Fuel and air code
P0299: Turbo not making enough boost
How much to fix P0299? Typically $140–$660.
Wide range: this job varies a lot. Itemize your quote for a better answer.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $30 | $250 |
| Labor: 1 to 2.5 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $110 | $375 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $30 |
| Total, rounded | $140 | $660 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, turbo boost leak repair. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The turbocharger is supposed to push extra air into the engine, and the computer set a target pressure. The actual pressure came in well under it. The cause might be a leak in the pipes after the turbo, a stuck control part, or a turbo that is worn out.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Loose or cracked boost hose
You can drive gently, but the car will be slow; avoid heavy acceleration which can strain the engine.
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What you may notice
- Weak acceleration
- Whistling or hissing under boost
- Black or blue smoke
- Reduced power mode
Common causes, most likely first
- Loose or cracked boost hose
- Leaking intercooler or clamp
- Stuck wastegate or boost control valve
- Worn turbocharger
- Clogged air filter
Check this first
Look over rubber boost pipes and clamps for oil, cracks or loose bands. Ask for a boost leak test.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0299
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $55 to $250 |
| Mass airflow sensor replacement | $120 to $390 |
| Vacuum leak repair | $90 to $460 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0299 questions
Is the turbo itself bad?
Not always. Loose clamps, cracked rubber boost hoses and a leaking intercooler are more common than a failed turbo and cost much less. A boost leak test usually tells which one it is before any big parts are ordered.
Why does the car feel slow?
Without extra boost the engine makes only part of its normal power, so the computer limits things to protect it. The car feels slow, especially going uphill or when you press hard to merge.
Can I drive on the highway?
Try not to. Low power makes merging and passing harder, and some cars go into limp mode that holds speed down. Short, easy trips on local roads are safer until it is checked.
How much does it cost to fix P0299?
The most common fix, turbo boost leak repair, has a typical range of $140 to $660 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $150 to $720 |
| New York City area | $150 to $700 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $150 to $710 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $140 to $670 |
| Houston area, Texas | $130 to $650 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $130 to $650 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $140 to $660 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $140 to $670 |
| Miami area, Florida | $130 to $660 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $150 to $710 |
Related codes
- P0087: Fuel pressure too low
- P2096: Fuel mix too lean after catalytic converter (bank 1)
- P0101: Air flow sensor reading seems off
- P0171: Engine getting too much air or too little fuel (bank 1)
More fuel and air codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.