A method is disclosed for preventing an underspeed event of a turbocharger. The method includes interpreting a turbocharger speed, a compressor differential pressure (CDP) and a turbocharger differential pressure (TDP). The method further includes calculating a thrust load capacity (TLC) based on the turbocharger speed, and calculating a current thrust load (CTL) based on the CDP and the TDP. The method further includes calculating a thrust margin based on the TLC and the CTL, and controlling an actuator in response to the thrust margin. Controlling the actuator includes maintaining the thrust margin to a thrust margin target, which may be a function of the turbocharger speed. The actuator is a turbine bypass valve, a compressor bypass valve, a variable geometry turbocharger position, an exhaust throttle and/or an exhaust gas recirculation valve that controls the turbocharger speed.