Hi all. First time posting. Have a 2016 Ford Escape 2.0L 160,000 miles that has the CEL illuminated and is throwing a P0299 code. Low or underboost condition. Began about 2-3 months after catalytic converter change. The low boost issue is intermittent. Happens almost daily. About 25% of the time when driving to work. More often (75%) when driving home after work. I cannot hear/detect the waste gate rattle I've heard described on Youtube. I've changed out the turbo boost and waste gate solenoids. The frequency it has occurred decreased initially but has picked up again. I've checked for leaks etc but no smoking gun. Shop quoted me $3300 for a turbo swap. Don't think they did much troubleshooting. Would seem that if the turbo failed it wouldn't work at all. The intermittent aspect makes me wonder if it's not something else. Would like to know if there are other components that could be the cause. Thanks in advance to those who reply.

 

If the "piping" has leaks, a new turbo will not fix the problem.

Without actually looking at the turbo not a good idea to jump to conclusions.

Maybe you can try a shop that wants to keep you as a good customer.

 

On a boost leak like that I'd get to something easier to reach, check all the coupler from the intercooler to the charge pipe, then also the diverter valve (DV) or blow off valve (BOV), and the throttle body, probably don't need to get to intake manifold.
If it turns out to be the oem charge pipe, maybe it's just the right time to upgrade your charge pipe and get some good quality couplers.