C0242: Traction-control/engine-control signal fault causing reduced power
What Does C0242 Mean?
C0242 is a high-signal diagnostic/code reference associated with traction-control/engine-control signal fault causing reduced power. FixIt matched it to 11 NHTSA owner reports across 4 vehicle models; the strongest signal is Chevrolet Malibu.
This page was promoted from the June 2026 ranked content-gap batch because owner-report demand is concentrated enough to deserve a full diagnostic guide. Chevrolet reports often describe reduced engine power, ESC/traction warnings, and throttle/engine-control behavior. Treat the code as a diagnostic direction, then confirm the exact manufacturer definition, companion codes, and live data before replacing expensive parts.
Symptoms of C0242
- ⚠️ Reduced Engine Power message
- ⚠️ Service ESC or Service Traction warnings
- ⚠️ Loss of acceleration, stalling, or limp mode
- ⚠️ Fault may appear during wet weather or after connector movement
Common Causes
- 🔍 Throttle body, pedal sensor, or engine-control input outside expected range
- 🔍 Wheel-speed, brake, or traction-control signal mismatch
- 🔍 Water intrusion or corrosion in wiring/connectors
- 🔍 Powertrain/chassis module communication fault
C0242 Reports by Year
Real Owner Reports
From NHTSA complaint database — actual owner descriptions.
"WAS DRIVING CAR AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. REDUCED ENGINE POWER SHOWED ON MY RADIO AND TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON ON THE DASH. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN IGNITION OFF, WAIT A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THEN CRANK IT BACK UP TO DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT HAPPENS WHEN IT IS RAINING OR HAS RA"
— Chevrolet Malibu owner, 02/13/2021
"WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR LOST POWER. SEVERAL VEHICLES ALMOST STRUCK ME ON HIGHWAY, VERY VERY, SCARY EXPERIENCE. . DURING DRIVING, FOLLOWING MESSAGES APPEARED: 1)ENG PWR REDUCED 2)SERVICE ESC 3)SERVICE TRACTION 4)ESC OFF 5) SERVICE AIRBAG. I ALSO NOTICED THE CAR SHUDDERED EXTREMELY BAD. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS"
— Chevrolet Malibu owner, 11/24/2013
"CPO 2010 CHEVY MALIBU @59K NO KNOWN ISSUES PRIOR TO EXPLANATIONS ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR NEW TIRES AND HAD A MECH CHECK A CLICKING NOISE THAT I NOTICED WHEN I WOULD PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE AND BEGIN TO MOVE. HE STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM WHERE MY CV ENTERS THE TRANSMISSIONS AND BELIEVES THERE IS"
— Chevrolet Malibu owner, 11/23/2013
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Most Reported Vehicles for C0242
Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
| # | Vehicle | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 6 |
| 2 | CHEVROLET TRAVERSE | 2 |
| 3 | CHEVROLET IMPALA | 2 |
| 4 | SUBARU OUTBACK | 1 |
C0242 Reports by Vehicle
Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.
Diagnostic Tips
- Scan both powertrain and ABS/ESC modules and record companion codes
- Inspect throttle, pedal, brake-switch, and chassis-control wiring for corrosion or water intrusion
- Validate live data before replacing throttle body, pedal, or module parts
- Clear codes and road-test under the conditions shown in freeze-frame data
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Replacing a module or safety component before checking power, ground, connectors, and companion codes.
- ❌ Using only a generic OBD-II scanner when the code is stored in ABS, SRS, body, or manufacturer-specific modules.
- ❌ Clearing the code before saving freeze-frame data and confirming whether recalls/campaigns apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does C0242 mean?
Is C0242 safe to ignore?
What should I check first for C0242?
What To Do Next
Possible Fixes
- 🔧 Scan both powertrain and ABS/ESC modules and record companion codes
- 🔧 Inspect throttle, pedal, brake-switch, and chassis-control wiring for corrosion or water intrusion
- 🔧 Validate live data before replacing throttle body, pedal, or module parts
- 🔧 Clear codes and road-test under the conditions shown in freeze-frame data
-
1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
-
2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
-
3
Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.