GM bulletin guide
Chevy Malibu 2018–2022 1.5L: Reduced Engine Power and P0299
- Malibu · 2018–2022 · 1.5L LFV
Vehicle, year and document scope
Chevrolet Malibu 2018–2022 with the 1.5L LFV under 22-NA-224. PIP5402D covers 2013–2019 Malibu models with the 1.5L LFV or 2.0L LTG; confirm the engine by VIN.
Malibu · 2018–2022 · 1.5L LFV
22-NA-224 · 2022-11 · PDF pp. 1–3
Malibu · 2013–2019 · 1.5L LFV
PIP5402D · 2018-07-25 · PDF pp. 1–2
PIP5402D gives one 2013–2019 span for both Malibu engines; confirm the engine by VIN.
Malibu · 2013–2019 · 2.0L LTG
PIP5402D · 2018-07-25 · PDF pp. 1–2
Listed in PIP5402D only. 22-NA-224 does not cover the 2.0L LTG.
Short answer
GM bulletin 22-NA-224 lists reduced engine power as a complaint on the 2018–2022 Malibu 1.5L LFV, on its own or with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. Codes P0101, P0172, P0299, P0506 and P1101 may be stored, singly or together.
The cause GM gives is a charge air cooler (CAC) outlet tube that has separated from the throttle body. Diagnosis begins at that joint. The tube assembly is replaced if it is damaged or its O-ring seal is missing; the throttle body only if it is damaged. For 2013–2019 cars, PIP5402D adds an O-ring check at the CAC coupler once normal diagnostics have not found the cause.
- 22-NA-224 covers the 2018–2022 Malibu with the 1.5L LFV only.
- P0299 is one of five codes GM ties to a separated CAC outlet tube.
- Throttle body or MAF sensor: replace only if damaged or proven to cause the code.
- PIP5402D: 2013–2019, 1.5L LFV or 2.0L LTG, coupler O-ring after normal diagnostics.
Before you replace parts
Read the note at the end of GM’s correction before a parts order. The throttle body and MAF sensor associated with these codes are to be replaced only if they are damaged or found to be the cause of the code. Marks on the throttle body are not automatically damage: GM’s photos include normal witness marks that normally will not require replacement. The bulletin names no turbocharger repair for this condition.
On this page
GM diagnostic paths
Charge air cooler outlet tube off the throttle body
2018–2022 Malibu, 1.5L LFV
- How to confirm
- The technician checks the CAC outlet pipe where it joins the throttle body. On a tube that has come off, GM has the tube end checked for contact damage or a missing O-ring seal, and the throttle body compared with its photos of normal and abnormal witness marks.
- GM correction
- The tube assembly is replaced if it is damaged or its O-ring seal is missing, and the throttle body is replaced if it shows abnormal witness marks or damage. GM’s correction treats such damage as a rare case. With the tube still attached, diagnosis continues for each stored code through published service information.
22-NA-224 · PDF pp. 1–3
O-ring missing or damaged at the CAC coupler
2013–2019 Malibu, 1.5L LFV or 2.0L LTG
- How to confirm
- PIP5402D is used after normal SI diagnostics have not found a solution, with P015B and/or P1101 set current or in history. The coupler is on the passenger side of the charge air cooler, where the air duct slips into it.
- GM correction
- The PI points the technician to the seal and lists no part number. It suggests a smoke test of the induction and charge air cooler system with the EEST GE 41413-A to isolate any further leaks; that work belongs in a shop.
PIP5402D · PDF pp. 1–2
Which GM document fits the car
Two GM documents describe reduced engine power on the Malibu. 22-NA-224, released in November 2022, covers the 2018–2022 1.5L LFV. PIP5402D, preliminary information from July 2018, covers 2013–2019 and lists the 1.5L LFV and the 2.0L LTG under one span of years. It does not split those years by engine, so confirm the engine by VIN before applying either document.
Match the Malibu’s model year and engine to the GM document before reading its correction.
| Model years | Engine | GM document | Codes named | GM finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–2022 | 1.5L LFV | 22-NA-224 (2022-11), PDF pp. 1–3 | P0101, P0172, P0299, P0506 and/or P1101 | CAC outlet tube separated from the throttle body |
| 2013–2019 | 1.5L LFV or 2.0L LTG | PIP5402D (2018-07-25), PDF pp. 1–2 | P015B and/or P1101; P0101 in the title | Missing or damaged O-ring in the CAC coupler, after normal SI diagnostics |
Where P0299 fits
GM’s description for P0299 is “Engine Underboost.” In 22-NA-224 it shares the condition with P0101 (MAF sensor performance), P0172 (fuel trim system rich), P0506 (idle speed low) and P1101 (intake air flow system performance). The cause the bulletin gives for that condition on the Malibu 1.5L is the separated CAC outlet tube.
PIP5402D does not list P0299. Its condition names P015B and/or P1101, and its title adds P0101.
If the tube is still attached
When the connection at the throttle body is intact, 22-NA-224 directs the technician to GM’s published diagnostics for each code that set. On a 2013–2019 car where those diagnostics find no solution, PIP5402D’s coupler O-ring inspection is the next GM reference. Parts for either repair are selected by VIN through GM service information and the GM Electronic Parts Catalog.
Bulletins are written for technicians
GM states in 22-NA-224 that its bulletins are intended for professional technicians, not do-it-yourselfers, and that a described condition should not be assumed to apply to every vehicle. A GM dealer can confirm whether the bulletin fits a specific Malibu. For the P1101 code itself, see the Malibu P1101 guide linked below.
GM warranty labor time for this repair
The Warranty Information in 22-NA-224 gives these labor operations for vehicles repaired under the Powertrain coverage. They are stated in hours, not dollars. The outlet tube figure for the Malibu differs from the Equinox and Terrain figure in the same bulletin. PIP5402D lists no labor time.
GM warranty labor time for the Malibu 1.5L LFV, from 22-NA-224, PDF p. 3. Hours, not dollars.
| Labor operation | Description | GM warranty labor time | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4086948 | Install Charge Air Tube Retainer Kit | 0.4 hr | 22-NA-224, PDF p. 3 |
| Add, if needed | Replace Charge Air Cooler Outlet Tube | 2.2 hr (Malibu) | 22-NA-224, PDF p. 3 |
| Add, if needed | Throttle Body Replacement | 0.2 hr | 22-NA-224, PDF p. 3 |
Questions and answers
Is there a recall for reduced engine power on a Chevy Malibu?
Not for the charge-air fault. NHTSA’s records, read on October 14, 2026, show no recall for the 2018–2022 Malibu covering the charge air tube, charge air cooler, turbocharger or air intake. Recall 19V642000 covers certain 2018 Malibu models with the 1.5L turbo engine, where an error in the engine control module software may disable the fuel injectors. That is a separate issue. 22-NA-224 is a service bulletin, not a recall. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What does reduced engine power mean?
It is one of two customer complaints GM lists in 22-NA-224; the other is an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. For the 2018–2022 Malibu 1.5L, the technician may also find P0101, P0172, P0299, P0506 or P1101 in the engine control module.
How do you fix reduced engine power?
On a 2018–2022 Malibu 1.5L, GM’s repair starts where the charge air cooler outlet tube meets the throttle body. A separated tube leads to inspection of the tube, retainer clip and throttle body; a damaged tube or a missing O-ring seal means a new tube assembly, and the throttle body is replaced only if damaged. An intact connection leads to diagnosis of the stored codes. This is work for a GM dealer or qualified technician.
How much does it cost to fix reduced engine power on a Chevy Malibu?
GM does not publish a price. For the Malibu, 22-NA-224 lists GM warranty labor time of 0.4 hr to install the charge air tube retainer kit, with 2.2 hr added if the charge air cooler outlet tube is replaced and 0.2 hr added if the throttle body is replaced. What a shop charges depends on its labor rate and on the parts the VIN calls for. A GM dealer can tell you whether warranty coverage applies to a given vehicle.