P0299 on Chevrolet
Turbo/Supercharger Underboost Condition
P0299 on Chevrolet vehicles indicates turbo/supercharger underboost condition. Au7o has documented this code across 7 Chevrolet models — most commonly on Camaro, Cruze, Equinox. P0299 means the engine computer detected an underboost condition — the turbocharger or supercharger is producing less boost pressure than the PCM expects for the given conditions. The computer compares the manifold/boost pressure sensor reading to a target based on engine load, and when actual boost falls short, it sets this code. The most common real-world cause is a leak somewhere in the intake/charge-air path. You'll typically feel reduced power or sluggish acceleration, and the engine may go into a reduced-power mode. Typical repair costs on Chevrolet range from $50 to $2,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0299
- •Boost/intake leak (cracked or loose charge-air hose or intercooler)
- •Faulty or sticking turbo wastegate or actuator
- •Stuck or clogged variable-geometry turbo vanes (VGT)
- •Faulty boost pressure or MAP sensor
- •Leaking or disconnected vacuum/boost control lines
- •Restricted air intake or clogged air filter
- •Failed boost control solenoid
- •Worn or failing turbocharger
P0299 on Chevrolet by Model
Chevrolet Camaro(1 issue)
- 2.0L Turbo (LTG) Engine Problems2016-2019
The 2.0L turbocharged LTG engine experiences fuel injector failures, significant turbo lag, poor NVH characteristics, and has been the subject of a class action lawsuit filed in April 2023.
Chevrolet Cruze(1 issue)
- Turbo Oil Feed Line Leak (1.4T LUJ/LUV)2011-2016
The turbocharger oil feed line on the first-generation Cruze 1.4T develops leaks at the banjo fitting connections to the turbo and the engine block. The line uses crush washers that degrade over time, and the line itself can crack due to heat cycling. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning oil smell and visible smoke from the engine bay. If the oil feed is severely restricted by a damaged line, the turbocharger bearings will be starved of oil and fail catastrophically within a few thousand miles.
Chevrolet Equinox(2 issues)
- 1.5T Turbo PCV Valve and Oil Leak Issues2018-2023
The 1.5L turbocharged engine experiences oil leaks near the dipstick tube and PCV valve-related crankcase pressure issues. A faulty PCV valve causes excessive crankcase pressure, which can lift the dipstick tube seal and cause oil leaks.
- 1.5L turbo coolant loss / overheating (head gasket & intercooler condensation)2018-2021
The 1.5L turbo (LYX) in 2018+ Equinox is reported to lose coolant with no obvious external leak, leading to overheating and, in some cases, head-gasket failure (coolant entering the combustion chamber). Owners describe the coolant level dropping over time with overheating events. Separately, the early 1.5L turbo had an intercooler/charge-pipe condensation problem in very cold climates where moisture freezes and blocks airflow, triggering reduced-power conditions; GM updated the intercooler and charge-pipe design on later builds.
Chevrolet Malibu(1 issue)
- 1.5T LFV/LYX Engine PCV System and Oil Consumption2016-2024
The 1.5L turbocharged engine in 2016+ Malibu has a PCV system integrated into the valve cover that commonly fails, causing excessive oil consumption, rough idle, and check engine lights. The PCV diaphragm ruptures, creating a vacuum leak and allowing oil to be ingested into the intake. This is the same engine family as the Equinox 1.5T. GM has released an updated valve cover design.
Chevrolet Sonic(1 issue)
- 1.4L Turbo PCV Valve Cover Diaphragm Failure2012-2020
The 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine in the Sonic shares the notorious PCV system failure with the Chevrolet Cruze. The PCV regulator diaphragm integrated into the valve cover ruptures, causing massive vacuum leaks. Additionally, the intake manifold check valve (small red/orange valve) fails, compounding the issue. This affects virtually all 1.4T Sonics eventually, typically between 50,000-100,000 miles.
Chevrolet Trailblazer(1 issue)
- Turbocharger Oil Leak and Failure2021-2026
The 1.2L and 1.3L turbocharged three-cylinder engines in the Trailblazer can develop turbo oil seal leaks, causing oil consumption and blue smoke on startup. The turbo oil feed and return lines are also prone to seepage. In severe cases, the turbo can fail completely.
Chevrolet Trax(2 issues)
- 1.4L Turbo Wastegate Actuator Failure2014-2020
The 1.4L turbocharged engine in the Trax (shared with Cruze, Sonic, and Buick Encore) develops wastegate actuator failures. The wastegate seal degrades, allowing exhaust gases to bypass the turbine wheel and reduce boost. The wastegate actuator arm design has a known mechanical weakness. GM TechLink bulletin noted many returned turbochargers had no fault and emphasized proper diagnosis before replacement.
- 1.4T Ecotec Turbo and Coolant Issues2015-2022
The Trax uses the same 1.4T Ecotec engine as the Cruze with similar issues: turbo oil feed line leaks, PCV system failures, and coolant system plastic component cracking. The coolant outlet/thermostat housing is the most common failure point.
Looking for P0299 on a different make?
View P0299 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0299 mean on Chevrolet?▼
P0299 stands for "Turbo/Supercharger Underboost Condition." P0299 means the engine computer detected an underboost condition — the turbocharger or supercharger is producing less boost pressure than the PCM expects for the given conditions. The computer compares the manifold/boost pressure sensor reading to a target based on engine load, and when actual boost falls short, it sets this code. The most common real-world cause is a leak somewhere in the intake/charge-air path. You'll typically feel reduced power or sluggish acceleration, and the engine may go into a reduced-power mode. On Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 7 models.
What causes P0299 on Chevrolet vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chevrolet: Boost/intake leak (cracked or loose charge-air hose or intercooler), Faulty or sticking turbo wastegate or actuator, Stuck or clogged variable-geometry turbo vanes (VGT), Faulty boost pressure or MAP sensor, Leaking or disconnected vacuum/boost control lines. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0299 on a Chevrolet?▼
Repair costs on Chevrolet range from $50 to $2,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chevrolet models have P0299 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0299 on 7 Chevrolet models: Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, Sonic, Trailblazer, Trax.