Stuck Turbo Syndrome on Cummins 6.7L

Stuck Turbo Syndrome on Cummins 6.7L | Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

If you drive a Cummins-powered Dodge Ram, you may have experienced Stuck Turbo Syndrome (STS). This issue is common on 6.7L Cummins VGT turbos (HE351VE, HE300VG) and happens when the turbo vanes get stuck due to soot buildup or actuator failure. When the vanes can’t move, your Cummins loses performance and drivability.

Symptoms of Stuck Turbo Syndrome on Cummins:

• Loss of low-end power or sluggish acceleration
• Turbo lag and delayed spool-up
• Exhaust brake not working properly
• Check Engine Light or turbo actuator fault codes
• High EGTs, especially while towing or under load

Common Causes:

• Carbon and soot buildup inside the VGT housing
• Sticking or frozen variable vanes
• Failed turbo actuator that won’t calibrate
• Heat cycles and wear inside the turbo

Fixes & Solutions:

• Cleaning the turbo vanes and actuator assembly
• Replacing the actuator with a new, pre-calibrated unit
• Upgrading to a stronger VGT housing or aftermarket turbo solution (like the DPS Turbonator VGT) that prevents vane sticking and improves spool-up
• Staying on top of oil changes and maintenance to reduce soot buildup

Why It Matters:

Stuck Turbo Syndrome is one of the most common problems for 2007.5–2024 Cummins 6.7L trucks. If left unchecked, it can cause poor towing performance, high EGTs, and eventual turbo failure. Knowing the signs and solutions will save you money and keep your Cummins running strong.