In the present study, the method of slurry coating process was used to fabricate functionally graded thermal barrier coating (FG-TBC) for turbocharger application. An automatic film applicator was used for the coating in an attempt to minimize the production cost of ceramic thermal barrier coatings. Yttria stabilized zirconia ceramic and nickel metal powders were mixed in appropriate proportion and produced a functionally graded material mixture. A slurry based coating method was used for the fabrication of the FG-TBC. The coating compositions of 30 wt% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia and 70 wt% Nickel, 55 wt% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia and 45 wt% Nickel as well as 75 wt% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia and 25 wt% Nickel were used in depositing the first, second and third layers of the functionally graded thermal barrier coating on the substrate respectively. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope and X-ray Diffraction were used to study and evaluate the integrity and reliability of the coating produced. The results have indicated the sustainability and suitability of the method adopted in the study with regards to the production of good and quality functionally graded thermal barrier coating with no spallation problem and having good adherence to the substrate. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.