P0243: Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" Malfunction
22 vehicles · 3 makes · $100-$20,000 repair
Most Reported On
P0243 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" Malfunction.” This code indicates a general fault with turbocharger/supercharger wastegate solenoid "A," which the engine control module uses to manage boost pressure. The computer has detected the solenoid or its circuit is not responding correctly (open, shorted, or out of expected operating range). Because it governs boost, a fault can lead to overboost or underboost, reduced power, or a limp mode. This code is most commonly reported on 2013-2018 Audi A8 (L, Premium, Prestige), 2012-2018 BMW 3 Series (335d, 335i, 340i, M340i), and 2015-2018 BMW M3, plus 19 other vehicles, with repair costs ranging from $100 to $20,000.
Common Causes
Typical Repair Cost
Based on 24 documented vehicle-specific issues. Actual cost depends on root cause and vehicle.
Diagnostic Tools
To diagnose P0243, you'll need an OBD-II scanner. Here are our recommendations at every price point.
ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
by ANCEL
A simple, affordable code reader that reads and clears check engine codes. Great for quick diagnostics on any OBD-II vehicle (1996+).
- Read & clear engine codes
- View freeze frame data
- I/M readiness status
- No batteries or app needed
BlueDriver Pro Bluetooth Scanner
by BlueDriver
Bluetooth OBD-II scanner with a free companion app. Provides enhanced diagnostics, smog readiness, and repair reports sourced from a database of verified fixes.
- Enhanced diagnostics (ABS, SRS, transmission)
- Repair Reports with verified fixes
- Smog check readiness
- Free app (iOS & Android)
LAUNCH CRP123X OBD-II Scanner
by LAUNCH
A professional-grade handheld scanner that reads all four major systems (engine, transmission, ABS, SRS) with live data streaming and graphing.
- Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS diagnostics
- Live data stream & graphing
- AutoVIN for vehicle identification
- Free lifetime updates via Wi-Fi
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S Diagnostic Tool
by Autel
Shop-level diagnostic tablet with bi-directional control, active tests, and full system coverage. Ideal for serious DIYers and small shops.
- All-system diagnostics (25+ modules)
- Bi-directional control & active tests
- Oil reset, EPB, BMS, TPMS, injector coding
- 7-inch touchscreen with Android OS
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Vehicles Affected (22)
4.0T Twin-Turbo Coolant Line Leaks
3.0T Supercharger Bearing and Intercooler Pump Failure
Twin-Turbo Coolant Feed Line Cracking
4.0T Biturbo Coolant Line and Thermostat Failure
4.0T Turbo Coolant System Degradation
4.0T Turbo Coolant System in SUV Application
3.0T Supercharger Intercooler Pump Failure
4.0T Twin-Turbo Coolant System Degradation
Turbocharger Oil Strainer Blockage and Engine Stall (4.0T NHTSA Recall)
Turbocharger Oil Strainer Blockage Causing Engine Stall (4.0T NHTSA Recall)
Supercharger Clutch and Isolator Failure (S7 3.0T)
Wastegate/Boost Solenoid Issues
S55 Plastic Charge Pipe Cracking
Plastic Charge Pipe Failure Under Boost
Turbo Wastegate Rattle at Idle
S58 Plastic Charge Pipe Cracking Under Boost
N63 Turbo Wastegate Rattle (xDrive50i)
N54 Twin Turbo Wastegate Rattle - E89 Z4 sDrive35i/35is
N54 Wastegate Rattle & Turbo Failure (135i / 1M)
Turbo Charge Pipe Failure - F22/F23 228i/230i/M240i
N54 Turbo Wastegate Rattle & Turbo Failure
S63 Twin Turbo Wastegate Rattle - E70/F85 X5 M
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle (N55, N20, B58 Engines)
FAQ
What does P0243 mean?
P0243 stands for "Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Solenoid "A" Malfunction." This code indicates a general fault with turbocharger/supercharger wastegate solenoid "A," which the engine control module uses to manage boost pressure. The computer has detected the solenoid or its circuit is not responding correctly (open, shorted, or out of expected operating range). Because it governs boost, a fault can lead to overboost or underboost, reduced power, or a limp mode.
What are the most common causes of P0243?
The most common causes of P0243 are: Failed or sticking wastegate solenoid, Open or shorted wiring in the solenoid circuit, Corroded or damaged electrical connector, Mechanical wastegate sticking or binding, Vacuum/boost hose leaks or blockage, Faulty ECM/PCM solenoid driver (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0243?
Repair costs for P0243 range from $100 to $20,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0243?
Au7o has documented P0243 across 22 vehicle models from 3 manufacturers: Audi, BMW, Ford.
Sources (12)
- ForumBimmerpost F80 M3 / F82 M4 Forum - Cracked charge pipe on stock S55
- NHTSANHTSA Complaint #11463025 - 2015 BMW M3 loss of power / drivetrain malfunction
- owner_forumBabyBMW Forum - F22 M240i Boost Leak / Charge Pipe Leak
- owner_forumOriona2 - BMW M340i Common Problems: Wastegate Rattle
- owner_forumBimmerpost G80 - S58 Charge Pipe Discussion
- articleP0244 on 2011-2020 Ford F-150 EcoBoost: Turbo Wastegate Performance Causes and Fixes
- articleP0234 on 2015-2019 Ford F-150: Turbo Overboost Causes and Fixes
- Forum2022 F150 3.5 EcoBoost Wastegate electrical fault - Reduced Power (F150gen14)
- Forum3.5 Ecoboost, New turbo wastegate stuck closed (F150 Forum)
- ForumBimmerpost X5/X6 Forum - N63 wastegate rattle / 30FF turbo underboost discussions
- ForumBimmerpost - N54 Wastegate Rattle / Turbo Replacement Discussion
- videoDIY Turbo Charge Pipe Replacement on BMW 230i - Engineering Explained
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.