P0299 Code on Chevy: Turbo Underboost on Cruze, Equinox, Malibu and Trax, GM Coverage and Cost

This guide explains how GM detects underboost, the causes in the order to check them, GM’s special coverages, recalls and bulletins by model, repair costs, and whether it is safe to drive. Every coverage and bulletin detail comes from GM documents filed with NHTSA.

For the same code on a Ford, read our P0299 Ford EcoBoost guide. If your scanner also shows a lean code, see our P0171 code guide. And our free VIN decoder confirms your model year and engine, which decides which coverage applies.

What Does P0299 Mean on a Chevy?

GM’s own dealer test for the Cruze 1.4L gives a useful benchmark: during a series of full-throttle runs, GM says to replace the turbocharger only if actual boost misses the target by more than 14 kPa, about 2 psi, in the measured window. Smaller misses point to a leak or control problem instead.

P0299 Symptoms on a Chevy

• Check engine light and a Reduced Engine Power message.
• Loss of power and hesitation, especially under hard acceleration.
• Rough running or stalling at low speed or idle when a charge air pipe has come off, as GM describes in emission recall N192271200.
• Smoke or a burning oil smell in very cold weather on some 1.4L engines, from ice in the PCV system.
• A rattle on cold start from a worn or loose wastegate.

Common Causes of P0299 on a Chevy (Check in This Order)

Low Fuel Level (Newer 1.2L and 1.5L)

On the 2024 and newer Trax 1.2L and the 2023 and newer Equinox 1.5L, GM bulletins tell technicians to check the fuel level in the freeze frame data, because P0299 can set when fuel is very low. Keep the tank above a quarter before you chase anything else.

Extreme Cold

At or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, ice can form in the charge air cooler, or oil and moisture can freeze in the wastegate regulator solenoid valve. GM has bulletins for this on the Cruze, Equinox, Malibu and Trax. Every one of them adds: “System leaks should always be ruled out first for P0299.” If the code only appears on frozen mornings, this is the likely cause.

Charge Air Pipe Loose or Leaking

This is the most documented Chevy cause. On the 2018 to 2022 Equinox 1.5L and the Malibu 1.5L, the charge air cooler outlet tube can come off the throttle body. GM also documents missing or damaged O-rings in the charge air cooler couplers, and a turbo inlet hose that can split under its sleeve on the 2023 and newer Equinox 1.5L. Push and pull every charge air connection by hand.

Intake Restriction

GM lists a clogged air filter, soft or collapsed intake ducts, animal nests and excess exhaust backpressure as causes to rule out. A new air filter is the cheapest part here.

PCV and Bypass Valve (Cruze, Sonic and Trax 1.4L)

GM bulletin 22-NA-067 for the 1.4L LUV engine in the 2011 to 2016 Cruze, 2012 to 2020 Sonic and 2013 to 2020 Trax ties P0299 to a restricted charge air bypass solenoid, contamination at the bypass valve and PCV passages plugged by ice. The 1.4L also has a well-known PCV diaphragm failure in the camshaft cover, which GM officially links to lean code P0171 and other airflow codes.

Wastegate Control

GM’s bulletins cover a wastegate regulator solenoid blocked by deposits or oil, a broken solenoid port, a bent actuator port or a missing actuator clip. On the 2024 Trax 1.2L, GM found a vacuum supply hose restricted by adhesive.

Wastegate Wear or Binding

GM bulletins describe normal and worn wastegate pivot clearance on the Cruze 1.4L, loss of wastegate preload on early turbos, and a cold-start rattle on the Cruze and Malibu. On the Malibu 1.5L, a broken actuator rod means replacing the actuator only, not the turbo. On the 2024 to 2025 Trax 1.2L, GM says a binding wastegate means a new turbo.

The Turbocharger

GM lists clear signs that justify a new turbo, such as a disconnected lever arm, a seized wastegate or a turbine that will not spin. GM also warns technicians not to replace a turbo for some cosmetic cracks, and to check the oil feed pipe before fitting a new one.

GM Special Coverage, Recalls and Bulletins for P0299

We found no NHTSA safety recall for P0299 on these models. What owners searching for a “P0299 recall” usually need is GM’s special coverage or emission recall.

Special coverages are measured from the date the vehicle first went into service. Ask a Chevrolet dealer to run your VIN before paying for a turbo.

P0299 on the Chevy Cruze, Equinox, Malibu and Trax

P0299 on the Chevy Cruze

For the 2011 to 2016 Cruze 1.4L, check the bypass valve and PCV system under bulletin 22-NA-067, the camshaft cover PCV diaphragm and the wastegate, and follow GM’s boost control test before condemning the turbo. For the 2016 to 2019 Cruze 1.4L LE2, extreme cold is a documented cause.

P0299 on the Chevy Equinox

For the 2019 Equinox 1.5L, check emission recall N192271200 first. For 2018 to 2022 models, bulletin 22-NA-224 covers the charge air outlet tube coming off. For 2023 and newer, check the fuel level and the turbo inlet hose.

P0299 on the Chevy Malibu

The 2019 Malibu 1.5L is included in emission recall N192271200, and later 1.5L models share the charge air outlet bulletin. A cold-start rattle or broken actuator rod points to the wastegate actuator, which GM says can be replaced without a new turbo.

P0299 on the Chevy Trax

The Trax has the strongest coverage. The 2017 to 2018 Trax 1.4L has turbo coverage for 10 years or 120,000 miles, and the 2021 Trax 1.4L for 15 years or 150,000 miles. For the 2024 and newer Trax 1.2L, check the fuel level, the wastegate vacuum hose and the wastegate itself.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix P0299 on a Chevy?

These are RepairPal estimates checked in September 2026, before taxes and fees. A special coverage or recall repair is free if your VIN qualifies.

How to Diagnose P0299 on a Chevy

• Read all codes and freeze frame data. Note companion codes such as P1101, P0101, P0171 or P0234, and the fuel level.
• Think about the weather. If it set at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, let the car thaw and recheck.
• Push and pull every charge air connection, especially the outlet at the throttle body on 1.5L engines, and look for missing O-rings.
• Check the air filter and intake ducts for restrictions.
• Smoke test the intake and charge air system to find small boost leaks.
• On the 1.4L, check the PCV system and bypass valve.
• Check the wastegate solenoid, hoses and actuator, including the clip, preload and any rattle.
• Check your VIN for special coverage before paying for a turbo.

Can You Drive With a P0299 Code?

For short distances, usually yes. Chevrolet’s owner’s manual says that with the Reduced Engine Power message on, “the vehicle may be driven,” but acceleration and speed may be limited, and it should be taken to a dealer “as soon as possible” if the message stays on or keeps returning. Be careful on 1.5L Equinox and Malibu models with a disconnected charge air pipe, because GM says the engine could stall at low speed or idle. If the check engine light flashes, slow down and park somewhere safe.

P0299 vs Related Chevy Codes

• P0234: overboost, the opposite condition, often from a wastegate or bypass problem.
• P1101: intake airflow system performance; often appears with P0299 when a charge air pipe leaks.
• P0171: system too lean, linked to the 1.4L PCV diaphragm failure.
• P0101: mass airflow sensor range or performance.
• P0237: boost pressure sensor circuit low.

The Bottom Line

P0299 on a Chevy is usually a leak, a cold-weather problem or a control fault before it is a bad turbo. Check your VIN for GM special coverage and recalls first, test the charge air pipes and wastegate, and replace the turbo only when GM’s tests point there.

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Morgan Reyes

Morgan Reyes is the Lead Automotive Journalist and EV Analyst at Next Car Review. Specializing in mechanical systems and next-generation electric vehicles, Morgan breaks down complex automotive data, legacy matchups, and upcoming model previews into practical insights for car buyers.