S300, S400) is simple, durable and easy to rebuild.

Typical failure points: On the 6.4L Powerstroke, soot sticks the vanes of the high-pressure turbo and its electronic actuator fails. On two-stage systems, leaks between the stages and wastegate faults are common.

Best for: The Ford 6.4L Powerstroke, the L5P Duramax and commercial trucks using BorgWarner OEM fitments.

Which Brand Should You Choose?

For replacements, match the brand to the application: Holset for Cummins, Garrett for the 2004.5 to 2016 Duramax and most Powerstroke engines, BorgWarner for the 6.4L Powerstroke and the L5P Duramax. Mixing brands on OEM-spec replacements introduces fitment and calibration variables that are not worth the trouble.

For performance upgrades, Garrett’s PowerMax line has the widest selection of proven street upgrades for common platforms.

PT Turbo stocks remanufactured units across all three brands. Call (909) 824-1020 or visit our online store to find the right unit for your application. Not sure which turbo is in your truck? Our team can help you identify it by VIN or engine serial number.

Shop PT Turbo: Browse our Garrett 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the turbo on a Duramax diesel?

Garrett supplied the turbos for the LLY through LML Duramax generations, and BorgWarner supplies the variable geometry turbo on the 2017 and later L5P. The first generation, the LB7, has an IHI turbo.

Is Holset owned by Cummins?

Yes. Holset is the in-house turbocharger brand of Cummins, which bought the company in 1973 and renamed it Cummins Turbo Technologies in 2006. Holset is the factory supplier for virtually every Cummins-powered truck, from the Dodge Ram to Peterbilt semis.

Can a different brand of turbo be used as a stock replacement?

It is better not to. For OEM-spec replacements the brand should match the application, such as Holset for Cummins or BorgWarner for the Ford 6.4L Powerstroke, because mixing brands introduces fitment and calibration variables that are not worth the trouble.

Further Reading

• OEM vs Remanufactured Turbocharger: Which Is Better?
• Holset HE351CW Turbo: Common Problems & Rebuild Guide
• Buying Turbocharger Parts Online: What to Know First
• How to Spot a Counterfeit Turbocharger Before You Buy
• Turbocharger Rebuild vs Replace: What’s the Right Call?

Whichever brand you run, PT Turbo rebuilds all three. See our turbo rebuild service.